The warrant is signed, the wax still soft. Magistrate Hauer snaps the parchment into a locked dispatch case as the Canon lunges across the table, reaching for the seal.
Frieda steps in fast, cutting between them and the case. The messenger holds back near the door, ready to run at the first clear opening.
The Canon
This stays here. By bishop and church, I forbid its sending.
Magistrate Hauer
You forbid nothing in this hall. Stand down, canon.
Frieda
The warrant goes out now.
The clerk presses the case shut while Hauer signals sharply. The messenger snatches the sealed packet and backs toward the exit as the Canon tries once more to bar the way, too late by a heartbeat.
✓ Quest Accepted
Protect the sealed warrant
“"I warn you, Canon, attempt no violence here. Such would be an act of treason, and the Magistrate would be justified to place you under arrest."”
SUCCESS (Great Oratory, rolled +2)
Frieda’s warning lands cleanly. The canon freezes with his hand half-raised, and the magistrate’s bench creaks as Hauer straightens in full view of the hall.
Magistrate Hauer
You hear her. Any violence here is treason against this court.
The Canon
He swallows hard, then lowers his arm, fury giving way to caution.
The messenger tightens his grip on the sealed packet, waiting for the smallest opening. The clerk keeps one careful palm on the dispatch case, eyes never leaving the seal.
The Clerk
It is registered, sealed, and witnessed. No churchman will unmake that with a shout.
The Messenger
Then I carry it as the court ordered.
The canon withdraws a step, jaw clenched, and the tension in the hall breaks into a strained silence.
The Canon
This is not finished.
Hauer sets a steady hand on the locked case, his voice quieter now. For the first time, the room feels less like a trap and more like a lawful chamber.
Quest Complete
Protect the sealed warrant