Hammerstein Castle stands hard against the Rhine wind, its stone yard dim under late light. Frieda waits with her cross at her breast and her pack ready, the road beyond the gate full of mud and rumor.
Father Heimdal takes her hands in both of his. His old face is lined, but his grip is steady.
Father Heimdal
The Lord go with you, child. Trust in Him when the road turns dark.
Frieda bows her head as the words settle over her like a blessing and a burden.
Sir Karl
And your strong right arm will serve you well too.
Sir Karl leans near, young and bright in his mail, trying for a smile that does not quite hide his worry. He watches Frieda as if measuring the length of the journey with her.
Father Heimdal
Waldenhof will test more than your learning. Find what is true, and do not let fear name it for you.
The yard falls quiet around them. Beyond the gate, the road to Waldenhof waits in the cold air, and Sir Karl is still looking to Frieda for her answer.
✓ Quest Accepted
Reach Waldenhof
✓ Quest Accepted
Investigate the priest’s death
“To relieve the tension, she jokes, "Shall I bring back some souvenirs? A nice, tanned werewolf hide, perhaps?"”
SUCCESS (Fair Oratory, rolled +2)
Frieda
Shall I bring back some souvenirs? A nice, tanned werewolf hide, perhaps?
Sir Karl
Ha. If you do, leave the teeth on. I would like proof you did not borrow it from a butcher.
Father Heimdal
Better you bring back your own wits intact, child, but I confess the image is a lively one.
Sir Karl snorts into his beard, then laughs for real. The tightness in his shoulders loosens at once.
Father Heimdal lets Frieda's hands go and makes a small sign of blessing over the road, the corners of his mouth easing.
Sir Karl
If there is any werewolf at all, bring me news instead. That would be worth more than fur.
Father Heimdal
And if there is only mud and rumor, bring that too. Truth is no less useful for being plain.
The yard feels less like a farewell now, more like the start of a hard jest shared among allies.
“Blinking back tears at the departure from her friends, she begins her journey. She has not gone many miles before she grumbles, "Could they not at least have given me a horse? Well, they are expensive, and I'm not a knight. Chaplains just don't rate."”
SUCCESS (Good Agility, rolled +4)