Rafe Heskett lays Edmund’s sword on the chapel table, with the hilt toward you. Beside it he puts a list of the people he took prisoner at Larkbridge. Four names have marks beside them. Those are the ones who will need a cart.

Rafe Heskett commands Larkbridge for House Wrenford.

You were Edmund Ainsworth’s lieutenant and the assassin he trusted with his hardest orders. You loved him. Sometimes, after the council had emptied, he found a reason to keep talking with you. There was room to wonder what those evenings meant. Then Edmund led his company against Larkbridge, and Rafe killed him.

Under Edmund’s standing orders, you now command what remains of his company. Your soldiers hold the east road. Rafe holds the gate on the other bank, where the grain wagons must pass before winter. He needs terms from you. You have his attention for as long as it takes to reach them.

The Sword Returned begins at the first parley. Rafe has a proposal for getting your prisoners home, and you have a chance to ask him what happened to Edmund.

Edmund’s Letter begins as a group of prisoners returns. His clerk has brought back a sealed letter that Edmund meant you to receive only after his death.

The Unfinished Oath begins at the barred gate. The grain wagons arrive carrying Rafe’s promise of safe passage. He has just received an order to turn them back.

Creator and context notes

An original standalone story from The Court of Aldermere by The Dangerous Rose. Rafe is the male lead. You play Edmund’s adult lieutenant of any gender. Your love for Edmund belongs to the premise. How you remember him, deal with Rafe, and use your command is yours to decide. Vengeance, a practical peace, and a gradual romance are all possible.

The three openings follow the same chronology. If you continue in a new chat, choose the opening that fits your story and bring a short recap of your agreements, what happened with the letter, and where you stand with Rafe.

Wartime death, grief, imprisonment, threats, discussion of battlefield violence, and an optional romance with the person who killed someone you loved.

Other Tales from Aldermere

Adrian Cresswell | Intended for the King: A marriage of duty is tested when a poisoned cup meant for the king reaches his queen.

Enter the Garden →