The party steps through the shimmering golden portal and emerges into a realm unlike any they’ve encountered before. The air is crisp and smells faintly of roses and rich spices. Before them stands a grand dining hall, its floors of polished white marble reflecting the warm glow of a massive crystal chandelier. The walls are adorned with tapestries depicting epic battles, peaceful vistas, and celestial beings. In the centre of the room sits a long oak table, already laden with silver platters of food and goblets of wine. A man dressed impeccably in a black suit steps forward, bowing deeply. **Butler**: "Welcome, travellers. His Majesty will see you shortly. Please, make yourselves comfortable." He gestures to the chairs around the table, then steps aside, standing with his hands clasped behind his back, ever watchful. **[[Karrut Styk|Karrut]]**, **[[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]]**, and **[[Zara Blackwood|Zara]]** exchange glances before sitting at the table, the allure of the feast too tempting to ignore. Plates piled high with roasted meats, fresh fruits, steaming bread, and exotic delicacies call to them. **[[Karrut Styk|Karrut]]**: "I’ll admit, this beats trail rations." Without hesitation, he begins tearing into a roasted turkey leg. **[[Morgar Goldgard|Morgar]]**, always the opportunist, joins in, filling his plate with meats and cheeses. **[[Zara Blackwood|Zara]]**, with her bardic flair, savours each bite, commenting on the flavours. **[[Zara Blackwood|Zara]]**: "This wine… a hint of elderberry and honey. Magnificent!" Meanwhile, **[[Ellette|Ellette]]** remains standing, her arms crossed. Her eyes narrow as she scans the room for traps or hidden dangers. **[[Ellette|Ellette]]**: "You fools. Eating in a place like this without knowing the price? Trust nothing." [[Karrut Styk|Karrut]] waves a hand dismissively, his mouth full. **[[Karrut Styk|Karrut]]**: "Relax, [[Ellette|Ellette]]. If they wanted us dead, we'd be dead." **[[Ellette|Ellette]]**: "And when the poison kicks in, don’t say I didn’t warn you." The butler clears his throat, drawing the party’s attention. **Butler**: "His Majesty arrives." From the far end of the hall, two ornate doors swing open, revealing a man dressed in resplendent robes of gold and crimson. His crown, set with jewels that shimmer like starlight, rests upon his greying hair. Despite his regal appearance, his face carries a look of weariness and sorrow. The king strides purposefully to the head of the table, where a magnificent throne awaits him. As he takes his seat, the butler steps forward to introduce him. **Butler**: "Presenting His Majesty, King Radagon, Sovereign of the Golden Vale." The king raises a hand to silence the formalities and looks directly at the party. **King Radagon**: "I must thank you for answering my summons. I am in dire need of heroes, and you seem capable enough. But first, introductions. What shall I call you?" The party exchanges glances. For a moment, no one speaks until **[[Ellette|Ellette]]** steps forward, her voice steady and confident. **[[Ellette|Ellette]]**: "You can call us **Sordia Vignti.**" The king nods, as if committing the name to memory. **King Radagon**: "Sordia Vignti… a name fitting of legends. I hope you will live up to it." The king’s expression turns grim as he leans forward. **King Radagon**: "The crystal that was stolen by the necromancer… it was not merely a trinket of power or protection. It was my daughter." The party’s eyes widen in surprise. The king pauses, his voice trembling with restrained emotion. **King Radagon**: "Princess Donnabella. Trapped within the crystal by ancient magic to shield her from a curse that threatened her life. Zargathax has broken the seal and freed her, but not to save her. He keeps her captive now, siphoning her power to fuel his dark ambitions." The room falls silent as the weight of his words sinks in. **King Radagon**: "I beg you, Sordia Vignti, aid me in rescuing her. If you succeed, you will be richly rewarded, not only in gold but in the favour of my kingdom. What say you?" He gestures to the butler, who produces a scroll of parchment and a quill. **King Radagon**: "This contract ensures your loyalty to this cause and formalizes the rewards that await you. Who shall sign on behalf of your group?" After a brief moment of deliberation, **[[Ellette|Ellette]]** steps forward, taking the quill in hand. **[[Ellette|Ellette]]**: "We’ll do this, Your Majesty. But remember the name **Sordia Vignti**. Let it be known we rise to challenges others cannot." With a flourish, she signs the contract with the party’s chosen name. The king smiles, a flicker of hope crossing his weary face. **King Radagon**: "You have my eternal gratitude. Now go, heroes. Time is of the essence. The necromancer’s stronghold lies deep within the Ruins of Shadowmoor. I will provide what aid I can, but you must act swiftly." He waves a hand, and the golden portal that brought them to the hall reappears. **King Radagon**: "Step through. May the gods watch over you." The party, now bound by their new contract, steps into the glowing portal. As the light engulfs them, they are filled with a renewed sense of purpose and the knowledge that their actions now carry the weight of an entire kingdom. [[Chapter 22. The Lost Child]]