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The envoy lifts his voice so everyone in the hall can hear.

“Lord Varrus asks that you accept this consecrated weapon as recognition of the strength for which House Morwen’thir was once renowned.”

Once.

Joran’s hand settles near the hilt of his sword.

Sarveth gives no outward reaction. Her attention rests on me.

The envoy expects anger. Varrus would welcome refusal, because refusal could be carried to Orthani as proof that I reject the Warrior’s blessing. Acceptance without an answer would allow the insult to stand.

I descend one step from the dais and inspect the axe.

The workmanship is excellent. Varrus has invested heavily in his contempt.

“Your lord is generous,” I say.

The envoy’s eyes brighten with satisfaction. “He will be pleased that you understand his intention.”

“I understand it fully.”

I place my right hand on the crimson leather. The house ring touches the haft, and chaos magic stirs beneath the consecration mark.

“A weapon of this value is no common gift,” I continue. “It is a tithe worthy of a subordinate house.”

The envoy’s satisfaction vanishes.

No one moves.

I lift the axe from its stand. It is balanced for ceremonial display rather than battle, but the weight is sound.

“House Morwen’thir accepts Lord Varrus’s tithe,” I announce. “Let the record show that he has honored the authority guarding the northern pass.”

The great hall seems to contract around the envoy.

“My lord did not describe it as a tithe.”

“Then you may correct his oversight when you return.”

“It was sent as a gesture between equals.”

“An equal offers counsel, alliance, or trade. A lord who sends consecrated arms into another lord’s domain acknowledges that domain’s command.”

“That is not our custom.”

“It is now the recorded interpretation of this hall.”

I turn toward Sarveth. “Enter the axe among the winter tithes. Include its materials, weight, consecration, and the name of the house that surrendered it.”

“Yes, my lord.”

The envoy looks from her to the guards.

Every witness will remember the exchange. By spring, so will half the Khuzuth court.

“My lord Varrus may dispute your account,” he says.

“He may send a formal petition to King Rython Vatoris. The king can then decide why a noble house delivered Warrior-consecrated steel to the ruler of a strategic territory without demanding payment.”