A few hours earlier... 

A few hours earlier... 

In the heart of the imperial capital, in the diffused light of the afternoon, Strax was walking through the central market with a worried look on his face. Beside him, two figures hidden under heavy cloaks moved discreetly through the crowd. The aroma of spices, roasts and freshly worked metal mingled with the incessant buzz of merchants calling out to customers, but Strax barely registered any of these details. His thoughts were fixed on just one thing. 

Xenovia. 

"They just wouldn't let me see her." His voice carried a tone of incredulity and irritation as he crossed his arms, still trying to process what had happened at the palace gates.