During a welcome feast for the Northern Tribes' envoy, a formidable beast called a Flame Hound is presented as a challenge. The envoy taunts the Nord knights, claiming no man can tame it, and wagers two border cities if one succeeds. He mocks that failure will prove them cowards. The direct provocation and high-stakes dare immediately puts the knights' honor and territory on the line, leaving them to face the dangerous beast or accept public humiliation.