The stronghold's great hall had been transformed in the hours following the duel. What had been a simple war room now held the weight of ancient ceremony.
Orc shamans moved with reverent purpose, clearing away weapons and battle debris. They replaced them with ceremonial braziers that cast dancing shadows across stone walls.
Arthur stood at the hall's center, watching the preparations with calculating eyes. His supernatural presence rippled outward like heat waves. Every person in the room felt acutely aware of his dominance.
Around him, his soldiers maintained respectful distance while integrated orc warriors knelt in concentric circles.
At the hall's far end, Urzara emerged from the preparation chambers.
She'd changed from battle leathers into ceremonial garb that somehow managed to be both modest and provocative. The flowing fabric hinted at the powerful form beneath while maintaining her warrior's dignity. Arthur could see the flush of arousal coloring her green skin.
