Water, sand, and wet cloaks smother the chapel-yard fires. The village reeve keeps watch over bound Hadrik beneath the chapel wall, while six dragoons, adult men and women in mud-streaked charcoal coats, leather armor, and riding boots guard the villagers, weary adult men and women in torn, ash-dusted earth-tone clothes and ruined homes.
Elric Vane checks two fresh mounts and fastens a sealed dispatch case to one saddle. The other six riders remain behind with the reeve, their spears turned toward the eastern fields.
A dark message-bird tumbles from the reddening sky and lands hard beside Betram, one wing bloodied. A leather tube hangs from its leg, marked with a broken wax seal.
Elric Vane
Carefully. If that came from the eastern road, it may tell us whether Jorren is retreating or laying another snare.
Inside the tube lies a torn strip of orders: “Proceed east by the ashwood route. The next village must burn before dawn.” A rough line of ink marks the road beyond the fields.
Hadrik Sorn
That route leads to the old watchtower. Jorren will use it to hide his men before they strike again.
Elric Vane
The trail is warm, but chasing it may shatter the delay Prince Caspian is buying. Betram, we can ride east now, or carry this proof to Oriflamme first.
✓ Quest Accepted
Prevent Ser Jorren from burning the next village
✓ Quest Accepted
Bring Ser Jorren's orders to Oriflamme
“Betram turns to Elric. "I cannot leave the area while Odin's dominant is still near. You take the proof to Oriflamme. I'll pursue Ser Jorren. I won't let him burn another village. I can do this captain."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +0)
Betram Steelstream
I cannot leave the area while Odin's Dominant is still near. You take the proof to Oriflamme. I will pursue Ser Jorren. I won't let him burn another village. I can do this, Captain.
Elric Vane
Then do it swiftly, Betram. I will carry the orders and Hadrik's confession to Oriflamme, and tell them Caspian's peace still depends on this proof.
Elric thrusts the eastern mount's reins into Betram's unmarked hand, then secures the dispatch case to his own saddle. The six remaining dragoons tighten their watch around the villagers.
Betram swings onto the fresh horse and launches across the ash-streaked fields. His dragoon training carries him over ditches and broken fences, following the marked ashwood route without losing speed.
Hadrik Sorn
The tower stands beyond the ashwood ridge! If Jorren has not moved, you will find his men there.
The old watchtower rises from the ridge ahead, its broken crown black against the red sky. Below it, a young adult man in scorched green brigandine stands among armed riders, his narrow face turned toward the approaching hoofbeats.
Betram reaches the tower’s foot before Ser Jorren can disappear into the ashwood. The raiders wheel toward him, while Jorren lifts one gloved hand and studies the lone Sanbreque dragoon.
+ New Item Acquired
Fresh Horse
“"Stand down, Ser Jorren, and you may yet live to return home." He looks to the raiders, hoping to convince them to abandon this cause. "You all stand before Bahamut. I will raze this entire hillside before I let you touch another Sanbreque village. Disperse and you may escape with your lives." He hops down from his horse and readies his spear.”
SUCCESS (Great Willpower, rolled +1)
Betram Steelstream
Stand down, Ser Jorren, and you may yet live to return home. You all stand before Bahamut. Disperse, and you may escape with your lives.
Betram drops from the saddle and plants his spear, his silver armor bright beneath the red sky. The raiders wheel uneasily, their confidence breaking as they measure the lone dragoon before them.
A pale radiance gathers across Betram’s armor, outlining the promise of Bahamut without consuming him. The hillside seems suddenly too small for the power he threatens to unleash.
Ser Jorren
Enough. Lower your weapons. We are not dying for a lie dressed as a war order.
The raiders obey. Spears dip, blades return to scabbards, and the riders turn their mounts toward the ashwood, abandoning the watchtower and the coming attack.
Ser Jorren
You have your victory, Dominant. I will take my men east and leave Sanbreque’s villages untouched. Do not mistake retreat for surrender.
Jorren follows his dispersing riders into the ashwood, leaving the hillside still and bloodless. Betram remains with spear ready as the last hoofbeats fade beyond the ridge.
Quest Complete
Prevent Ser Jorren from burning the next village
Skill Upgrade: Melee Weapons Great→Superb