The observatory appeared shortly before nightfall.
The structure occupied the top of an isolated elevation and seemed to have been carved directly from the dark rock. A square tower rose above the main building, still intact despite the broken windows and deep cracks in the walls. The remains of a low wall surrounded the outpost, and an old stone path climbed in curves toward the gate. The imperial banners had disappeared long ago, but their iron supports remained attached to the tower, creaking in the dry wind.
The team sent to protect the location waited outside. There were eight soldiers, all armed, accompanied by the officer responsible for the first reconnaissance. He descended the slope to receive them, but his expression did not match that of a group merely guarding an abandoned building.
"Any problem?" Cassandra asked.
The officer gave a brief salute.
"We did not enter, as ordered. We did not remove any documents either."
Monica looked at the closed gate.
"But?"
