Interrogation

Eris gulps nervously as she's brought through winding stone corridors until she reaches a wooden door bound with iron bands. The imposing man holds the door open and gestures for her to enter.

"Relax. Please take a seat." He says from behind her as he shuts the door and strides over to his desk before holding out a chair for her. "You have to excuse my guard's earlier rudeness. They can be rather uncouth at times."

Eris hesitantly sits down on the simple wooden chair. The Captain takes his place in the chair opposite her and begins shuffling through papers as an awkward silence descends on the room. Her eyes flick around the room, noting the stones walls sparsely covered by tapestries of the Capital's flag, and a singular shelf lined with accolades as the sole decorations in the otherwise spartan room.

"Right." He finally breaks the silence. "What did you say your name was again?"

"Eris. Eris Andive. Daughter of Adam Andive. I really don't kn-"

The captain holds up his hand to cut her off. "No need to explain yourself. I know your father well. When I first heard your name I could scarcely believe my ears. It's been fifteen years since I last saw him."

"You knew my dad?"

"Ha! Knew would perhaps be too weak to describe our relationship. I was part of his party that slew the Demon Lord a long time ago. To think that his daughter would grow up to be such a stunning woman." The man heartily laughs. "Ah, where are my manners? My name's Karl Hammar."

"Mr Hammar. It's nice to meet you." Eris politely greets him.

"No need for formalities. You can call me Karl. Anyway, your dad sent a letter ahead of your approach to inform the guards of your arrival but it looks like the information wasn't fully disseminated. For that I aplogise." He bows his head.

"No, no please, it was no trouble at all."

"Still. Here, take this." Karl hands her a slip of paper bearing the royal seal. "This should give you safe passage through the rest of the city and into the castle to get your audience with the king."

"Thank you Karl!"

"Now, there is just one more problem. I still have to perform my duty as a guard. I will need to search you to make sure you are not carrying any prohibited items into the Capital. I'm sure you understand."

"Oh!"