The training yard had grown quiet.
Most of the guards had already retired for the night, leaving only the faint hiss of torches guttering in the wall and the smell of sand turned dark with sweat.
Jack rolled his shoulders, towel draped across the back of his neck, when the familiar shimmer of blue script slid across his vision.
[Notification: A Notable Citizen has entered Sorne.]
[Population Increased: +4 Citizens.]
Jack froze mid-breath, staring at the glow until it faded into the night air. He muttered under his breath, "Notable citizen?"
Before he could wonder further, armored footsteps approached from the gatehouse. A guard bowed stiffly.
"My lord. We've just received word. A priest and three refugees came through the gates. They were exhausted, but alive. They've been given a place to rest for now."
Jack wiped the towel across his jaw, then nodded once. "Good. Don't disturb them tonight. They've walked far, I'd wager."
"Yes, my lord."
