Bound by Friendship, Bound by Fate

Julius' brows rose as he observed the three approaching guards perched on the driver's seat.

Armors strapped with leather belts clanged with their steps. The design was nothing he hadn't seen in the barony. But their condition, pristine enough to reflect the sunlight like mirrors, the sharp blades half drawn, and the men's suspicious glances made him shudder.

"Recommendation or identity document." The oldest guard stretched his hand out, his eyes narrowed in threatening slits as his colleagues surrounded the carriages. Many fools tried to earn quick cash in Alkemia Al-Nur after stealing travelling nobles' possessions. None met a good end. "Be ready for a rough interrogation if you can't provide them."

An icy shudder rocked Julius' shoulders. The threat was one thing, but the life force gushing out of the old man like a raging spring... He was, the strongest individual he had met and by a landslide.