You are a Sorceress

[IsabellaRose]

The accusation rings out, echoing in the ruined hall. You stand tall, dressed not in a flowing gown of silver and white, the fabric shimmering like frost under the faint light streaming in through shattered windows. The gown is elegant and regal, whispering around your legs like mist. In your hand, you grip a slender staff of polished white wood, its tip crowned with a crystal that pulses faintly with a cool inner light. Your white hair cascades down over the gown in waves.

Behind you lies the body of King Valoryn, his blood pooling around him, staining the steps of the throne. The ornate crown lies beside him, heavy with jewels and the weight of power. You feel a pang of grief at his death and the rumors that have long surrounded the two of you rise in your mind, that you were more than just a royal advisor, that you were lovers. Obviously this knight believes that you have betrayed his king.

The knight before you stands tall, his armor gleaming with the golden lion of House Edrington. His expression is fierce, his gaze burning with conviction. He has seen much death today, and he is ready to deliver more.

"Admit it," he growls, pointing his sword at you. "You used your dark magic to orchestrate this chaos, to tear down House Valoryn from within. But your deceit ends here."

You take a measured breath, carefully keeping your expression neutral. You are indeed a sorceress, that much is common knowledge. House Valoryn has fallen. Your role in causing or fighting that is unknown to any but the dead king, but secrets have a way of being unearthed.

Your mind races as you consider your options. You could deny the knight’s accusations and claim your loyalty to the fallen king. You could sway him to your side, rallying the remaining forces to secure the castle and rebuild the kingdom.

You could use your sorcerous power to intimidate the knight into submission. It would be a dangerous gamble, possibly even seen as an admission of guilt, but if successful, it would make clear that you are not to be trifled with.

Or you could seize the initiative and strike first, using your magic to subdue or kill the knight. Without him to spread his accusations, you might be able to solidify a claim to power before anyone else can act.

The weight of the decision presses down on you, heavy and suffocating.

• If you deny his accusations, claim loyalty to House Valoryn, and rally the remaining forces to rebuild the kingdom, click here. <link forthcoming>
• If you use your sorcerous power to intimidate the knight into submission, showing him that you are not to be trifled with, click here. <link forthcoming>
• If you use your magic to strike first, subduing or killing the knight to silence his accusations and solidify your claim to power, click here. <link forthcoming>