Two wardens escort Mando, Liora, and Tomas through the gatehouse while the caravan guards, child, and teams remain outside beneath watchful spears. Dusty ledgers crowd a narrow guardroom, their pages marked with faded trade seals.
Settlement Wardens
You will account for every ingot, vessel, and weapon before the gate opens fully. The caravan remains where we can see it.
The tallest warden sets a ledger on the table and points to an ancient mark copied beside the settlement's own seal. Liora remains standing, while Tomas carefully unrolls their inventory.
Liora Venn
We answer plainly, and we do not surrender what belongs to my house merely because frightened officials demand it. But suspicion must not become our first quarrel.
Tomas
The ledgers show what we found, where it remained sealed, and what we carried out. The marks may prove older than this settlement's charter.
Beyond the thin door, a spear butt strikes stone as the wardens' fellows shift around the wagons. Inside, lamplight catches dust above the ledgers and leaves the room close with waiting.
Liora Venn
Mando, this is where an ally differs from a hired blade. If they press us, will you stand as my house's defender, or answer only to your own judgment?
Settlement Wardens
Answer that, warrior. Then we will hear the accounting.
The room falls silent. Liora holds Mando's gaze, Tomas keeps one hand on the open inventory, and the wardens wait beside the barred door for his answer.
“While I may give my opinions and observations, I stand by your decisions.”
SUCCESS (Fair Willpower, rolled +0)
Mando Shunkar
I will offer my opinions and observations plainly. But I stand by your decisions, Liora.
Mando keeps his voice even, though the vow costs him a visible pause. His fingers tighten around the halberd shaft before he deliberately loosens them.
Liora Venn
Then I know where you stand. Speak when judgment needs a warrior’s eye, and trust me to bear the consequence of choosing.
The strain leaves Mando’s composure briefly thin; the admission of trust exposes more of him than any battlefield oath. Liora answers without exploiting the weakness.
Tomas
That gives us a clear account, wardens. Mando advises, Mother decides, and our records show exactly what we carried.
Settlement Wardens
Then the accounting may continue. The caravan remains under guard, but your answer is accepted.
Quest Complete
Reach the settlement
Attribute Upgrade: Willpower Fair→Good