[b]Sean Evans,
Outside the Capital[/b]

The Lord of the realm assigned twenty men to accompany Sean on his summons to the capital. They traveled on horseback under the cloud covered sky. [i]Perhaps we should move quicker… The daylight is all but gone for this day, the moon is coming round - wouldn’t you agree?[/i], Sean heard the voice of the nameless ring insert itself into his thoughts. “I wouldn’t want to tire the men by having them move faster. We have already been traveling since noon.” [i]We are likely to be late, many have already arrived.[/i] Sean was a suspicious as to how the ring knew such a thing, but he figured he wouldn’t bother with it, the ring was likely to give it’s usual reply - ‘I do not know what you are talking about.’ - the ignore all future mention of it. 

After many hours the gates to the capital were in sight. [i]Ah, the capital. It has been many moons.[/i] The ring seemed to be reminiscing. The clopping of hooves echoed as they made the transition from gravel to cobblestone roads. The moon was high in the sky by this point and the clouds seemed to not have moved at all. [i]We are most certainly late.[/i] The ring maintained its calm demeanor. [i]We must find ourselves an audience with the king - there is likely a gathering of the heroes.[/i] 

The clopping of hooves suddenly ceased. [i]We must have arrived.[/i] The ring seemed to be relatively satisfied. "Captain Heinsworth. Why have we stopped?" Sean road to the front of the guard. 

"They're approaching us, my lord." Heinsworth steadied his steed.

"Who are you?" One of the three guards, who were approaching, called to Sean and his guard. 

"We are the honor guard from Rathe, escorting the bearer of a Hero Object." Heinsworth called back. 

The city guards were close enough to see by this point. They carried torches and one a banner. At the mention of the phrase 'Hero Object' they turned and began discussion silently. They turned back, "May we see the Hero Object for confirmation?" 

"Of course!" Sean rose his staff so they may see it and the glowing stone atop of it. A glowing, blue, mocking bird fluttered about for a few seconds. 

"My lord, please come this way - the king is expecting you. 

[center][b]At the Banquet Hall[/b][/center] 

Sean had arrived later than the rest and so, hadn't had a chance to make his way to his room - he was given a chance to change his garments to a more formal attire. He was then positioned behind a door, staff in hand, leading to the banquet hall. [i]The other object bearers will be behind other doors.[/i] 

"That would make sense." Sean realized something the other day, but hadn't brought it up yet. "When you told me that I was destined to be here, you refused to elaborate... Is this it then?" 

The voice remained silent. After a while, it spoke. [i]When you get out, try to make the king's acquaintance.[/i] The ring had ignored him, it was as he had expected it to happen. 

He could hear a muffled voice from the other side of the door. It then opened and the king, himself, introduced all of the object bearers. Sean stepped through the door and joined the party.