An urgent knock sounded at the door.
"Your Highness!" the steward's anxious voice called out. "It's terrible! Lake pirates! A sea of Pirates has surrounded us!"
But Riven's voice came back calm and even.
"Don't panic. Hold steady."
He stood, adjusting his collar smoothly.
Selene rose beside him, her hand brushing his sleeve just briefly.
Creak
The cabin door opened.
Together, with Azira following hesitantly, they moved onto the deck.
...…
On deck.
The Ashvale family's guards, sixteen men strong, stood ready, blades drawn.
These were the longtime, trusted individuals whom Riven's grandmother had always relied on.
Even though they had little strength, they were ready to fight.
Alongside them were four more: elite guards sent by the Sundawn County Governor's office, handpicked from the Imperial City Guard.
They were sent to the Duke's manor in 'good faith'.
Meaning basically, as a favor and to make connections.
