Darius nodded, and at her request he looked to the rest and lifted his voice.<br/><br/>"Just a bit more brothers!" he called, "We'll all be resting the Royal Hall soon enough!"  The others gave a tired and encouraged cheer, between that and the sight of the city they were ready to give the final push of hard riding.<br/><br/>The sun was sinking, but it's last sliver was still not below the horizon when they reached the gates.  Their hard approach had not been unnoticed and thus a small army of stablehands was ready to sweep their mounts away even as a pair of serving maids stepped forward with pitchers of cold water and mugs.  The first going to Darius and Aurora.<br/><br/>The gatekeeper looked to them as they were dismounted and given water, waiting for them to have a drink before speaking.<br/><br/>"What news then?  You've obviously ridden hard and fast.  Is the peace already crumbling?"