The Raven's Sentence and the First Rebellion

The sky darkened over the lands of Gilneas. Lord Darius summoned all the minor nobles that were loyal to him at his court. A visit from Gilneas City was soon due.

Much had changed in our lands since death claimed our Queen, Mia. The Alteraci parasites have spit poison in the ears of the King, claiming it was Lord Ravenwood who pulled the nefarious strings.$B$BAnd yet, it was also by their treacherous deeds that Ravenwood's name was cleared in the blood of betrayers.

"Are you certain, my lord? Would the Harlows really be the head of this vicious plot?"$B$B"Without a doubt, my dear Caliban. It seems that through their malice they have come to thieve the governing of these lands. They must have taken advantage of Genn's broken heart and twisted his mind, perhaps even his body. There is no telling what this illness they claim hit the King truly is."$B$BA silence, a sister with death herself claimed the lord's grand hall.$B$BRegan Willowfield, messenger of the new Harlow Regent-Lords, had arrived.

The cold gates of the keep opened to the prideful messenger. His head did not bow, he offered no greeting, he sneered before the seat of the lord "Lord Darius Ravenwood, master of Ravenwood Keep and the lands of Ravenshire. I, Regan Willowfield, have come to relay a message from the new rulers of Gilneas."$B$B"And to what do we owe this honor, unlanded lord and honorless knight?"$B$BRegan frowned, "How tall you stand in your chair, Ravenwood. And yet the message I bring is higher than both your hubris and vanity."

Murmurs of disdain rose from the court.$B$B"And what message has the filth of Alterac bid you here relay, proud Regan?"$B$B"I'd measure my words, Lord."$B$B"I shall measure your neck with this sword were you to mutter another slight towards my liege." One of the courtiers claimed.$B$BDarius raised his hand to bid calm to his loyal friend.$B$B"Apologies for my man's boldness. Fealty and friendship binds us, I am sure you understand. I yearn to hear the gracious words of the Regent-Lords."

Regan cleared his throat: "Their Highnesses wish to express their displeasure towards your absence at their naming ceremony. They wish nothing but peace with the Shield of Gilneas. They claim that in these harsh times we must not be at odds."$B$B"And what of the army within my lands? I doubt they are here to serve me."$B$B"Precisely that, my Lord. They are a gift from Lord Mortimer, were you to accept his request to offer your daughter's hand to him."$B$BLord Darius' silence froze the blood inside Regan's veins.

Before either could speak, Viscount Laurion came before Darius, kneeling and offering him a bloodied sword. "This blade was stained by their army's commander."$B$BDarius eyed Laurion: "And what of the others?"$B$B"Those that surrendered were taken to the cellars. The others were chained and beaten for blood."$B$BRegan shook: "My Lo- Lord, what is the meaning of this?"