Chapter 54: The Careful Paladins
Towering, majestic walls rose into view in the distance. Starfall, along with the other paladins, finally let out a breath they hadn't realized they'd been holding.
After so many days on the road, they had at last reached Alkhemia, the City of Alchemists.
Starfall raised his right hand in a brief signal. At once, the Knights Penitent slowed in perfect unison, then came to a crisp halt.
They had come on official business and represented the face of the Lyon Empire itself. It would not do to enter Alkhemia looking travel-worn and dust-choked.
Suddenly, rain fell from the sky, drenching the heavily armored paladins to the bone.
This was no natural downpour, but a conjured shower that washed away most of the grime and dust clinging to their armor.
Coupled with simple spells to illuminate and polish, the holy armor forged by the Lyon Empire soon gleamed brilliantly under the sunlight. In the blink of an eye, the group transformed from road-weary country bumpkins into dignified, awe-inspiring paladins.
Only then did they proceed toward Alkhemia at a measured pace.
The closer they drew to the city, the more palpable its prosperity became.