Cold welcome

It’s a short journey to the estate of Rastus Malen. The walled mansion is just outside of town, on a hill overlooking the city. Accompanied by an honor guard of a handful of guards, Kael and Ria approach the gate, which stands closed and barred. The walls are tall and strong, and block any view into the courtyard. There’s a few guards visible, patrolling the walls, watching the approaching group warily.

Ria chuckles. “Not exactly a warm reception, huh big guy…”

Kael shrugs. “Well, if this were an easy thing, we wouldn’t be needed here.”

He steps forward, calling out to the nearest guard. “We are here on the behalf of Lord Greyheart, to negotiate with Rastus Malen. Open the gate and let us in!”

The guard seems hesitant, looking back towards the estate. Kael is about to call out again, when a pair of doors open on a balcony. Two more guards emerge, flanking the noble as he steps out. Rastus leans on the balcony rail, looking down at them with a look of arrogance and disdain. After a moment, he speaks, his voice dripping with malice.

“Why should I? So you can attack me? I have no intention of bowing to Lord Greyheart, no matter how many of his little attack dogs he sends.”

Kael grimaces. “As I said, we are here to negotiate. I assure you, we are not here to **** you.”

Ria speaks up. “You can see, we are just a small group. I’m sure you’re not scared of this few!”

Rastus grimaces, clearly stung by that barb. “I don’t fear you, girl. But why should I give the so called ‘king’ the rope to hang me by?”

Kael spreads his arms, indicating the walls. “We are here to give you the opportunity to avoid that! If you continue to defy Lord Greyheart, you will **** his hand. Let us in, and wale can talk. Turn us away, and the next visitor at your gate won’t be so polite!”

Rastus is quiet for a moment, staring hard at Kael and Ria. Even from this distance, Kael can see the knuckles on his hands whiten from his grip on the rail, and the way his eyes narrow in suppressed anger. The moment hangs, and Kael wonders if things are going to escalate. Finally, Rastus sighs, and makes an imperious gesture towards the guard nearest the gate, before turning and walking back inside without a word.

The guard hurries over to the gate, working the mechanism there. The gate swings open smoothly, and the guard bows to Kael and Ria as they enter.

“I apologize for the trouble, Champions. Your honor guard may wait at the entrance. Master Malen will see you inside.”

The guard’s politeness is offset by the grip he has on his spear, and the wary eyes of the other guards. Kael and Ria share a glance, before walking towards the doorway. They both have their guard up, not knowing what to expect as they enter the mansion.