The toll that the travel has taken on the possessed body was more than Dardanos has anticipated, fatigue and pain gripping him as he makes his way towards the kingdom of Eirwen, seeing the kingdom gates off in the distance. The castle itself barely visible behind the snowy winds than constantly flow around the mountain range. It has been many years since he has last felt the sensation of pain that he now feels as the cold blisters the body he controls. He did not prepare himself properly for the voyage and has found himself incredibly under clothed for the cold, though it was not anything that would break him. Were he in his own form, the cold would be of no issue at all as the very darkness that resides within him comes from the ice power itself. Despite the crippling chill he made his way towards the entrance at a relatively quick pace.<br/><br/>Some time later he finds himself standing directly in front of the main gate which was large and somewhat intimidating to the average person. He looked at the surrounding mountains that made the already large kingdom look even bigger. He couldn't help but scoff and mutter under his breath, "Some would call building a kingdom into the side of a mountain a great strategic act as most enemies can only attack from one side. I, on the other hand, think it to be a bit cowardly."<br/><br/>"Excuse me," one of the guards approached the stranger with a commanding voice, "are you a citizen of this kingdom? If so, I will need to see proper documentation before I can allow you to enter." He could have sworn he heard the man but decided to let it go.<br/><br/>The stranger shook his head slightly, "Oh no, I am no citizen here. I run a small mill town just a few days travel from here. I heard that this kingdom is known for its excellent materials for equipment, having mines going deep into the mountains that is. I am here hoping to trade."<br/><br/>Both guards sported prideful smiles as they listened to the man, the one who first approach replying, "You heard right. Eirwen is well known for the stones and metals we find in the mountains that can be used to create sturdy tools and weapons. Not to mention the precious gems and jewels that have also been found that are imbued with magical properties, for those who are magically inclined of course."<br/><br/>"Unfortunately, I am not," Dardanos replied, the voice he currently has being a bit softer than his normal one, the voice of his victim. "I just need some simple material than can be crafted into equipment I need. The town I come from is lacking in sturdy materials and our machines break down often. Hard to make a living that way."<br/><br/>The guard frowns out of pity as he looks over the man, noting the type of clothing he is wearing, "You say you traveled for several days to get here, in that attire? You are either very dedicated to your work or incredibly mad, perhaps both," he let out a hearty chuckle as he places a hand on the man's shoulder. "Well, you will find plenty of supplies here for the right coin as well as many other services that may be of use to you while you are here. However, we cannot just let you in without having proper documentation, especially since today is such a momentous occasion."<br/><br/>"Oh?" Feigning ignorance, Dardanos fakes a curious expression that the guards take as genuine.<br/><br/>The other guard that has been silent pipes in, "Today marks the day that our glorious kingdom finally sees the throne be once again seated by a queen. Since the mysterious disappearance of our former queen, Meuric, the kingdom's regent has assumed the power. He has done well but we need a true leader again, and today Eira will be crowned queen. So you see, we cannot let just anyone into the kingdom as many enemies will be trying to stop this, as you can imagine. We can't be too safe today."<br/><br/>Before Dardanos could react, he watched the gates open up with a large man standing on the inside, arms folded over his chest and a uniform that was different from the other guards, decorated in a way that let others know he was of some kind of command. The two subordinates quickly snapped to attention as the large man walked out, a finger pointed at the stranger.<br/><br/>"Did you really think you could return and I wouldn't recognize your face, Thom Bidwell?" The words that blasted from the Captain had a bite that could make any man tremble. In one swift motion he lunged forward and grasped the man in a gorilla-like grip before placing both hands on him.<br/><br/>The other guards gasp in shock as the name is mentioned, "Thom Bidwell? Are you sure this is him, Captain?"<br/><br/>Spitting on the ground, the Captain nods, "Positive, I'll never forget this man's face. Been several years since you escaped our prison. Glad you could make it back, and in plain sight too. Not even going to try and stay of my radar this time? Tell the jailer to prepare a cell and that we have a surprise for me," he barks the order to his men.<br/><br/>A sickly smile danced on the face of Thom as he was lead into the kingdom towards the jail that is housed only a short walk from the castle. Without a fuss he let the giant man take him, easily able to break free if he wanted but figured it would be much easier to allow this than to try and sneak into the palace. Still, this man will suffer greatly when Dardanos is ruler for daring to touch him in such a manner. "Can you relay a message for me to Meuric?"<br/><br/>"Ha," a boisterous laugh explodes from the Captain, "I am sure he would be all too willing to come and visit the man who escaped the prison."