Night had fallen upon the castle, and torches blazed on the stone walls, casting dancing shadows on the pillars adorned with the dragon sigil. Soldiers and guards stood in silent ranks as the great door of the council hall opened, and Ser Andric West entered, wearing his grey cloak, his steps echoing steadily on the floor.

  At the head of the hall, Trevor Drakarion sat on his late father's seat, clad in black armor with a fiery dragon etched upon it, his advisors beside him.

  Ser West (bowing respectfully):

  "Hail to the young Lord... Trevor Drakarion."

  Trevor (rising slightly, then gesturing for him to sit):

  "Welcome, Ser West. Our castle is always open to those who respect its honor."

  West sat, taking out a small scroll from which he read respectfully.

  West:

  Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  "I am called Andric West, and by this, I represent Lord Andrew West, my lord... Is there not an old pact between the Raveger family and the Drakarion family? A pact established before the death of your father, Lord Carlos, that you would marry the eldest daughter of Vigo Raveger? What has happened...? And why has war broken out?"

  Trevor stared into his eyes, his own eyes blazing not with anger, but with sorrow.

  Trevor:

  "The marriage was not merely a marriage, Ser West... but a covenant, comprising ten clauses and mutual treaties, agreed upon by my father and Vigo Raveger.

  Nine of those clauses Vigo publicly rejected and scorned, before and after my father's death.

  And now, suddenly, he comes to us with his army demanding only one clause... the marriage.

  Do you take me for a fool? Or a traitor to my father's legacy?

  You are an honorable man, and you will understand me."

  Ser West paused for a moment, then spoke in a tone mixed with respect and concern:

  West:

  "I understand you perfectly, Lord Drakarion. I presume... there is no room for a truce, then?"

  Trevor (rising, taking a few steps):

  "A truce is always possible... if they withdraw. I do not covet war.

  But I will not kneel under a single condition... from a man who broke nine."

  A moment of silence filled the hall, then West bowed once more.

  West:

  "Your message has been received, and I will convey it faithfully. Thank you for your kind reception, Lord of the Castle."

  West turned and left, while Trevor stood before a flickering torch on the wall, the sound of the knight's fo

  otsteps fading behind him.