Rain hammers the courtyard stones as the gate begins to sink. The winch groans above, and the messenger looks from Frieda to the closing arch, pale with alarm.
Frieda
The gate is being shut on purpose.
Behind the bars, the Canon's men push into view. The winch-man keeps his hand on the brake rope, waiting for their order.
Frieda steps forward with the Imperial packet raised high, rain running from her sleeve. The nearby guards hesitate, watching her seal and the men beyond the gate.
Frieda
Open the gate. This evidence goes to the court, and no bishop's man bars it.
The Winch-Man
I... I need the magistrate's word.
At Frieda's side, the messenger thrusts the packet closer to the guards as if it might burn him. The brake rope slackens, just a little, while the Canon's men press harder from outside.
✓ Quest Accepted
Force the magistrate's gate open
✓ Quest Accepted
Escape Schweinfurt
“"I bear his authority!" She shows the seal.”
FAILURE (Legendary Willpower, rolled -4)
Frieda
I bear his authority.
Frieda lifts the sealed packet higher into the rain, turning it so the red wax faces the winch-platform. The imperial mark gleams for one stark second, then beads of water blur it.
The Winch-Man
That seal... I still need the magistrate's word.
His grip stays on the brake rope. The gate does not rise, but it stops sinking for a breath, shuddering under strain.
Guard One
If Hauer sees this, he will call it witness. If he does not...
“She raises her spear. "Open the gate now, or I will have to climb over your body and soil my nice vestments."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +3)
Frieda
Open the gate now, or I climb over your body and soil my vestments.
Frieda drives the spear haft up under the winch platform, not striking, just making the point with cold precision. Rain runs off the blade and down the stone, and the words land harder than steel.
The Winch-Man
He freezes, staring at the spear point, then at the seal in Frieda's other hand.
Guard One
Hauer will want the gate witnesses intact. If you keep lowering it, you answer for the bruises.
The winch-man gives a sharp, frightened nod. He hauls the brake rope free by a handspan, and the heavy gate shudders upward with a groan of iron.
Guard Two
Hold there. Let her through.
Water sheets from the rising grille, opening a narrow mouth to the street beyond. The clerk's torn pages cling to the threshold, and the gap is just wide enough for Frieda to take it.
Quest Complete
Force the magistrate's gate open
New Gift: Gate Breaker