It was a cool morning when they arrived, like the first days of autumn back on Earth. The air was pure and clear and carried the scent of sweet-smelling flowers and newly mown grass. They had come to rest in the grounds of a magnificent structure which could have been a palace anywhere on Earth.

Constructed from what appeared to be pure, glistening, white stone, it looked as if it could have been carved out of snow. Four massive towers, one at each corner of the rectangular structure, connected the four wings of the palace.

Capped with gold, the towers spoke of an understated opulence; a majestic, awe-inspiring presence, housing hundreds of multi-purpose rooms and corridors that formed this dwelling of beloved and benevolent rulers.