The group of wannabe bandits takes one look at the angry princess with mystical energy coiling in her hands and flee into the forest.

The merchant turns to you and bows "Thank you for your timely assistance, those bandits were more than a mere merchant could handle" he said.

"It is fine, we are in quite the hurry," Epineh said.

"I see well, please let me thank you" the merchant said his hair was almost silvery in colour but he seemed young, his companion was a young women with brown hair who eyed the group with a lively interest,

"Please take this as thanks" he said offering a small box.

"Thank you," Epineh said taking it. "I wish you good travel."

"You too, your ladyship" The merchant said as he got his wagon  moving again.

Epineh urged her horse on.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:09, Tue 19 July 2022.

The group makes good time and as the sun begins to set the familiar landscape surrounding the capital has begun to appear.

Epineh's shoulders slumped.

"Thank the gods..."

"Do we press on highness?" Alisha asked "we are still a few hours from the capital."

"Yes, we need to," Epineh said.

The sun dipped and soon Alisha had produced and lit a torch to provide some light as the group rides on, the walls of the capital come into sight.

With her Dark vision Epineh spots a group of horse men riding in the groups direction.

Epineh waved to the men.

The men spread out "Halt in the name of the Regent Duke Aston!" they called out.

Epineh stopped her horse.

"Excuse me?" she asked.

"The Duke has taken the Prince under his protection after the Princess, murdered her parents and tried to sieze the throne when the tournament did not go as she wished" the lead rider said "under his authority all travellers approaching the capital are to be checked and questioned to ensure no rebels slip in"

"I-I-I...," Epineh was so shocked she couldn't speak straight.

Alisha growled in anger and reached for her blade, behind her Epineh heard Bethany gasp in shock and the patrol advanced closer.

The lead riders eyescbegan to widen in recognition, and his hand reached for his weapon.

(ooc: Init roll)

"It's a lie! It's a lie!"

(OOC: Epineh Alena Grimmory Ashmore rolled 7 using 1d20)

The four guards spread out 2 draw swords and charge forward Alisha meets one with a ringing clash of steel, the other charges Epineh.

He slashes at the princess but the blow goes wide.

(OOC: Go)

Epineh cast a magic missile at the guard.

(OOC: Damage - Epineh Alena Grimmory Ashmore rolled 11 using 3d4+3)

The magic darts crash into the guard almost lifting him out of the saddle, but he hangs on grimly only to grunt in surprise as a Bethany throws a fire bolt I to his chest, and the guard slowly topples from his mount.

The two guards that had hung back drew bows and fired at Epineh, one arrow goes wide but the other strikes home.

(OOC: 6 dmg to Epineh)

The fight between Alisha and the other guard continues with an exchange of blows that sees one of the guards arms hanging uselessly at his side.

(OOC: You're up)

"Flee! We don't wish to kill, based on the lies of a traitor," Epineh said.

(OOC: Epineh Alena Grimmory Ashmore rolled 15 using 1d20+5)

The guards look uncertainly at each other and loweed their weapons, but didn't move aside.

"What proof do you have?" The self appointed leader asks Epineh.

"Why would I do that?" Epineh asked.

"To take power for yourself" the guard said "you wanted that Knight to win, you lost your temper when he lost"