[center][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A07Q7zCGOhU[/youtube][/center]
"The Knights are returning, milady," a white-clad healer explained to the regal woman before him.

"Then I must greet the guests they are bringing," she replied. "Stay close to me, Ishmer."

"Yes, Lady Helia." The priest bowed as the Exalt stood, waiting for her to march past with her flank of guards before he would follow. As he shuffled along behind her, he turned his Barrier staff over in his hand, observing the jewel inlaid at the end. [i]Will this truly be enough to protect her?[/i] he wondered to himself. [i]Whether a staff can save her or not, I would die before I let one of those monsters touch her.[/i]

The Exalt and her entourage exited the castle to arrive at a raised balcony overlooking the courtyard. Waiting there to greet them was the Captain of the Guard, who bowed low from the waist as Helia approached. "Milady," he said softly.

"Rise, Captain," she commanded, and the man did as he was asked. "I need you to be ready to ride at a moment's notice. The Whitewings are ready in their barracks. You must be the one to alert them should something happen."

"Yes, Your Grace," the Captain acknowledged before descending from the balcony and mounting his silvery steed near the base of the stairs.

The Exalt turned her attention to the entering Knights and the men and women who accompanied them. As she came into their view, many of the Knights began explaining to those who accompanied them concerning who she was with gestures and bows. Some of those who entered gawked, perhaps due to seeing royalty for the first time, others revered her, and still others acknowledged her with indifference. "They aren't what I had in mind," Helia said to herself, "but they'll have to do."