He approached the main barbican, the entryway to the interior of the fortress itself. Two Temple Knights of Saint Cunar watched his approach with considerable interest, the gates behind them closed. However, the large wooden structure had a smaller door inside for individuals to enter.

He paused as he drew closer. "I'm here to see the Archprior," he declared.

"Your name?" the guard asked.

"Brother Cyric."

The guard looked to his companion, who checked a book and nodded his head in agreement, then opened the smaller door.

Cyric ducked as he entered, then followed the path as it turned abruptly left. There were three levels to the great fortress; this, the first, looped around the base of the fortifications so that anyone gaining entry had to withstand fire from its walls to advance to the next gate. The outer ring, as it was called, held nothing but walls and towers, serving mainly to keep outsiders at bay. The towers were manned only by Temple Knights, while still more patrolled the walls between them. It was peacetime, of course, so there were few enough soldiers in sight, but he knew that the entire garrison could be roused in a very short period of time, if needed.

Cyric followed the path, turning down the east side of the fortress to where the harbour gate stood. Its doors were open, and as he approached, he noticed a woman in armour walking through. She had dark brown hair, cut short in a man's style, obviously the better to wear a helmet, though she wore none this day.

"Greetings, Sister," he said as she drew closer.

"And to you, Brother," she replied. "Tell me, what brings a Brother of Saint Mathew here this day? It is rare that we see members of your order."

Cyric halted. "I've come to see the Archprior," he said.

The woman smiled in response, "Then I wish you all the best. I hear he's in a foul mood this day."

"I have heard it said," replied Cyric, "that it is his usual way."

She laughed, "It is refreshing to see one who can joke of such things. These Cunars lack any sense of humour. I'm Sister Morena."

"Brother Cyric," he offered. "Have you been in Corassus long?"

"Several years," she said, "and you?"

"I only just arrived a few days ago," confessed Cyric, "but they've kept me busy."

"Consider yourself lucky," she replied. “The new Cunar commander insists on only using his own men for the defences. It gives us little to do."

"Who is this new commander?" asked Cyric.

"Commander Morvus," replied Sister Morena, "he came here just a month ago."

"I take it he's an energetic sort?"

"He is," confirmed the sister, "but I shan't say more. I wish you luck, Brother Cyric, I have a feeling you'll need it."