The pounding on Grim's door came just after dawn, loud and insistent enough to wake even the other guests at the Inn. Grim was already awake, having spent the early morning hours in meditation as Yongrun had taught him.
"Lord Van Ambrose," a formal voice called through the wooden door. "By order of the Imperial Palace, your presence is requested immediately."
Grim opened the door to find three imperial guards in front of him. One guard was in all white armour and the other two were in black obsidian armour.
"What does the palace want with me at this hour?" Grim asked, making no effort to hide his irritation.
"We were not informed of the specifics, my lord," the senior guard replied. "Only that your presence is required and that the matter is urgent."
Grim considered refusing just to be difficult, but decided that antagonizing the imperial guards served no immediate purpose.
