The next day arrived quickly.
Grey and Reynolds rose early, the pale light of dawn still thin across the sky. Their plan was simple: walk the streets of a city built in such a harsh, unforgiving land and see what sort of place they were about to defend.
The tour disappointed them almost immediately. The streets were nearly empty. Most inns and taverns stood shuttered, their doors barred and windows dark. Word of the coming Gnome assault had spread thoroughly. An anxious quiet hung over everything—doors closed too tightly, voices kept low, footsteps hurried when people did appear. Even the wind that moved through the narrow alleys felt restless.
They managed to find a few establishments still open and sampled what little food was being prepared. The meals were simple, the portions smaller than usual, the servers distracted. Before long the two of them turned back toward the Mayor's manor.
