STEEL AND FLESH

THE SURVIVORS

Lord Mordian's slight reluctance gave way to a genuine smile as he agreed to Lord Barthine Loust's suggestion. "Very well, my friend. A game of Lactunrulli it is."

With a nod of approval Lord Barthine Loust led Lord Mordian up the palace, a less spacious and modest chamber within the palace.

The room was devoid of extravagant decorations, possessing a simple and functional design.

The walls were adorned with subdued tapestries depicting scenes of nature, and a few wooden shelves held unadorned books and scrolls.

In one corner of the chamber, a finely crafted wooden table awaited, its polished surface gleaming softly under the ambient light.

The chairs around the table were sturdy and unembellished, reflecting the utilitarian atmosphere of the space.

With both men inside Lord Barthine Loust gestured toward a finely crafted wooden table set up in a corner of the chamber.

The table bore the intricate markings of the Lactunrulli board, its concentric circles and radiating lines formi