When Lena arrived at the courtyard the next morning, the three mercenaries and six estate guards were already waiting.
Ollen stood to one side with his arms crossed. The guards stood in a loose line behind the mercenaries, looking tired and bored in the flat morning light.
Lena looked at the mercenaries first.
The one on the left was massive, taller than any of the guards. He had dark blue skin and thick tusks that curved up from his jaw. These weren't for show; they were worn smooth at the tips from use. A long scar ran from his ear down into his collar, and a heavy, flat blade was strapped to his back. He leaned forward slightly, looking ready to move.
The man in the middle was shorter and built like a barrel. His skin was ash-grey with a scaly texture on his arms and hands. His eyes were solid amber with no pupils. He didn't carry a sword or a bow, but his hands were wrapped in thick layers of cloth. Lena knew that meant his fists were his primary weapons.
