Kael flashed a confident smile. "We're here to see Councilor Rykhard. We have an...appointment."
"Ah, Elian, Kael," a smooth voice said. "I see you've decided to take me up on my offer."
"We need to get inside," Kael said, his eyes narrowed as he studied the guards patrolling the walls. "We can't keep searching the streets for a lead. It's time to take a risk."
"Advisor Lirien," Kael said, a hint of wariness in his voice. "We weren't expecting to see you here."
He disappeared into the fortress, leaving us standing in the fading light. I shifted my weight, my eyes darting back and forth as I searched for any sign of trouble.
"What do you want in return?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.