A voice pierced the thick air, sharp and commanding.
"Over here!"
Ash turned, his gaze catching an older man wrapped in a long robe, the fabric woven with dark symbols that seemed to shift in the dim light. The man's presence commanded attention, and behind him, three guards moved in sync, their hands near their weapons, eyes darting, assessing the surroundings.
The guard escorting Ash stiffened, stepping aside.
"Allow me to introduce the leader of Ironhold—Elder Eir."
Eir waved a hand dismissively, his eyes already locking onto Ash.
"Yeah, yeah,"
He muttered, stepping forward with a purpose.
Ash didn't move as the distance between them closed, but the moment Eir was within reach, he grabbed both of Ash's hands with an intensity that caught him off guard.
"Are you really Ash Burns?"
Eir's voice was a low, fervent murmur, his eyes gleaming with something Ash couldn't quite place.
Ash nodded, his expression steady.
