The rear entrance into Thorold loomed up in front of Kieren and his protectors, now that they had finally completed the lengthy first leg of their journey. Each of them was exhausted from everything they had endured thus far, including the few days they had been trapped inside Briarwood. Now, they were looking forward to a decent meal, a warm bath and a chance to sleep in a comfortable bed again. Before that could happen though, they would have to signal the guard on duty and seek admittance,