Illith reaches the shrine’s upper entrance with Lord Edran Vale beside her, while the veiled figure remains at the broken altar below, watching without interference. Windsteel waits near the path.
Windsteel, a tall young celestial man with tousled golden-blond hair and luminous blue eyes, leans against a shattered pillar. One hand presses a fresh wound beneath his coat, and his breath comes hard.
Windsteel
Illith. There you are. Armed riders are coming up the road, bearing Vale colors. More than a few, and they are moving fast.
A faint scrape circles Windsteel’s boots as his invisible imp companion shifts position. The celestial glances toward the altar, where green fire glimmers behind the silver veil.
Windsteel
I tried to slow them. Their scouts found me first. The imp says the main group is close enough that we have moments, not minutes.
Below, Lord Edran’s surrendered crest lies in the silver basin. The roots remain bowed, and the veiled figure offers no warning, aid, or explanation.
the veiled figure
House Vale has heard the covenant’s release. Whether its living heirs accept that truth remains outside this shrine’s command.
“Winston! *I rush to his aid.* You fool, you know I’m better in a fight. You should have send word to me from your little friend. Come now, I can hold them off while you heal. Edran you have further need of me at this moment?”
SUCCESS (Good Agility, rolled +1)
Illith Storm
Windsteel! You fool, you know I’m better in a fight. You should have sent word through your little friend. Come now, I can hold them off while you heal. Edran, do you still need me?
Illith rushes to Windsteel’s side, her flaming greatsword sweeping up between him and the road. She plants her boots at the shrine entrance as armored riders crest the slope.
Windsteel
I know. I was trying to spare you the warning’s cost, not question your strength. Give me a breath, and I can stand with you.
The approaching force resolves into six mounted men and women in blue-and-silver Vale colors, helms low and blades drawn. Their captain raises a gloved hand, halting them beyond the broken stones.
Lord Edran Vale
No. You have done enough, champion. I have spoken the covenant’s truth, and I will face my house’s answer. But I will not mistake courage for permission to command you.
Windsteel steps behind Illith, pressing his wound as pale celestial light gathers beneath his fingers. The invisible imp skitters around her boots, signaling that no riders circle the shrine.
the Vale captain
Lord Edran Vale, by order of House Vale, surrender yourself and the crest. The giant beside you is not part of this family’s reckoning.
✓ Quest Accepted
Get the Vale riders to accept Edran’s renunciation
“I raise my sword and demand the captain hear Edran's renunciation.”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled -1)
Illith Storm
Hear him, Captain. Edran has renounced House Vale’s covenant before the shrine, and you will not drag him away before his words are acknowledged.
Illith raises the flaming greatsword until its fire reflects across every lowered helm. The riders’ horses stamp and snort, but none advances beneath that steady threat.
the Vale captain
Lower your blade, giant. I will hear Lord Edran’s renunciation, and I will carry his words back to the house.
Lord Edran Vale
Then hear them clearly. I surrendered the crest, named our ancestors’ bargain, and renounced every claim the covenant holds over me.
The shrine answers before the captain can dispute him. Green light runs through the roots, and the silver basin lifts Edran’s cracked crest into view for every rider.
the Vale captain
The crest bears the shrine’s witness. House Vale cannot pretend this was concealed or unfinished. Lord Edran, your renunciation is heard.
Windsteel
Good. Now let the truth travel farther than the riders did, and give us room to leave without bloodshed.
Quest Complete
Get the Vale riders to accept Edran’s renunciation