As they approached the gate, he drew the horse to a stop. "By authority of the Arbiters, I command you to open the gate and admit me to your city!" he called up towards the top of the walls.

There was no answer.

There came from the edge of the barren forest through which he had passed a low, throaty growl. He turned the horse around to see three beasts lingering near the edge of the forest. Twisted mockeries of the creatures they had once been, they stood almost two feet tall at the shoulder. Though they were vaguely canine, no dog would claim them as kin now. Huge teeth, too large for their heads, were bared in anticipation, and their massive claws stood out from huge, oversized paws. In the dark, he could see their eyes glowing a dull, angry red, the color of the corrupted manna that lent them their twisted shape. They eyed him hungrily but did not yet approach, for they knew that what lay on the other side of their gates was their death for certain.

A lonely traveler, alone outside the gates of the city… that was almost a certain victory for the hungry creatures.

"Fel dogs," the traveler spat under his breath. He looked sharply up once more at the wall. "Open the gods-damned gates, I say!"

Still there was no response from the impassive stone.

"Damn," he cursed viciously. "Nothing for it, then."

With a smooth motion he swung his leg over the back of the horse and dismounted. The destrier snorted and stepped nervously sideways once the rider had disengaged.

He reached to his back and pulled free the long, straight blade that hung lightly on his baldric. The crystalline blade came free with a low rasping noise, and the area flooded with a blue glow, the pure manna flowing through the blade and lending him strength. He gripped the blade's handle tightly in both hands, and gave a quick nod toward the horse, who took a few more steps away.