Andras and Kesh ride beneath Victor’s Feast Hall’s torchlit arch, carrying Vale’s message and the route parchment beneath their cloaks. Commander Vale remains with the eastern camp, while the sentry and Ilyra guard its wounded and watch.
A herald, a middle-aged man in a crimson tabard with a silver trumpet at his belt, steps onto the hall dais. Beside him, the tournament organizer, an elderly woman with white braids and a sharp assessing gaze, watches the riders enter.
The Herald
Andras, bearer of the moon’s favor, and Kesh, chosen wielder of the oath-blade, return beneath Commander Vale’s authority.
Conversation dies among the nobles. Servants pause beside wine tables, and the tournament organizer’s eyes drop briefly to the cloaks hiding the evidence before returning to their faces.
Lord Veyr rises from the victor’s table with practiced surprise. The large, burly leonin smooths one sleeve, mane immaculately groomed, while his welcoming smile arrives a heartbeat too late.
Lord Veyr
Andras. Kesh. What an unexpected honor. You were sent east under Vale’s command. Has some urgent success brought you back to my hall?
Kesh
Urgent, yes. Success remains to be determined. We have a message from Commander Vale, and evidence concerning Brackenford, your recalled patrol, and the Crescent.
✓ Quest Accepted
Force Lord Veyr to answer for his role in the Brackenford conspiracy