The heavy titanium gates of Sanctuary groaned shut, sealing Sebastian off from the charred remains of the valley. He exhaled a long tired breath, rolling his shoulders as the adrenaline slowly leeched from his system.
Inside the courtyard, it was a completely different world. The ambient heat of the Valley of Cinders was entirely blocked by the Citadel's conceptual architecture. The air was cool and clear.
Standing near the entrance to the grand hall was Valerie. She was leaning heavily on her carved oak staff, her azure silk robes rustling in the gentle artificial breeze.
Beside her stood Wraith, the Level 25 Assassin, who had materialized from the shadows along with three other players clad in dark non reflective leather gear. His mercenary squad.
They were all staring at Sebastian like he had just grown a second head.
