Eidolon

"I come in peace." I called back to the guard on the wall. "I am searching for someone. I mean no harm to anyone here."

"Outsiders are forbidden entry." He shouted. "The steward must see you first before you can be granted entry." He shuffled over to another guard out of my sight from where I stood. I could hear mumbling between them. "Wait here."

I did as I was told. Something in my gut told me there was no reason to fear. As I waited, I was able to get a better look at the surroundings. The walls were barely holding up. There were several places that had holes in them, not big, but holes nonetheless. The stone used to make it looked very worn and old, like it had been built up before the capital. That said, it was slowly sinking into the earth beneath it. You don't build on marshland and expect to last. Just ask the people of Venice. Right, you can't. Beyond the wall, I could barely see much else, save for a few buildings that towered over the side of the wall. I wasn't sure it was worth going there. But, I was on a mission. One that meant I needed information. My hounds were doing their best to find Magnus. But, I was not willing to leave anything to chance.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't hear the guard come back.

"Traveler." A voice called out to me, very annoyed, like it had been repeating itself for awhile. "Traveler, are you still with us?"

I blinked a few times before I answered. "Sorry about that. I was examining my surroundings."

"I have brought the steward." Said the guard. He pointed to a round bellied, one eyed Athergear that had quite a bit of rust on his body.

The steward looked me over, his one eye meandering my form as if he was trying to size me up. I didn't blame him. He was responsible for a great many people's safety. His other eye was closed off behind heavy plates. Deep gouges ran his face. His round belly was heavily plated as well. He looked as though at one time he may have been a protector of some kind. But, those days were long behind him. Even his arms were refitted to be more useful to his new position.

Finally, he spoke, "Traveler, tell us the meaning of your passage. Why should we grant you entry here?"

"I come in peace. I am simply looking for Magnus Gearhead."

"Peace?" His voice questioned the very motive behind my words. "We shall see about that. I will have to thoroughly investigate you." He commented. "If I deem this 'peace' is something you are intending to use against us, I will have no choice but to have you deactivated. For security purposes, I assure you."

"If it pleases you, you could detain me and interrogate me in private. I would much rather be away from the wastes. I'm not sure it is safe." I responded, trying my best to get on their good side. Even if the steward detained me, it would not stop me from doing what I had to do. I wanted information, same as him. "You can even cuff me on the way."

I watched as he mulled it over, cocking his head to and fro. Audible sounds of his thinking emanated from him. I literally could hear his gears spinning and his processor compute. Finally, after some deliberation, he spoke. "Guards, cuff this traveler as she wishes." He paused a moment before continuing, "Traveler, I assure you that you will be thoroughly investigated and interrogated. If we find that this peace you bring is not what it appears to be, there will be consequences. In the meantime, enjoy your stay in Eidolon." With that, he disappeared behind the wall.

A few guards came out and did as he said. Then, as they started to walk away, one of them uttered, "Come."