A Royal Gamble

[Gar]

Gar also frowned disapprovingly at the pathetic sight. She slowed her horse to a stop, lifted him by the back of his collar, and lowered him to the ground. "Consider yourself lucky," she told him lowly, "You managed to survive what your fellow hobgoblins did not. Don't take this for granted."

With that the half-orc nudged her horse forward and left D'ngon standing in the street. She turned to Saltie again, asking quietly, "You said that the king may take interest in me as a concubine. What would this status entail?"

[Bay]

"If the king sees you as a strong warrior he may take you as one of his women. I don't remember which one you'll be... at least number one hundred and ten, but I haven't really kept track in some time."

Sahltie sighed, "You'll receive a rank in the court and all the privileges that go with it. Your primary duties will be to bear the king's children and ensure that they are educated in combat and military tactics."

"Of course, it's to be expected that the king's heirs and concubines fight for their rank. Your children will be made to fight as soon as they can draw a weapon. You will fight when not bearing a child. The highest ranked concubines gain the most power and are almost constantly pregnant."

Sahltie shrugged, "I've heard they live quite comfortably when they announce they are with child."

[Gar]

Gar grunted and grimaced at this. Still, she reasoned that this position may get her close enough to the crown, perhaps even grant an opportunity to steal it, although the idea made her sick. "And what will you do after this, Sahltie?" she asked dispassionately, "I promised that I'd release you once I got an audience with the king. It won't be long now."

[Bay]

"I... I will lose my rank and station," Sahltie replied bitterly, "My loss to you and my loss of the trial guarantees this. If I wish to keep my status as a citizen I must re-enlist and begin climbing the ranks again."

He gritted his teeth, "It's that or to become a  mercenary with no status or rights."

[Gar]

Gar shrugged and replied, "As far as they know, you completed the trial. No one will challenge this if you're a good enough liar."

They began to approach the castle. Gar stiffened reflexively at the sight of it. The deeper into the city they went, the more tense she felt.

[Bay]

As the two approached the main castle, it's impressive size was in full display. Walls twice as thick as the outer perimeter surrounded the structure and archer towers had been erected every one hundred meters. The guards at the gate wore polished black steel armor and carried intricately made lances and swords.

The guard at the main gate raised her hand. She was reddish in hue and one could see that she had stripes similar to a cat on her arms and face.

"State your business," she said with an authoritative voice.

[Gar]

The half-orc couldn't help but admire the design of the defensive structure internally. "We have completed the Trial of the Burning Goblin," announced Gar gruffly, displaying her fist to show the ring once more, "I request an audience with the king to discuss citizenship."

[Bay]

The castle guard inspected the ring on Gar's finger and nooded.

"I acknowledge your accomplishment," she saluted with her spear, "I will send word to the king and inform you of when he will take audience with you."

She turned around and beconned a young hobgoblin boy in silver robes who was waiting by the gate. He was of a reddish hue and stripped. His silver hair was tightly braided behind his head.

"Inform the king that a champion has emerged and is seeking citizenship," the guard ordered.

The boy ran with surprising speed and grace to the castle's entrance. Within minutes he returned. He did not look winded at all.

The boy spoke with confidence and dignity.

"Court has just ended and the king has ordered for your audience immediately. Follow me."

Guards lined the interior of the castle every ten paces. Every single one wore the polished black armor and sword and most had skins which were reddish and stripped. 

Eventually, Gar and Sahltie were led to a large chamber where on a raised throne sat a muscled and powerful looking figure. In his hands rested a large steel broadsword. On his brow a golden crown with emeralds. His skin was red and stripped. His hair was silver and tightly braided behind him.

There were at least forty guards lining the walls of the chamber.

"Step forth champion," he commanded, "what do you wish of king Nirdrang?"

[Gar]

As the half-orc walked through the castle she would once again attempt to look more threatening than she otherwise appeared (Intimidate 14). Once they reached the chamber Gar would watch Sahltie's reaction to being in the presence of the king and mimic it, for she was not certain of how royalty was appropriately addressed. Then she would step forward and stand tall, straightening and stiffening her body in an attempt to exert an impression of power (Intimidate 18).

"King Nirdrang," Gar answered him gruffly, "My name is Gar," she gestured to Sahltie, "Sahltie and I have completed the Trial of the Burning Goblin. I have come to request citizenship."

The barbarian's gaze drifted to the crown for just a moment. She understood that this object had the power to see into a person, although she could not know if it was continuously active. She would imagine that the king at least knew how to use it--after all, hobgoblins were not ignorant of magic items or the means to identify them. Sahltie was proof of that. Perhaps the truth regarding the cultists of Odjir would be the most practical and efficient way to the crown. Gar watched and waited for now.

[Bay]

"You have, have you?" The muscled creature stood up. The power in his body was plain to see, even though Gar easily stood a foot taller than him, he approached with easy confidence. He walked over to Sahltie and inspected him up and down.

"You are a citizen are you not? Your stance, your hair, even how you breathe. You're of our military. Yet," he circled the significantly smaller hobgoblin, "you do not wear your colors with pride. You follow an outsider. Why?"

Sahltie swallowed but answered immediately, "Your highness, I owe this half-orc a life debt. Her life takes priority over any personal honor."

Nirdrang smiled, some of his teeth had been broken but repaired with shining pearl and gold. He turned to Gar.

"So, you've saved the life of one of my soldiers as well as completed the trials. Most impressive."

He then circled Gar, inspecting her in turn.

"And all you ask for is citizenship?" He laughed, "Are you humble as well then warrior? Someone of your deeds could ask for more. Tell me, why just simple citizenship?"