Frieda bursts from the trees at the village edge, lungs burning. Ahead, Waldenhof’s gate stands shut, and beyond it the square stirs with six mounted men dismounting in a tight knot.
A guard with a red scarf blocks the gate, one hand on his sword. His stare catches Frieda at once, sharp and wary.
Ulrich
Hold there. The village is closed to strangers.
Near the square, the riders fan out as if measuring the yard. One of them turns his helm toward the priest’s house, not the inn.
Frieda
I am Frieda of the Templar Order. I come for the dead priest.
Ulrich
Then you come too late, or just in time. Those men asked after Father Gerwin before they ever tied their horses.
The gate latch remains barred, but the guard’s glance flicks to the square, then back to Frieda. Inside, the riders are already speaking to the villagers.
“"What do they want with a corpse? The Church has assigned me to care for him, and he is not going anywhere until he is shriven."”
SUCCESS (Fair Theology, rolled +2)
Frieda
What do they want with a corpse? The Church has assigned me to care for him, and he is not going anywhere until he is shriven.
Ulrich
Then the priest’s door takes you, not the gate. If you speak true, I’ll not bar you myself.
He jerks the barred latch aside and swings the gate inward just enough for Frieda to pass. The square beyond tightens around the riders, who turn at once toward her words.
The Riders
You there, chaplain, where is Father Gerwin laid? We need the house, and the body too.
Ulrich
She is under holy charge. Mind your hands, and keep your swords low.
A villager near the well crosses herself and points, not to the church, but to a narrow lane behind it. The guard follows the gesture, then gives Frieda a grim, granting nod.
The gate stands open now, and the lane behind the church waits in view, half-hidden by timber walls and shadow.
Quest Complete
Reach Waldenhof
Attribute Upgrade: Willpower Good→Great