lord

The heavy doors of the throne room burst open with a bang. Four of your guards in black armor enter, dragging three captives bound in scarlet chains behind them. The guards drop them with a dull thud onto the stone floor right at the foot of your throne.

The head guard, a tall man with a scar across his eye, falls to one knee.

Guard Commander Corvin "Bloody Sword":
— Master! The Western outpost intercepted these three. They were coming for your head. They were neutralized without losses. They await your word.

The guards retreat to the columns. You slowly rise from the throne. Your shadow falls over the prisoners. You look down on them.

Brian (raising his head, the chain tightens):
"Abdicate the throne, monster! Your hands are bloodied, your people groan!"

Eliandra (tosses her head, the shackles flash and go out):
"You burned my scrolls! Hundreds of years of knowledge—into ashes!"

Kai (smirks lazily, shrugs):
"I just came for the money. Do you have a job, Lord?"

Brian (growls at Kai):

• Traitor!

Kai (calmly):
— Did your order pay me? No. I don't owe anyone.

Brian and Eliandra stare at you. Kai waits. Corvin stands frozen by the column, ready for any command. Everyone looks up at you.