The young man didn't shift his position at all, but his head turned slightly to at least acknowledge Sebis' presence and the threat leveled at him.  Luckily, the old man was stopped by the spokeswoman and the hooded lad gave a silent nod to confirm that he was, in fact, part of the resistance.  At least that had won him entrance to the cottage.  Easy part was over.<br/><br/>The stranger followed Melina into the cottage, Sebis bringing up the rear, hardly looking appeased, but trusting Melina's judgement.  She'd been as devoted to Princess Vail's safety and protection as any of them.  While the stranger was led to the table and offered a seat, Sebis remained by the door, leaning against the frame to guard the only exit other than the windows.  He'd never reach them before Sebis took off his head.  He was an old warrior, long since having left the battlefield, but the sword fit his hand as though it were attached.<br/><br/>"Nice to meet you.  I bring word from Lord Felhorn that Princess Vail is to be brought to Valdaran.  The time has come for her to retake her kingdom and take her rightful place on the throne." the stranger replied.<br/><br/>"Will you not even offer us your name?" Sebis replied, eyeing the lad suspiciously, "Or show us your face?"<br/><br/>The stranger reached up to his hood, but simply tugged the front a little further down to ensure his face was securely cast in shadow.  "My name is Gabriel," he replied, "But, I'm afraid I can't do that..."  he reached into an inner pocket of his cloak as Sebis braced himself, but Gabriel simply drew out a folded piece of parchment sealed with a wax stamp bearing the seal of the Captain of the Royal Guard, "...until you've read this.  So you won't be startled."<br/><br/>Sebis cocked a brow and strode forward to snatch the letter from Gabriel's hand.  His eyes scanned the letter's contents for a moment, reading it over three times before finally looking up at the stranger once more.  "Well, well, so this is the one Lord Felhorn spoke of." he said, though hardly sounding pleased at all as he passed the letter over to Melina, which read:<br/><br/><i>Loyal servants to the crown of Anadan,<br/>
<br/>
If you are reading this, then you have met Gabriel already.  I spoke once of a dragon whom I had taken in as a hatchling, a castaway of those murderous demi-humans, to raise and train as a member of the Loyalist Resistance to ensure Princess Vail's ascension to the throne.  I personally vouche for her safety in his care and ask that you not be troubled by his draconic heritage.  Simply consider him a deformed human and show him proper sympathy.<br/>
<br/>
Her Highness devoted protector,<br/>
Captain Diego Sebastian Felhorn<br/>
</i><br/>Heaving a sigh, Gabriel let his hood drop back, revealing his parted, ear-length black hair and pale skin save for an expanse of black, scaly flesh surrounding his neck and covering the sides of his face up to his cheekbones.  He looked up at them with bright yellow, reptilian eyes, his face a mask of grim acceptance as he noted the expected paling of skin and fearful looks.  "How soon can the Princess be ready to travel?" he asked.