Chancellor Vane snaps his head toward the courtyard doors, then thrusts one hand out toward the guards. "Hold your posts!" He keeps his voice sharp, but the crash has cracked his certainty.
Guard One and Guard Two break formation for a heartbeat, both staring toward the noise. Bennigan remains planted between them and Elian, the ledger still guarded at his side.
The Green Clerk
The seal is sound, Chancellor. That is the truth of it.
Chancellor Vane
Then the book is still mine to examine. Bring it here.
Elian tightens both hands on the ledger and shifts half a step closer to Bennigan. The two knights at the door exchange a wary look, unsure whether to watch the hall or the courtyard.
The guards are split by the noise.
Vane takes one cautious step forward, eyes flicking from the doorway back to Bennigan, trying to reclaim the room before the servants' shouting grows nearer.
Reveal the source of the courtyard commotion