You and Darin turn around to see Elya entering the manor, Velinor on her right and a second bodyguard on her left. She pauses for a moment, taking in the scenery before spotting you. She approaches with her entourage.
Darin subtly elbows you, getting your attention. He steps back. You do the same, clearing the floor for Elya so that she may confront the lord.
Elya stands before him. She speaks first, saying, "Lord Moren. It was gracious of you to provide shelter for my army."
He replies flatly, "It is my duty as your subject." A tense silence falls between the two of them.
Elya breaks it with a sigh. "I suppose you know why we're here. You've heard our predicament."
Moren chuckles. "I know more than you think. A year ago, only a few days after I took this throne, Duke Rade Mozoroff visited me."
You feel your blood go cold.
"Is that so?" she replies, trying to hide her shock.
"It is. He asked for my assistance in some… uprising. He promised me riches and women. Neither appeals. And, while I never had the fortune to meet our dear Marshal Arthur Hornraven during The War, I had the… misfortune to meet Rade." Moren laughs. "Most arrogant man I've ever met."
"Strange ya two didn't get along, then," Darin mutters under his breath.
Elya asks, "What are you trying to say?"
"I'm trying to say that I rejected him." Moren turns to you. "While I do not know you, Marshal Arthur Hornraven, I respect your service to this province of mine." He turns back to Elya. "It is because of this respect, and my distaste for Mozoroff, that I am willing to negotiate with you, my liege."
You can practically hear Elya grinding her teeth.
Moren clasps his hands together and turns to you. "But first, I have a gift for you, Marshal Arthur Hornraven." He gestures for the man on his right to stand. "Steward. Measure this man. My new forges are fully open to him. Grant any of his requests, armor and weapons, within reason."
The lord looks at you, a thin smile on his face. "Congratulations, Inae Dirriman."
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