The two transport drones glided down smoothly, their runes dimming as they settled onto the wide courtyard of the Armand estate. Soldiers and maids were already lined up in formation, their discipline flawless under the evening sky.
The first to descend was the dwarven queen.
Elegant, poised, her smile serene. In her hand, she dragged a bound and gagged Gumarak across the ramp like a sack of grain. His wrists were tied with enchanted rope, his mouth stuffed with a thick cloth that muffled his shouts.
"Mmpphh!! Mmphhh!!" Gumarak protested, thrashing in vain.
"My, my, dear husband," the queen said sweetly, her tone sharp enough to cut steel.
"You are about to meet your two other best friends. At least act like a real king, won't you?"
"MMMPHH!!!"
She tilted her head, pretending to listen. "Oh? What's that? You're excited?"
"Mmphhh!! MMmmphh!!" Gumarak shook his head furiously, his beard bristling as he stomped his boots against the ground.
