Boots strike the courtyard stones as a mercenary captain enters under the keep wall, armor dull with travel dust. He stops short, taking in the freed prisoner, the hedge wizard, and Grunion with a soldier’s flat stare.
The Mercenary Captain
You there. Explain why this courtyard is being turned into a private brawl.
The hedge wizard shifts half a step back, measuring the new blade of attention. The prisoner stays rigid, rope still biting at his neck and hands bound behind him.
The Hedge Wizard
A misunderstanding, captain. A lawful correction, if you prefer tidy words.
Grunion stands between spilled gear and open stone, the alchemist’s kit at his side. The captain’s gaze flicks once to the broken order of the scene, then settles on Grunion as if weighing who here seems most worth listening to.
The Mercenary Captain
I dislike messes, and I dislike lies more. Start with the truth, and keep it brief.
✓ Quest Accepted
Protect the alchemy kit
“Point to the wizard and accuse him of kidnapping this man.”
SUCCESS (Fair Persuasion, rolled -1)
Grunion points at the hedge wizard. The captain’s eyes follow the gesture, then harden as the meaning lands in place.
Grunion
He took that man captive.
The wizard flinches at the blunt word, and a pinch of reactive powder slips from his sleeve to the stones.
The Mercenary Captain
Kidnapping, then. I thought as much.
The Hedge Wizard
Captain, this is crude theater. I had lawful cause.
The captain’s hand leaves his hilt. The freed space between him and the wizard grows tense, and the prisoner watches both men with a quick, uncertain breath.
The Mercenary Captain
Then give your cause, and make it convincing.
Drive off the mercenary captain
Quest Complete
Protect the alchemy kit