Inside the grand walls of the palace, away from the shining throne room and the noble halls where silk robes and golden cups were common, there was a large open stone building used as barracks by the imperial soldiers.
The building was strong and plain, with stone columns and wooden beams, and though it had no luxury, it had space and order.
For now, that very place had been emptied of soldiers and quickly prepared to become a temporary resting area for the strangers who had fallen from the sky.
Thin mattresses were rolled out on the floors, clean water barrels were placed in the corners, and some crates were turned into makeshift chairs and tables.
A group of knights, dressed in blue and silver armor with the emblem of the Solarian flame on their cloaks, stood guard at each corner of the yard, keeping a watchful eye on every movement. Though they looked calm, their hands never strayed far from their swords.
