The gate leading to the portal was as nondescript as before.
Nothing appeared to have changed on the outside, save for a pair of soldiers standing guard outside of it.
They saluted as the party approached.
"You're not patrolling the interior?" Leopold asked. He seemed surprised that the gate was closed.
"That's my job," Fei chirped. She froze when Leopold's gaze turned to her and hid behind August.
"I don't recall her meisters saying she's so shy," Leopold mused, his lips quirking upward.
"She's a fan," August said flatly.
Leopold suppressed a grin and elbowed the air between them.
For a geezer, he was a sharp one, and far more willing to play around than August had expected.
Stepping up to the gate, August reached for power from the binding stone. Fei jumped in front of him before he could push the doors open.
"I can open them," she chirped. "I have my key."
August smiled at her, then reached over top of her and gave the doors a shove.
