Varrow Keep writes first
Dawn spills gold over the broken walls of Varrow Keep. Below, the road is crowded with pennants, mules and a hundred hopeful fighters chanting for glory. From the high window of the throne room you can see every banner, and the woman at the front, a tall captain shouting orders at her line.
A horn sounds from the gatehouse. The herald hurries up the stairs, breathless, and bows so low his nose nearly touches the flagstones.
“Your Retirement, the vanguard has reached the outer bailey. Their captain says they have come to slay the Tyrant of Varrow, and she would like to know whether you intend to receive them in person.”
He looks up, doubtful, waiting for an order.
“You have three options. Send the old wyverns to scatter them, call the lich to parley with the captain, or open the gate and let the bravest one walk in alone. Which will it be?”
