Wind combs the high terrace of the Obsidian Spires. Below, the desert lies gold and still, while the ward beneath the stone sleeps in a faint blue hush under Huarti's control.
The Nomad Envoy approaches without hurry this time, hands open, her black glass seal tucked away. She stops at a respectful distance and looks up at Huarti rather than the ground.
Nomad Envoy
Your name has weight now. Our people want to know if that weight shields them, or crushes them.
The terrace remains quiet. Far below, a watchfire flickers at the spire's base, and the red line Huarti marked earlier catches the last light like a wound of sunset.
Nomad Envoy
I have carried your law back already. Some call it mercy. Some call it conquest. I would hear it from you, plain.
The air loosens around them, no longer braced for a blow. The envoy waits, not defiant, only careful, as if this answer will shape how her people sleep tonight.
✓ Quest Accepted
Confirm the Nomad Envoy’s warning
“I reasure her there is no evil ultimatum. The nomads serve themselves ultimately, they chose to ally with us. They must aid the hatchlings and the hatchlings will grow strong and aid them”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +3)
Huarti lowers the scroll and gives the answer without heat, only weight. The envoy’s shoulders ease by a finger’s width as the ward hums beneath the stone.
Huarti
There is no ultimatum. The nomads serve themselves in the alliance. They chose it, and the brood strengthens what shelters them.
Nomad Envoy
Then you do not mean to leash them with fear?
The red boundary line steadies, brighter now but calmer, as if the terrace itself accepts the answer.
Huarti
No. Aid the hatchlings, and the hatchlings grow strong enough to aid you in return.
Nomad Envoy
So the bargain is meant to live, not suffocate.
Nomad Envoy
That is a clearer law than many rulers give. I will tell my elders the pact is mutual.
The faint seam in the ward is visible still, but it no longer seems strained. The envoy watches Huarti a moment longer, careful, now less guarded than before.
Quest Complete
Confirm the Nomad Envoy’s warning