After a hard journey, Charles enters the capitol castle beside the heir. His sword remains at his side, and the cut sleeve from the retreat is stiff with dried blood.
Royal attendants close the chamber doors and secure the windows. The heir's family waits beneath the castle's carved canopy: the king, his weathered ruddy face marked by a small scar, an elderly broad man with silver hair and a fur-lined crimson mantle, and the queen, her warm brown skin and slender build set off by a pearl circlet, a middle-aged woman with dark braided hair, a composed face, and a blue velvet gown.
the heir
Father, Mother, this private seal came from the tourney champion. The opened vellum names treachery within our own castle.
The heir lays the seal, the opened letter, and the list upon the long table. The names of the western gate captain, grain clerk, and two inner guards stand beneath the lantern light.
the king
No one leaves this chamber until I understand every mark. Queen, have the attendants witness the list, but let none carry its names beyond these walls.
the queen
You have crossed river and road to bring us this warning. Water, food, and a bed will be prepared, but the castle's safety must come first.
the heir
Charles kept me alive and the seal secure. Tell us where you would have us begin, before rest claims us.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure the western gate against the named traitors
“The princess walks in and declares what must be done about the gate. I remain silent, not wanting to oppose royalty, or speak my mind when someone already has”
The chamber doors open, and a young adult princess enters in a dark wool gown beneath a fur-lined mantle. Her auburn hair is braided tightly, and a silver clasp marks her royal house.
the princess
The western gate must be secured before the next bell watch. Seal it, replace its captain, and trust no order bearing his name.
She crosses to the table and studies the list without touching it. The king's attendants gather nearer, while Charles remains silent beside the heir.
the king
You speak plainly, daughter. The gate captain will be confined, and loyal men will take the walls before nightfall.
the queen
Send witnesses with them, and secure the grain office as well. Hunger would serve treachery as surely as an opened gate.
the heir
Then we begin there. Charles and I will remain available while the household acts.
Orders pass quietly through the chamber. The king's guards move toward the western gate, and the immediate danger is met without dispute.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure the grain office against the named traitors
“I am at your service my king. What would you have me do?”
SUCCESS (Good Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Charles
I am at your service, my king. What would you have me do?
The king studies Charles over the spread vellum. Beyond the chamber, boots hurry through the corridors as the western gate changes hands.
the king
Go with my guards to the western gate. See that its captain is confined, the replacement admitted, and no sealed order passes unexamined.
the heir
I will accompany him. Charles knows the danger, and I trust his judgment beside the gate.
The king nods and presses his signet into warm sealing wax, authorizing Charles before the household witnesses. The movement costs precious quiet, and suspicion turns toward every officer named.
the king
Take this warrant. If the captain resists, summon the guard commander, but do not let the gate stand unattended.
Charles receives the warrant. As he turns toward the doors, dried blood cracks along his stiff sleeve, and a faint stain spreads where the earlier cut has reopened.
+ New Item Acquired
royal warrant