The remaining guards stayed outside the gate, maintaining a cautious perimeter around the truck.
Nobody approached too closely.
Not the guards.
Not the merchants.
Not even the curious civilians gathering farther back.
The M939 continued idling heavily in the middle of the road, the low diesel rumble echoing against the stone walls of Crentis while people whispered among themselves.
Marcus rested one arm against the open window frame and waited.
He had already dealt with enough insane situations today.
Compared to flesh-eating sky vultures and living forests, suspicious guards were manageable.
Then movement came from inside the city.
The gates opened wider.
A carriage rolled out first, polished black wood reinforced with silver trim along the edges. Two armored riders followed closely behind it while several city guards immediately straightened their posture.
Marcus noticed the change right away.
Respect.
Whoever was inside the carriage mattered.
