Before Kei can leave the eastern post, hoofbeats and hurried footfalls approach through the open gate. A tall, muscular young man enters, rain darkening his samurai layers and light-blue coils.
Azad’s broad shoulders remain squared despite bruises across his knuckles and a torn sleeve. His disciplined bearing carries the aftermath of a close roadside struggle.
Azad
The patrol was redirected toward the village center. The order bore the same crane mark.
The broad infiltrator stiffens between the two freed watchmen. His eyes fix on Azad, and his bound hands pull once against the cords.
the broad infiltrator
You were not supposed to reach the gate. The road patrol was meant to hold you outside.
Azad
Four men tried. They had discipline, but not enough of it.
Sadao studies Azad’s bruised hands, then the wax tablet fragments in Kei’s grasp. Behind them, the empty platform creaks as another bell rolls from the village center.
✓ Quest Accepted
Identify the official who forged the crane-marked command