Vincent stood tall as the heavy stone doors sealed shut behind him, the sound echoing through the cavernous hall. His men held their ground just inside the threshold, their eyes warily watching the dwarf who had emerged from the shadows. The air was thick with unspoken challenges, the tension between them palpable as the dwarf stood unmoved, his gaze fixed on Vincent.
Vincent raised a hand, signaling his soldiers to lower their weapons. This wasn't a fight they could afford to escalate. He took a step forward, his boots echoing off the stone floor, and cleared his throat before speaking.
"We came here seeking peace," Vincent said, his voice calm but firm. "Our intent was never to provoke your defenses. The sentinels outside... they moved aggressively. We acted in self-defense."
