The Golden and the Maroon

[displeased]

--1801--

"Issue your challenge, I shall defend my name against whomever wishes to sully it. Do you have that issue, Lorekeeper?"

An open missive tackles down the foot of mount Tarian, storming down onto tribes, towns and outposts alike.

It is the word of the young pyre-bishop of Garljing's Coat, one nearing on adulthood, whose vesper and service have been topic of rumor and commentary alike for the better part of last year.

It calls for one name - answers to one invitation. A challenge issued towards the wayward family, namely its heading emmissary.

"Vales Grimmore.

I have heard your case, as have I my overlords'.
In prayer I have communed with my wishes just as much.
I hereby bring unto you my conclussion.

And where you once sought to fight for your name's sake, as ridden of honesty as I may take it to be?
I have chosen to follow up.

Come the dawn of next year, you and I will duel at the Temple's Blood Pit - observed by nay other than the divine five themselves.

Were I to win, you and your kinsmen would cut all ties with the empire!

Were you to accept my challenge, and I lie defeated as a result? I'd drop all animosity towards your kinsmen - and instead adopt the inexistence of the price on our heads as the truth proper.

Waste not my time!"

A claim so bold and zealous in itself - it surely cannot be disguised as a rumor, for it is no less than Orodyn Vartuul's word.

His patience composed, his statement made, the challenge issued proper.

The dragon awaits.

(Date and Time to Be Determined)