Seth’s house in the Kingdom is small, smelling of pine needles and stale coffee. He tosses his beanie onto the scarred wooden table, his hand trembling slightly as he wipes mud from his scarred brow. The silence of the room feels heavy, a stark contrast to the roar of the horde.
Seth
The Kingdom held, but at what cost. Every wall I build is just another tombstone waiting for a name. I need to get back to the armory and see if the King is serious about the breach or if this is just another political game.
Scout knocks sharply at the door, her face pale under the lantern light. She enters without waiting, clutching a bloodied map roll.
Scout
Seth, the King is waiting. He says the eastern flank reports another movement. You need to get to the armory now.
Seth
The King is pushing for a move I am not ready to make. I should finish my drink and let him wait, or I can show him that I am the only one actually watching the gate.
+ New Item Acquired
Bloodied map roll
“No have someone else do it while I heal myself”
SUCCESS (Good Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Seth
Listen, Scout. I am not stepping into the armory until this laceration is cleaned and dressed. Find Miller, tell him to take point on the eastern perimeter for the next hour. He knows the geography as well as I do.
Scout stares at the deep gash on his brow, her hesitation visible as she shifts the map roll to her other hand.
Scout
Miller is already stretched thin, Seth. If the King finds out you pushed your duties onto a subordinate because of a scratch, he will not be pleased.
Seth
A scratch? If I bleed out or go into shock on the wall, the whole defense crumbles. Miller needs the experience anyway.
Scout sighs and nods, turning toward the door.
Scout
I will tell him. But do not expect him to be happy about walking into that mess while you nurse your wounds.
The scout exits, leaving Seth to the quiet sting of antiseptic and the sound of his own heavy breathing.