The carriage door swung open. A man stood at it, one hand on the frame, inclining his head as each of them stepped down. He was older, composed, with the particular bearing of someone who had spent a long time managing a household of considerable size and had arrived at a place of permanent, unruffled calm.
Ryan reached back for his bag.
"If you'll permit me, sir," the man said pleasantly, "your luggage will be brought up to your rooms. There's really no need to carry it yourself."
Ryan looked at the pile of bags and armour still inside the carriage.
"All of it?"
"All of it," the man nodded. "My name is Adrian. I am the head steward of Blackwood Castle. Should you need anything at all during your stay, please do not hesitate to find me."
Ryan let go of the bag and stepped down the carriage step.
The sun had strengthened since they'd left Lithara. The cold emenating from the bracelet was the only thing keeping Ryan from heatstroke.
