The half-orc Paladin rode into the city on the back of his trusted steed, Bartimeus. The last few times the Dukes of Mavros had called upon him, it had been to talk. Speak about the wicked effects of a hasty decision made, warn those who would harm innocent people in their hastiness to judge. For a Hammer of Grimjaws, he was very, very much in favour of carefully judged action. Some might even have thought him to be one of the oath of Redemption. But Marcus did not have such a head on his shoulders, oh no. Those who were found guilty would be punished to the highest degree if it was up to him. But it wasn't until they were judged to the end where no doubt remained that he would raise his blade.

In the past, he had been seen here on a more humble horse, in vestments of much lesser grandeur than his current magical armour. But when all the blades able to attend to the safety of the world itself were called, he would arrive in his finest. The world itself would not forgive him for anything less. And if there was somebody that knew just how much this world needed saving, it was him. He returned the adoring gazes of the city folk with a stoic expression and a few nods their way. If somebody called out to him, he would answer in four words or less. Anything longer than that would have slowed the pace of Bartimeus too much. He was not parading through the city, oh no. He was making his way somewhere.

The only thing that had him stop was the sight of a child leaving the company of an owlbear and its handler, who would get a peck on their head as a reward for whatever they had suggested to their companion. Bartimeus slowed down when it noted Marcus's interest in the scene. He had not quite made out what the exchange between the woman and the child had been, but he would be surprised if it had not been a gift to the child. "If all is now settled, it is best we move on", the Paladin pointed out to her as she recovered of the friendly jab of her pet. "I do not oppose consoling a child, but I will admit I am worried and anxious to hear why we have been summoned."

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