Campaign: “A New Development”
Episode 16: Crossing Blades
April 14, 2025
Korrin Vale moved swiftly. The blade left its sheath in a whisper of steel—striking fast, low, meant to surprise. A clean strike, aimed for the kill.
Szelden didn’t even flinch.
Her dagger flicked into view in the blink of an eye, parrying the strike with ease. Save the show
she whispered, amused. The guild will want a front-row seat.
The remark lit a fire in him. He lashed out again—harder, faster.
Szelden danced backward, her cloak twisting with each sidestep. Her whisper followed every failed blow. Wild
she said. Unfocused.
Sloppy.
Then—steel kissed flesh.
Szelden’s blade opened a red line along Korrin’s side. The pain was instant, hot and deep.
He gritted his teeth and struck back—this time landing a sharp cut across her shoulder. Szelden hissed and staggered, her footing broken for just a breath.
They locked eyes. For a heartbeat, neither moved. Her expression darkened—not with pain, but approval.
So you do have teeth
she muttered.
Then her gaze shifted. Her voice, now cold and sharp—
Finish him.
From the corridor behind her, armored boots thundered against stone. A squad of orcs marched into the chamber—hulking brutes with jagged blades, flanked by goblins, eyes gleaming with malice. They moved like a unit, purposeful and unflinching.
Korrin stepped back, blood dripping from his side. His hand tightened on the hilt. The air had changed.
Szelden stood still, her silhouette framed by torchlight. Her power, no longer rumor or mystery, filled the room like smoke.
Korrin stood surrounded. Outnumbered. Outplayed.
There would be no turning back.
Not now.