Three weeks after the outpost battle, the southern hollows camp holds its breath. Sand drifts through the open tent flap, and every soldier looks toward the gate.
A lone rider in royal colors stops at the threshold. He dismounts with crisp, practiced contempt and lifts a sealed scroll high for all to see.
Envoy Kaelen
By the crown's authority, this camp answers to the kingdom. I bring renewed orders, and I expect obedience.
He strides closer, eyes hard, and offers the scroll like a challenge. The wax seal is clean, official, and dangerously late.
Zukalina
Zukalina takes the scroll and reads the seal.
The seal matches the court, but the wording smells of Marad's sabotage, old rot wrapped in fresh authority. Around her, the camp goes silent, waiting to see whether she bows or breaks it.
✓ Quest Accepted
Assert autonomy against the royal decree
I take the seal and crush it in the palm of my hand