The council attendant leads Valornor and the captive through Haven's southern gate, where two sentries admit them after a wary glance toward the western scrub.
Inside the guarded council chamber, Councilors Brinna Stonebraid and Elian Vey wait beside a long table. The iron case rests upon it, unopened, while armed guards watch the doors.
Councilor Brinna Stonebraid
Give us the account from the western wall onward. What contacted Haven, and why was this woman being dragged toward our ravine?
Councilor Elian Vey
Bar the doors. No one enters from the ravine without challenge, not goblin, warg, or any companion who follows their trail.
The guards lower heavy crossbars into their brackets. The council attendant remains near the captive, while the captive keeps one mud-stained hand close to her hidden belt pocket.
the captive
The raiders wanted the case. They called its contents a key, and meant to trade both me and it to someone waiting west of the ravine.
Councilor Elian Vey
Then place the case where all may see it, but do not open it. Ranger, we will hear your findings before anyone touches that seal.
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep the case unopened
“He tells them of what took place at The Keep on the Borderlands. Concerning the same glowing violet evil corrupting explosive power.”
SUCCESS (Great Reasoning, rolled -3)
Valornor Gladewarder
At the Keep on the Borderlands, a violet fissure opened beneath the gatehouse. It was not a ward, but a conduit feeding something hungry below.
Valornor recounts the breach, Harlen's ritual, the guards turning against him, and the Keep vanishing beneath a spreading violet void. He leaves out the raiders and the captive's trail.
Valornor Gladewarder
The power was explosive and corrupting. When the seal failed, the entire fortress became a dying ember. What you carry bears the same stain.
Councilor Brinna Stonebraid
You are saying this broken seal is related to the force that destroyed the Keep, not merely similar in color.
Councilor Elian Vey
Then your testimony changes the matter. The case remains closed, but it will not leave this chamber.
The council listens in hard silence. Speaking has cost Valornor the last of his reserve, leaving his throat raw and his account exposed to Haven's suspicion.
Councilor Brinna Stonebraid
We believe you, ranger. Now tell us whether the violet power followed you here, or whether Haven has summoned it anew.
Quest Complete
Escort both companions back to Haven
Skill Upgrade: Stealth Great→Superb
Quest Complete
Keep the case unopened