He gave a slight nod, his gaze lingering on Murphy for a moment. His eyes, a cool gray-blue, swept over the immaculate, dark-blue Knight's Armor, a flash of surprise within them. "I heard you were ambushed by Earth Rock Worms and Scorching Beasts at Silent Pass, and that Sir Ernest was gravely wounded. My scouts reported that Lord Melfield intervened with decisive force. You've been through a great deal."
Murphy placed his right hand over his heart in a standard noble's salute, addressing each of the three figures on the dais in turn. His movements were steady and strong. "Your Grace, the Ironspine Duke. Your Excellencies. I am Governor Melfield of the Monte Territory, reporting as commanded by the Cardinal Decree. Her Highness Princess Elizabeth is here on behalf of the Royal Family to assess the war effort."
