[@Eviledd1984]

"I'm fine, just tense. [i]Very[/i] tense, in fact" Kara explained, putting a hand on the juncture of her left shoulder and neck for emphasis. "Doesn't help that I carry my stress so high up. Makes my shoulders hurt like the seven hells."

[@bloonewb]

"The temples. They're close to the Palace District and are fairly safe. I understand that the religion your particular group of kobolds follows is quite different from what most dracons follow, so it may be hard to relate to what you may see. On top of that, Hekaga has always allowed religious practices which some consider to be... unorthodox. It goes without saying that many of our practices are unnatural. Subnatural, even" Ternoc explained. "And yes, we do worship some of the 'normal' gods which are popular in other dracon realms. Just keep in mind that necromancy and demonology are perfectly legal here. You may want to watch your step. Speaking of stepping, it's time to get going." 

With that, they exited the room and joined with a retinue of guards in the next room. The group joined with additional guards at the front gate of the palace, which in turn joined with a larger contingent of guards just outside of the palace. Before the group was finished, there were over 100 people in the retinue, all walking besides them. No carriage, wagon, chariot, or transport was needed, as this was to be a relatively short and improvised walk for a guest, not a royal procession intended to overawe the populace. As they walked, runners kept joining the group and leaving as soon as they had come. Most whispered something into a guard's ear, who in turn whispered it into a higher-ranking guard's ear. This sometimes went up two or even three ranks. If it was important enough, the highest ranking guard would whisper it into Ternoc ear, who gave a whispered order in response. This was sometimes accompanied by a little slip of paper with his signature and seal on it. He had several dozen of them in his pocket at any time. A quick glance would have revealed the words "general warrant" on each paper, allowing a guard to go beyond the limits of his powers in the execution of the laws. 

Ternoc glanced down at Ardasa, seemingly oblivious to the journey he was on. In some ways, it was as if he never left the palace. "Keep in mind that as the Grand Prince, I can't just order the guards in the same manner as a king could do. Certain waivers must be made. Also keep in mind that if I were king of Hekaga, a trip by foot would be unthinkable. It would be seen as beneath my dignity for my feet to even touch the ground in most of the streets."