Artoria jumped down from the carriage, turned in a circle, and asked Sovell:
"How do I look? Anything that might give me away?"
"Absolutely perfect, Your Highness."
Sovell gave her a thumbs-up in approval.
Kay nodded as well, then said:
"Artoria's finished changing. Let's hurry into the city. It's almost sunset."
Under ordinary peacetime conditions, the city gates opened and closed with the rising and setting of the sun.
They opened sometime between roughly five and seven in the morning, allowing farmers from the surrounding countryside to enter and sell their produce, merchants to transport goods, and other economic activities to take place.
Then they closed at sunset to keep the city safe.
Of course, as Christianity spread, some towns tied the opening and closing of their gates to church bells, religious activities, and the like, allowing a little flexibility. On the whole, however, the times still remained close to sunrise and sunset.
Sovell and his two companions put their luggage and clothing back in order, making sure nothing was missing or overlooked, then headed toward Caerleon's north gate.
Seeing the three of them approach, a guard stopped them and said:
"You three, please halt and state your business."
Faced with the guard's questions, Sovell and Artoria turned their eyes toward Kay, who naturally took out the Lion Head Coat of Arms representing the Duke of Senor from inside his clothes:
"I am Kay Senor, son of Duke Ector. This is my father's insignia. Is my father in the city?"
After that final question, Kay and Artoria held their breath, hoping to hear good news from the guard.
The guard carefully examined the Lion Head Coat of Arms in Kay's hand. Once he confirmed it was genuine, he immediately bowed respectfully and said:
"John, captain of the Caerleon city guard,