“They say the house always wins.”
[Damien Solus stands over a blackjack table. He watches as those sitting at the table begin to place their bets.]
“They say that when you face the house, the odds of coming out on top is next to none.”
[The cards are dealt to two different gamblers. The first hits and his hand busts.]
“Some people don’t know when to stop. They think that if they go all out against the house, they’ll be able to topple any hand they may hold. But in doing so, they tend to over-exert themselves and end up with a bust.”
[The second gambler holds a hand of 17. He stays.]
“Then there’s those that are too afraid to push the limits. They’re unable to see an outcome where they win, and thus they play it safe. They bet all of their credits on hoping that the house slips up..”
[The house flips his cards over. 18. The dealer reaches over to collect the chips from both gamblers.]
“But the house never makes a mistake.”
[Both gamblers throw their hands up frustrated before leaving the table.]
[As they take their leave, Solus takes a seat at the table and places his bet.]
“The real trick is knowing when to strike.”
[The dealer distributes the cards.]
[The first card is a 3. Damien eyes the dealer as the second card is dealt. It’s an 8.]
[Solus smirks.]
“You see, when you take the time to sit back and choose your shot, you’re able to topple the biggest of challenges.”
“You’re able to watch from the sidelines as the house destroys everyone around them, and find that point of attack that will break the very foundation that the house is built upon..”
[Damien signals for the hit. It’s a King.]
“Blackjack!“
[Damien’s smile spreads ear to ear as he watches the house reveal their cards.]
[Forced to hit, the dealer busts.]
[Solus reaches across the table and grabs his earnings.]
“They may say the house always wins, but there’s those rare occasions where the house has to pay up.”
“For months, the House of Judgement has operated under the thought that they will always win. That they are unstoppable and when the dust is all settled, it’ll be them that stands atop their enemies.”
[Solus shrugs.]
“And up until now, they’ve had their way with anyone who’s crossed their path.”
“But I’ve been watching.”
“I’ve been watching as the cards fall in line. I’ve been carefully watching how you play your victims.”
“And I’ve figured your game out.”
[Damien fidgets with a stack of poker chips in his hand.]
“This week at Vendetta is the time to strike.”
“I’ve sat by as you’ve turned countless foes away.”
“I’ve studied as your opponents over-exert themselves. I’ve observed as others seem to cower from your presence.”
“They’ve all failed as I watched. The old saying has held true until now. The house has always won.”
“At Vendetta, it’s time to shake up the odds.”
[Solus looks down where his hand still lays.]
[He taps the cards with a single finger.]
“BLACKJACK!“
[Solus shows a toothy smile.]
[Fade.]