The court attendant leads Titano, Arveth, and Kareth through the eastern corridors toward the Eastern Royal Chamber. The senior valley champion remains behind, guarding Mother’s tablet, the seals, and every contested impression.
Kareth
The concealment order came from Varek’s uncle and three elder signatories. They commanded me to bury Mother’s account beneath the family foundations.
Arveth
And what did they promise Varek for altering the seal? Speak precisely. The chamber will hear facts, not family rumor.
Kareth
A seat among the ruling elders, control of the archive, and authority over the clans once the binding order was restored. Varek believed obedience would make him untouchable.
Bronze doors open onto the Eastern Royal Chamber. The elder council gathers beneath royal standards as two silent guards bring Varek forward, wrists bound but head held high.
A Court Attendant
By the chief’s authority, Varek stands accused of altering the family seal and concealing the lawful account. He will answer each charge before the council reconvenes.
Varek
I will answer. But if this hearing seeks truth, it must also ask who ordered the binding, and who profited when our mother was silenced.
✓ Quest Accepted
Establish the full chain of responsibility for the binding order
“I will question Varek about who ordered the binding and why.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
volcanon
Who ordered the binding, Varek, and why was my strength meant to serve it?
The chamber falls silent beneath the royal standards. Varek studies Titano’s immense silhouette, then lowers his bound hands instead of hiding behind the council.
Varek
The elder council ordered the binding. My uncle directed the seals, but the order came from those who feared your strength could alter the clans’ balance.
A guarded murmur moves through the chamber. Arveth remains beside Titano, while the elders exchange looks that no longer resemble a united defense.
Varek
They meant to turn you against rival clans, then claim the Valley had chosen its weapon. Your refusal threatened their authority, so Mother’s account had to disappear.
Arveth
Then the binding was never protection. It was a political weapon, concealed beneath family law and enforced through silence.
Quest Complete
Establish the full chain of responsibility for the binding order