The cardinal exhaled—part disbelief, part recognition, part relief.
House Arctis did not appear in backwater border towns by coincidence, especially not one so far away from their territory.
One of the escorts bowed instinctively, almost losing his footing.
The other cleared her throat and straightened, trying to appear composed.
Ellis stood beside Ryn, hands clasped in front of her, eyes alert. She didn't speak.
Cardinal Leon took a step closer, studying Ryn with steady, thoughtful eyes.
"…Then this is no trivial greeting," he murmured. "Lord Arctis, may I ask why someone like you stands at Dunwick's gate at dawn, without escort or notice?"
Ryn didn't waste a heartbeat.
"Because your summons was forged," he said.
The cardinal's shoulders tensed, ever so slightly.
Ellis stepped in softly.
"There are no clergy stationed in Dunwick, Your Eminence. None who would have written to you."
The cardinal closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them with steady resolve.
