The gate opened farther after the expedition accepted the city's question, and a broad avenue appeared beneath white stone towers and hanging bridges while six riders waited beside the inner wall with spears across their saddles.
Hajin kept one hand near the Chain and said, "We accept an escort if the riders choose to accompany us, and no person here becomes our guard through assumption."
The nearest rider lowered her spear and said, "The Warden Council offers peaceful passage to the outer registry, where your names and purpose can be recorded."
Eirwen held the crystal writ against her chest and said, "We follow under our own authority, and the escort ends if the registry asks for obedience rather than information."
The rider inclined her helmet as the patrol turned into the avenue, and the expedition followed with Rumi marking the gate behind them.
