At Elaris Ford, the orc host crosses beneath Ulkesh’s banner with lowered weapons. The king, physician, administrator, and witnesses remain sealed in the chapel, while Elyr Tann and Ulkesh’s brother accompany him to the gate.
An elderly orc woman leads them, broad-shouldered beneath layered ash-gray hides, her iron-gray braids bound with copper rings. She carries an ancient blackwood standard carved with a spiral enclosing a darkened hand.
the orc standard-bearer
We bring the record, not a challenge. Vaelor’s first binding was preserved by our keepers when the eastern kingdoms forgot its cost.
The carved mark answers the violet covenant script. Lines of light climb the standard, then stretch across the ford toward Ulkesh’s covenant-marked hand.
Serath Vael
I know that sign. The orcs guarded the first vessel’s testimony, and Vaelor’s law required every successor to stand judgment before claiming its power.
The violet script does not open the gate. It forms a circle around Ulkesh instead, while the blackwood standard plants itself beyond the crossing.
Elyr Tann
The alliance is not yet accepted. The covenant has named you its subject, keeper. It will judge whether you are vessel, master, or continuation of Vaelor.