Soon proved to be Wednesday at dawn. When orange light began to breal over the horizon and the previous night's chill was still at its worst, a shape emerged from the darkened streets and approached Maple Grove. He was not alone, though it might take a keen eye like Baden Fulco's to realize it: among the growing volume of pedestrian traffic were men and women in long coats of varying color and style, though all of them dressed darkly and too many were waiting within sight of the compound — standing on street corners, sitting on benches, fiddling with mobile phones — for it to be a coincidence.

If one was very good they might catch a glimpse of a scabbard or holster within the long coats.

The only one of them to approach directly introduced himself as Malcolm Parr, Knight-Sergeant of the Holy Order of Saint Aldwin, and asked for either Baden Fulco or Caroline Granger by name. Whichever of them arrived first, Sir Malcolm offered the same words:

"The Baron of Saint Aldwin sends his regards, and we, his knights," gesturing back at the emerging figures in the street, "stand ready to defend those who seek your refuge." He swept his coat back to balance his hand on the pommel of his sword and bowed. "We are at your service."

They were twelve knights in total, men and women from both the Teobern and New Haven Lodges and armed with whatever small arms they could easily conceal. All seemed well acquainted with the streets of RhyDin, and willing to escort families seeking shelter, patrol abandoned properties or defend the Granger compound itself as required.

((Inspired by Rakeesh's press release.))

In the wake of the information released by the former Overlord, Rakeesh Sah Tarna, a strange sort of limbo had settled over the impromptu village that had grown up within the grounds of Maple Grove since the attacks in the Old Temple had first begun. Since Caroline had first opened the gates to them, offering sanctuary from not just the Khuldin, but also the opportunists who had taken advantage of the disorder to cause trouble, a thriving little community had formed itself in the small gathering of buildings given over to the housing of those refugees.

They had come together, living quietly, going about their day-to-day lives with little or no impact on the family who made their homes within the grounds of the Grove. The Knights of St Aldwin had become a regular sight, too, and between Alain's generously offered assistance and the Grangers' own security, there had been no incidents of violence within the compound, as those people went back and forth to work and school, or against the homes they had left behind them.

With the threat seemingly gone, there was nothing to keep them behind the safety of Maple Grove's walls. The Knights of St Aldwin, having so generously given their help and support, were free to return to their Baron and his needs, taking with them the grateful thanks and deepest gratitude of the people they had assisted since the troubles had begun.

Caroline, however, knew she couldn't keep them in suspense for much longer, choosing to go out herself and meet with the fifty or so strong community she had sheltered. When it seemed that they had all gathered, she rose to her feet, waiting patiently for quiet before she spoke.

"I'm sure all of you are aware, by now, of the statement released by the former Baron of Old Temple and Overlord, Rakeesh Sah Tarna, stating that the Khuldin threat has been neutralized. I don't personally have any guarantee of that yet, since I am not in his private circle, but my people are working on confirming that information."

A murmur ran through the crowd around her, but they remained quiet, respectful of the woman who had extended protection in the only way she could. They all knew she had taken a great risk with them; if even one of them had proven untrustworthy, or dangerous, it would have put most of her own family in danger. Caroline smiled, understanding the murmur for what it was, and continued.

"I cannot and would not keep any of you here against your wills. I understand that you have homes you wish to return to, to regain some semblance of normality in the environment that you are most familiar with. Your homes are all intact, they have not been tampered with, and they will remain under guard until you take up residence once again. However, my Chief of Security has recommended that you all remain here for at least a few more days while we work to confirm that the Khuldin threat has passed. Once we have that assurance, our resources will be at your disposal to ensure a smooth transition from this charming little set up and back to your homes in the Old Temple District."

She paused, knowing this was quite a bit to take in for some of them, and her smile made itself known once again.

"I'd like to thank all of you for your patience, and for your respect of my family's privacy. We all know this could have been a disaster the moment the gates opened, but I can quite honestly say you have all restored my faith in the people of this city. It will be strange not to have you here, but I do understand the value of a home you can call your own. Please remember, you will always be welcome at Maple Grove, and if we can help in any of your troubles, we will. I wish you nothing but the best, and I hope that it will not be long before you can all return to your own homes and your own belongings in safety."

As she finished, hands reached out toward her, thanks and good wishes offered back to the CEO of GrangerGuild, who had not had to do anything for them in the crisis that had arisen. But she had opened not just her home, but her family to them, and they had not betrayed the trust she'd shown. They, too, would miss the serenity of Maple Grove when the time came for them to leave, but it would always be there, a haven for those who would not abuse that safety. Unwittingly, without truly intending to, Caroline Granger had made the Grove a true sanctuary for those in need of a little temporary shelter and care, with the help of Baron DeMuer and the Knights of St Aldwin.

But hopefully it wouldn't be quite so needed for a long time to come.