Hildra steps fully beneath the king’s wards, fury hardening into the rigid posture of House Wulfharth tradition. Her axe remains at her side, watched by every guard.
Hildra Wulfharth
I demand trial by combat against Beareth Wulfharth, my accuser. Let the crown honor the old custom, or declare openly that House Wulfharth has been stripped of its rights.
The winter hall holds its breath. Valia remains beside the sealed ward account as witness, while the guards track Hildra’s axe and Beareth’s hands.
King Theodan Valiks
Clerk, record Hildra Wulfharth’s petition exactly. A trial may answer an accusation, but it cannot erase her confession or endanger the crown’s evidence.
Hildra Wulfharth
Then grant it, King Theodan. I will meet the brother who condemns our blood, and let steel decide whether his charge stands.
Valia Wulfharth
Your Majesty, tradition grants the challenge weight, but not permission to turn testimony into spectacle. The terms must protect the inquiry.
The clerk finishes the petition and waits with quill poised. Theodan studies Beareth beneath the steady wards, leaving the accuser’s answer, and the duel’s fate, unresolved.
✓ Quest Accepted
Have Hildra's trial governed by the crown
✓ Quest Accepted
Protect the crown's evidence through Hildra's trial
“"Honor demands I accepts, but I will not do so foolishly. Hildra, I will only accept your demands if the tome remains in the custody of Valia."”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled +1)
Beareth Wulfharth
I accept the challenge, Hildra, but not foolishly. I will meet you only if the tome remains in Valia’s custody.
The condition enters the winter hall like a second oath. Valia immediately draws the sealed tome and ward account beneath her protection, while the guards close around her.
Hildra Wulfharth
You fear the book more than my axe? Keep it guarded, then. I accept the condition, so long as you do not hide behind it.
Valia Wulfharth
The tome will remain with me, beneath the king’s seal and the royal wards. No combatant will approach it before, during, or after the trial.
Valia places the tome within a circle of pale runes and seals the circle with her own sign. The evidence is secured in her custody, beyond Hildra’s reach.
King Theodan Valiks
Granted. Hildra’s challenge may proceed under those terms, with the inquiry protected and the tome untouched. The crown will define the ground and witnesses.
Hildra Wulfharth
Then prepare the ring. Let the old custom judge whether Beareth’s courage survives when the blade answers him.
Quest Complete
Have Hildra's trial governed by the crown