Mara steps through the stone arch first. Before the ward can close, she seizes Felix's sleeve and pulls him onto the southern trail as the unseen pursuer reaches the riverbank behind them.
The arch collapses into the river with a thunderous crack. Mara keeps moving until the roar fades, then stops beneath leaning stones while the trail climbs through black pines.
Mara Vey
My honest answer cannot wait, Felix. The silver summons is tied to my former employer, and he believes I still carry something I stole.
Mara Vey
I do not have the thing now. I hid its location before I escaped, and the pursuer followed me because it knows I am the one who can lead it there.
Behind them, the river gives a final shudder. Across the water, darkness gathers at the sealed ward, but no shape crosses after them.
Mara Vey
His name is Varek Dhal. He hires blades, collectors, and worse, and he will not stop while that location remains hidden. We need a defensible route before we choose where to go.
Mara Vey
You wanted truth, Felix. Now you have enough to decide whether your bargain with me ends here, or whether we find shelter before the summons catches up.
✓ Quest Accepted
Find shelter with Mara
Felix Kov leaves the southern trail behind and arrives at a nearby village.
“"Well I guess that does explain why your bounty was as high as it was and right now whatever that thing that was following us must think I'm with you. So whether I wish it or not I'm with you now... and if I'm a part of this I will need your help with something but that'll be in the future." Then Felix points to the trail that they are on "Now if we are on the southern trail we should reach a nearby village in an hour or so."”
SUCCESS (Fair Agility, rolled +1)
An hour later, the southern trail spills into a riverside village of steep roofs and whitewashed walls. Felix and Mara arrive before dusk, with the gate unbarred and smoke rising peacefully from chimney pots.
Felix Kov
That explains why your bounty was so high. Whatever was following us must think I am with you, so whether I wished it or not, I am with you now. If I am part of this, I will need your help with something later.
Felix Kov
For now, if this is the southern trail, we should reach a nearby village in an hour or so.
Mara studies him, then the quiet road behind them. At the gate, two watchmen lower their spears and wave them through after recognizing the traveler's road dust and Mara's armed silhouette.
Mara Vey
Then we are allies for as long as necessity permits. I will help when the time comes, provided your request does not place a blade at my throat.
Village Watch
The Lantern Rest has a rear room ready. Take it before the road fills, and keep your troubles quiet inside the walls.
Beyond the gate, Felix spots a silver coin nailed to the village noticeboard, its scratched crown turned toward the road. Yet the innkeeper's lantern burns bright, and the watch has given them shelter before nightfall.
Quest Complete
Find shelter with Mara