The King's Strategy Room, Late-Autumn...
"Certainly," Erik replied after a brief moment of thought, motioning for his remaining guard to leave as well. "What is it you wish to speak to me about?"
The King's Throne Room, Early Winter...
"I am pleased to hear that you wish to serve Elbreth," King Erik replied calmly, still studying the duelist, "But I've no need for a bodyguard, and I am quite capable of fighting my own duels." At the last statement, he did his best to avoid glancing to his mangled sword-hand, and revealing the truth of his situation: He hadn't even tried to pick up a blade, even after the wounds had fully healed.
He paused a moment longer, and then added, "But we may have need of you yet. My Steward will arrange a room for you, unless you would rather stay in the barracks?"
Later...
The Nahk raiders were disarmed the moment they arrived, letter or no. Escorted by a full compliment of guard as they entered the throne room, all eyes were upon them. Erik frowned slightly, eying the rag-tag and rather rough-looking band as he waited for them to introduce themselves.
In Sheepstead, Early Winter...
(Elfeater 1) You move to intimidate another businessman, this time a tavern owner and with your entire guard at your back. However, things quickly go south. You approach the bar and begin to make thinly veiled threats while your men begin to order drinks, but the barkeep quickly pulls a loaded crossbow from behind the bar. "Y'd do best to get the hell out of 'ere..." he begins, drawing the bolt back.
As he levels the crossbow with you, two off-duty members of the King's guards step into the room and quickly become apprised to the situation by a nearby patron. As they draw their own weapons, several of the patrons follow their queue and smash bottles or pick up chairs. "Halt in the name of the King!" one of the guards cries as a less violent patron slips out behind him, no doubt to alert the rest of the guard.
The King's Chamber, Early Winter...
"You may wish to take a look at this, Locanil," the King stated after the steward had left, handing the Grand Master's letter over to Locanil. He fell silent then, idly gazing at the fire as he waited for the Hatcuri Chronicler's response.
In the Rusty Pick, Early Winter...
(Meng 2) You can't find anything more about the cave people, as most people who you ask scoff and play it off as childish superstition. Something tells you there might be more truth to this tale of bogeymen though.
In the Southern Eelspine Range...
(Kytuzian) You've already escaped to a secluded cave, and so you get to work. (3) You make some crude symbols on the ground around your fire, but there's no telling how well they'll deceive these raiders. (1) However, in your haste you completely forgot your maps and parchment. You'll need to sneak back to the front to get them, and the guards probably aren't distracted any longer.