It was a long lonely walk up to the castle on the far side of low town, the district on the far side of the river closest to the castle known for being lower than the rest of the city before the steep climb to the castle. The griffons were abuzz with news and rumours of the prince’s return and the manner of his arrival, and they crowded the streets and rooftops as they passed. Handy ignored this, keeping an eye instead on potential threats. He did have a job to do after all, and he’d rather not see his friend in such a state and thus kept his eyes off of Joachim as they marched. There was some cheering at Johan’s return, but it was muted. Handy noticed the black banners draped across official-looking buildings, black bows on the street lights, and the general subdued atmosphere of city. A people mourned, for their father was dying.