The seal's dying shadow crawls over the stones, slips beneath the locked records-room door, and stops there. The jail guard keeps one hand on the inner gate.
the captive
That is the road. If it reaches the refugees first, the mark will summon the Ashen Host again.
The jail guard unlocks the records room and enters with a lantern. Dust trembles from the shelves as the shadow threads beneath his boots.
the jail guard
I found the eastern ledger. The marker lies beyond Blackreed Ford, and this route bears the exiled lord's household stamp.
He carries out a cracked leather volume. Beside the route, fresh red wax records a departure made three nights ago, under the lord's authority.
the exiled lord
My household used that road to move supplies. I did not authorize any summons, but someone carried my seal beyond the ford.
The guard remains behind to hold the mob and protect the prisoners. Erica, the captive, and the exiled lord stand together at the records-room threshold as the shadow begins moving again.
✓ Quest Accepted
Warn the eastern refugees
✓ Quest Accepted
Prevent the shadow from summoning the Ashen Host again
“I ask them simply if they know the quickest way to get to the refugees”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled -2)
Erica Blodgett
Do either of you know the quickest way to reach the refugees?
the captive
Yes. Take the old mill path from Blackreed Ford. It cuts through the reeds and reaches the eastern marker before the road does.
the exiled lord
The path is quickest, but my household guards once watched it. We can reach the ford by the postern trail, then follow the mill stones north.
The captive points to a faded route etched in the ledger's margin. The exiled lord's red signet flares as he names the trail, and the shadow recoils from its light.
the captive
Leave now. The mill path will bring you to the refugees fastest, if the marker has not already awakened.
the exiled lord
She has heard the quickest route. Now she will know whether I guide her toward rescue or toward my own buried crime.
The pact's black line deepens across Erica's scarred cheek, and the records-room lantern gutters low. The route is clear, but its remaining oil will not last through the marsh.
“Alright, I'll take the old mill path... but you need to prevent the mob outside from coming in. Focus on that, and I'll ensure the refugees are safe”
SUCCESS (Fair Survival, rolled -1)
Erica Blodgett
I’ll take the old mill path. Keep the mob outside, and I’ll make sure the refugees are safe.
the exiled lord
Go. I will hold the inner gate and answer for every seal bearing my authority.
the captive
I will guide you to Blackreed Ford. The mill stones begin behind the eastern wall.
The jail guard bars the entrance as Erica slips through the postern trail. Behind her, the exiled lord and captive brace the inner gate while the mob surges against it.
the jail guard
The gate holds, my lady. Go before the lantern dies.
Erica follows the old mill stones through whispering reeds, spending the lantern's last oil to cross the ford. Its flame gutters out, leaving her with only moonlight and the black mark's pulse.
She emerges beyond the eastern marker and reaches the refugees' three wagons, clustered beneath a leaning ash tree. Their lanterns burn low, but the people are alive, and Erica is there before the seal can summon anything.
Quest Complete
Prevent the shadow from summoning the Ashen Host again
Skill Upgrade: Survival Fair→Good