Adventure of Zentno 1

Zentno arrives at the river crossing beneath a gray, wind-torn sky. On the near bank, a timber frame rises above a bound prisoner while armed mercenaries test the rope.

The condemned person is still alive, boots scraping the muddy ground as the noose tightens and slackens. Beyond, the river carries broken reflections toward a stone bridge.

The mercenaries pivot as one, hands settling on sword hilts and spear shafts. The captain steps beneath the gallows, cloak snapping sharply in the river wind.

The rope creaks above the prisoner. The river drowns the muttered prayers of the onlookers, while every armed face remains fixed on Zentno.

Zentno slips behind a rain-darkened stack of bridge stones, his black hair vanishing beneath the broken shadows. The wind covers his passage, but one loose stone clatters into the mud.

Mercenaries glance toward the reeds and river shallows. Their search passes short of Zentno's cover, though Captain Veyra keeps one hand near her sword and studies the darkness.

From concealment, Zentno sees the prisoner clearly: wrists bound, face pale, boots dragging against the frame. The rope is adjusted while the onlookers fall silent.

The support gives way. The crowd recoils as the prisoner drops from sight beneath the frame, and the river wind carries the last strained sound away. Zentno remains unseen, but the stone's noise has put the mercenaries on watch.