The frost shield-bearer raises his blunted axe within the ring. Before Titus can choose his stance, Aurora lifts one hand, and the court falls silent.
Aurora
Frostenstiege recognizes no rules binding this contest. Eirik may use his axe, and Titus may use any weapon he carries. Let us see whether Arcadia hears permission or provocation.
A murmur passes through the watching court. The shield-bearer lowers his axe slightly, while Titus's sealed helm turns toward the weapons at his belt and the open ground between them.
Aurora
Do not mistake that for an invitation to murder. If your commander carries a gun, he may decide how Arcadia answers the opening, and Frostenstiege will judge the choice.
Hadrian remains at Spartacus's side beyond the ring, gold armor bright beneath the snowlight. Commander Titus stands alone before the shield-bearer, with no Arcadian hand reaching toward him.
Aurora
There is worse news beyond this ceremony. Prytec lies west of here. It once belonged to Frostenstiege, yet its borders now reach into lands Arcadia claims.
Aurora's warning settles over the ring more heavily than the winter air. Titus waits for the contest to begin, while the court watches Spartacus for Arcadia's answer.
✓ Quest Accepted
Complete the duel with Eirik
“We watch the duel then I request one between be and her greatest warrior”
SUCCESS (Great Persuasion, rolled -3)
The duel begins beneath the blue banners. Eirik advances behind his shield, while Titus draws his blade and gives ground only long enough to measure the frost warrior’s reach.
Steel rings against the blunted axe. Titus turns the shield aside, but Eirik’s counterstrike forces him across the packed snow, drawing a sharp murmur from the court.
Titus changes rhythm, steps inside the axe’s arc, and knocks Eirik’s weapon wide. His blade stops at the shield-bearer’s throat, close enough to settle the contest without blood.
The Frost Shield-Bearer
The point is yours. I yield the ring.
The Frostenstiege court falls quiet as Titus lowers his blade. Aurora studies him, then Spartacus, her expression respectful but newly guarded.
Spartacus Praetor
Aurora, I request a duel between me and Frostenstiege’s greatest warrior.
Aurora
Granted. You will face our greatest warrior before this court. But after Titus’s victory, refusing would make my people doubt your courage, and accepting places your honor in my hands.
Quest Complete
Complete the duel with Eirik
The Arcadians must stop fighting that opponent.