The proof lies spread across a travel chest: Maelor’s sealed orders, Jorren’s marked dispatch, and the roster of Veldemarke veterans. Sanbreque dragoons and the Veldemarke escort face one another in opposing lines, weapons lowered.
Nearby, Lord Maelor Vey remains restrained between two dragoons, his wrists bound and his weathered face rigid. Veyra stands beside the chest, ready to identify every seal and alteration.
Caspian
Read each order aloud, beginning with the one bearing Maelor’s hidden mark. Let both kingdoms hear the words before anyone assigns blame.
Caspian gestures to the nearest Sanbreque dragoon, who lifts the first parchment without crossing the space between the lines. The opposing soldiers remain tense, but no hand reaches for steel.
Veyra
That is Maelor’s cipher beneath the wax. The order directs Jorren to burn Sanbreque villages, then stage the evidence as proof of Sanbreque aggression.
Lord Maelor Vey
The cipher proves only that the order passed through my command. It does not prove Jorren obeyed it, nor that Veldemarke’s crown sanctioned this operation.
Caspian
Then we read the next order. If Jorren’s role and the false Sanbreque colors appear together, neither kingdom can honestly call the other the aggressor.
✓ Quest Accepted
Establish a shared account of Maelor's rogue plot
“Betram tells Maelor that he already found Jorren and forced his retreat back at the abandoned tower. Jorren is already fleeing and will not be here to vouch for Lord Maelor.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Betram Steelstream
I already found Jorren at the abandoned tower and forced his retreat. He is fleeing, Maelor. He will not come here to vouch for you.
Betram’s statement cuts through the pass with quiet certainty. Maelor’s rigid expression tightens as both lines of soldiers absorb the missing commander’s absence and the firsthand account.
Lord Maelor Vey
You confronted Jorren yourself? Then he cannot stand beside me and deny your account. But retreat does not prove he acted under my command.
Veyra
It confirms the pattern. Jorren abandoned the tower after Betram forced him back, then left Maelor’s orders and false colors to carry the blame.
Caspian turns toward the Veldemarke escort, his voice carrying across the lowered weapons. The Sanbreque dragoons keep Maelor secured while Veyra places the marked dispatch beside the roster.
Caspian
Then we record Betram’s testimony beside the orders. Jorren’s flight removes his defense, but the documents will determine whether Maelor’s command is proven.
“Betram asks, "What of the ambush waiting at the watchtower ahead? Should I try to capture the fake dragoons, and bring them to testify? An assassination attempt against their own prince is a serious charge." He tightens his grip on his spear. He doesn't like knowing they are still waiting up ahaead.”
Betram Steelstream
What of the ambush waiting at the watchtower ahead? Should I capture the fake dragoons and bring them to testify? An attempt on their own prince is a serious charge.
Betram tightens his grip on the spear. Across the pass, both lines remain still, while the watchtower stands beyond the eastern road with its hidden attackers awaiting a prince who will not come.
Caspian
Yes. Capture them if you can, and bring them here alive. Their testimony will show how Jorren meant to turn my death into a declaration of war.
Veyra
The false dragoons are waiting for Caspian’s arrival, not expecting him to remain in this pass. You can reach the tower before they understand the trap has failed.
Caspian signals his escort to hold the pass while the Sanbreque dragoons keep Maelor secured. The opposing lines open a clear path toward the watchtower, weapons still lowered.
Lord Maelor Vey
Take them alive, and their testimony may establish Jorren’s deception beyond dispute. Kill them, and he will call their silence proof of Sanbreque’s guilt.
Caspian
Go, Betram. Bring the ambushers back, and we will place their words beside the orders before both kingdoms. Let this end with proof, not another grave.
The route to the abandoned watchtower lies open. Behind Betram, the gathered soldiers hold their peace while Caspian, Veyra, and Maelor remain as witnesses to the charge.
✓ Quest Accepted
Capture the false dragoons and bring them to testify
− Scene Quest Removed
Establish a shared account of Maelor's rogue plot
“Betram nods to Caspian. "It shall be done, Caspian. I will not fail you, old friend." He turns and marches toward the watchtower with determination.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +0)
Betram Steelstream
It shall be done, Caspian. I will not fail you, old friend.
Betram nods to Caspian, then turns from the gathered lines and marches east. His spear remains lowered, his pace swift and deliberate beneath the paling sky.
The abandoned watchtower rises from the black crags ahead, its broken crown stark against the dawn. Betram reaches its outer stones without a challenge from the silent pass.
Within the tower yard, four disguised soldiers wait beside a covered signal brazier. Their Sanbreque colors are carefully worn, but mismatched buckles and Veldemarke blades betray the deception.
False dragoons
The prince is not coming. Hold the tower and watch the road.
Betram steps into the open yard, placing himself between the false dragoons and the road behind him. The ambushers turn sharply, their hands moving toward weapons as they recognize the approaching Dominant.
“Betram gives them no opportunity. He makes his Dragoom leap high into the air and drops down fast with his spear. Creating a Shockwave to knock them down on impact.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Melee Weapons, rolled +0)
Betram drives into a dragoon leap, clearing the tower yard in one astonishing bound. His spear points down as he folds into a rapid descent above the four disguised soldiers.
The spear strikes the packed earth between them with a thunderous crack. A circular shockwave bursts outward, flinging all four false dragoons off their feet and scattering their drawn weapons across the yard.
Dust rolls through the broken tower stones. The covered brazier rocks but remains unlit, while the four soldiers lie stunned and disarmed, their false colors twisted beneath them.
Betram rises from the impact with his spear in hand. The landing jars his legs and leaves the earth split beneath his boots, but his aim has spared every life.
False dragoon 1
Do not strike again. We yield.
The other three raise empty hands from the rubble. Four would-be assassins remain alive, helpless before Betram, and the tower’s signal stays silent.
“"You are wise to surrender. You will testify before Prince Caspian of your betrayal and of Ser Jorren and Lord Maelor's involvement. The prince is waiting down in the pass. March and you will keep your lives."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Betram Steelstream
You are wise to surrender. You will testify before Prince Caspian of your betrayal and of Ser Jorren and Lord Maelor's involvement. The prince is waiting down in the pass. March and you will keep your lives.
The four disguised soldiers exchange wary looks amid the dust. Their scattered weapons remain untouched, and Betram’s promise of survival gives their surrender a clear path forward.
False dragoon 1
We will march. I will tell the prince what Jorren ordered, and how Maelor’s command reached us.
The false dragoon beside the brazier gathers his fallen blade but holds it by the dull side, then steps toward the tower gate with both hands visible.
False dragoon 3
No tricks. We go together, and we speak before Caspian as you command.
The remaining soldiers retrieve nothing more. They fall into a subdued file behind Betram, leaving the silent brazier and abandoned tower as evidence of the failed ambush.
Quest Complete
Capture the false dragoons and bring them to testify
Skill Upgrade: Athletics Superb→Legendary