Thunder rumbled in the darkening sky as Jessy approached the wall. A small assemblage of armed and armored women guarded the gate, and Jessy could see several more atop the wall. Those upon the wall had crossbows trained upon her, while those at the gate held spears at the ready.<br/><br/>Their faces were obscured by metal helms; their arms and shoulder were protected by steel plates and leather. Similar armor protected their breasts and thighs while what could only be described as a bikini bottom crafted of iron links covered their groin areas. The guardswomen also wore thigh-high leather boots and capes of royal blue. Each was armed with a spear, along with a sword at their hip and a shield on their back.<br/><br/>One of the women signaled for Jessy to halt while the others shifted into a defensive position, the spearheads pointed at Jessy.<br/>The lead woman called out, “Halt, stranger! State your name and business.”<br/><br/>Lightning flashed, its luminance reflected from the threatening spear points as the guardswoman awaited Jessy’s answer.<br/>