Welcome to Cove

“Ex Por.”

A spark of light flung itself from Veldrin’s fingertips toward the cell door. The lock sprang open with a loud metallic clunk, coughing out a puff of dust.

Effectively, the former Corporal was free.

Imprisoned for ‘murdering’ the Baron’s worthless dog, surely only torture and very possibly execution awaited her. The thought of a trial for an elf was laughable, particularly when the Baronship considered elves more animal than people, or worse, servants of the Guardian. Death was a high price to pay for such a petty crime, but such was the curse of her polluted blood. Not human and not drow either, Veldrin enjoyed the combined revulsion of both her peoples. To the Baron, she was nothing. To Sir Hugo, she was kindling. It amused them both to see her suffer, and for that they barely needed any reason.

But if the Baron truly though she had killed his hound, then he had all the reason he needed to throw a rousing public execution to unite the spirit of his people. Of course, she had killed dogs before. Horses, humans, dragons—her career with Cove was as lengthy as it was bloody.

But she hadn’t slain that stupid dog, so now Veldrin was furious. Had she been framed? Or was the Baron simply lazy, taking the opportunity to remove a lasting stain to Cove’s reputation?

They didn’t take your regs?! Shadwell. So observant.

Of course they hadn’t. Gimbly had shown Veldrin to her new home, and unfortunately the Grenadiers were more brawn than brains.

Veldrin could escape her fate now. Her violet eyes followed the flickering shadow of the bars against the light of the lantern in the corridor. There was a door outside just around the corner. The cell was unlocked. She could walk out at any time and save her own hide. She could even go to Vesper, or Trinsic, and give their leaders powerful information against Cove to avenge her disgrace.

“An Por.”

Another cough of dust. Another clang. The cell door was locked again. Just then, the Watchman guarding the cell had stumbled back in from outside, still doing up his trousers as he yawned. Imbecile.

“Oi, drow!” He rapped his gauntlet against the cell door. Veldrin bared her teeth and clenched a fist. “Stop bangin’ around in there! Why doncha cuddle up with Jules! I bet she’s lonely!” He bellowed a laugh as he sauntered back to his post at the table across the hall.

Veldrin glared at the dessicated skeleton lying amidst the hay and dirt in on the cell floor.

“I am still your superior, fool,” she hissed.

“Riight, of course… ma’am’.” At the sound of more laughter, the half-elf ground her teeth.

Cove had betrayed her. No one had risen her defense. Not a single word vouching for her honor, not even from the Arcanists. But leaving her cell now, and reducing that stinking Watchman to a pile of smoking cinders would unify Cove against her permanently. It was too great a risk. She still had something to lose… and possibly, something to gain.

Veldrin's fingertips brushed her insignia, marking her as a senior guardsman.

There was still a way out of this. There was still the Arcanist squad. Veldrin thought of Elizabeth Martin and the mage tower. If she played her cards carefully, she could walk away from this and keep her military badge. Treachery against Cove was far from her mind. Her friends were few, but she wasn't out of options yet.