Uhdrig entered the circle and raised her hand, waiting for everyone's attention. "Our ancestors have seen fit to grant victory to the Therengian, Athgar, this day," she proclaimed. She turned her attention to the defeated chieftain. "Gorlag, you are banished from this land for your actions. Let it be known that no Orc of the Red Hand shall give you shelter, nor any Orc give you aid. Three days food will you receive, enough to see you to our borders. Do not return here upon pain of death. Are there any here who would contest this decision?" She looked around at the crowd, but no one spoke up. "Very well, then let the rest retire to the grand hut where we must choose a new chieftain and wipe the stain of Gorlag from our memories, and that of our ancestors."

The Truth

Summer 1103 SR

Natalia was sitting on her bed, reading, when she heard a knock. She rose, crossing the small space to open the door, revealing the countenance of the grand mistress herself, Marakhova Stormwind.

"Yes, Mistress?" said Natalia.

"There is a new arrival," the grand mistress said in her punctual tone. "It is your time to act as greeter. You know how to get to the stables?"

"Yes, Mistress," she replied.

"Good, make your way there quickly, you're expected." The grand mistress turned suddenly and departed, leaving Natalia to watch as she marched down the hall.

Natalia returned her book to the table, then looked in the small mirror, fixing her hair. The Volstrum always stressed the importance of making one's self presentable, likely due to the family's presence at royal courts throughout the continent.

Satisfied with her appearance, she made her way to her dresser, digging through her clothes to retrieve the letter she had written some time ago. It was sealed with wax and sat waiting for the opportunity to be delivered, an opportunity that, until this day, had not been available. She tucked it into her skirts, then left, making her way through the huge complex towards the waiting stables.

The students at the Volstrum were not allowed outside, but the staff and servants suffered no such restriction. In addition, a myriad of merchants and other suppliers brought goods to the structure, necessitating a place of business. Though referred to as the stables, it was more than just that, as it also doubled as a loading dock, and on occasions such as this, as a receiving area. It was towards this very place that Natalia now strode.