The riders vanish beyond the wet fields. Before the prior can finish the monastery record, a weary middle-aged man, lean and narrow-faced with wind-chapped skin reaches the gate, bent beneath a patched brown cloak, with mud-streaked boots, a gray beard, and a pilgrim’s ash staff. He carries a leather satchel against his chest.
Tomas
Shelter, Prior, in Lathandor’s name. I am Tomas, a pilgrim from the western road. These letters were placed in my keeping by people who feared carrying them farther.
The prior unbars the wicket but keeps the main gate secured. Tomas enters, limping slightly, and sets three folded letters upon the writing board beside the opened royal writ.
Edric
You may have bread and a bed. But first, tell us why these letters were trusted to a stranger, and why one carries a signet already tied to a royal crime.
Tomas unfolds the first letter. Its wax bears the same unfamiliar private signet found beneath the broken seal, pressed deep into dark red wax. The second is addressed plainly: To Pepaw Stormheart, rightful son of the house.
Tomas
This one was given to me at a roadside shrine by a dying courier. He said your family name must reach you before your brother’s agents learn where the letter travels.
The prior does not touch the letters. He looks to Pepaw, then to the private signet, while Tomas waits beside the board with both hands visible and the monastery gate shut behind him.
✓ Quest Accepted
Protect Tomas from the conspirators
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure the pilgrim's letters