At the bend, the muffled clank of armor swells closer. Kaelith holds still in the dark, one hand lifted as if measuring the corridor. Alaric glances from her to Buer, then toward the key hidden on the warden somewhere ahead.
Kaelith
The chapel grate is your cleanest road. The warden wears the key under his cloak. Pay me, and I show you where he turns.
Alaric Vane
We do not have time to haggle. If you can get us to the key, I will honor the bargain.
Kaelith’s smile sharpens. She points once, toward the chapel side passage, then withdraws into the wall-shadow as the armor-sounds grow louder. The hush spell keeps the hall dead, but not safe.
Buer
The warden is coming from ahead, and the key is on him.
Buer moves with quick, catlike steps toward the indicated passage. Alaric falls in behind, tense and obedient, while Kaelith’s pale shape glides ahead to lead them toward the chapel grate and the laundering tunnel beyond.
✓ Quest Accepted
Get Kaelith to commit to guiding us to the warden
“Can Kaelith guarantee the warden will be alone when we reach him?”
NO (Unlikely, rolled 78)
Kaelith pauses, her form flickering against the cold stone as she shakes her head. She offers no promise of solitude, for the warden moves with his own retinue of guards.
“I press Kaelith for her price”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled +3)
Buer
And what is your price, Kaelith?
The spirit stills at the edge of the torch haze, then looks Buer over like she is measuring a lock before she names the key.
Kaelith
You want my road through this prison, you take my warning too. I will not walk blind into the warden's net for free.
Kaelith
Bring me the iron signet from his cloak. Not the key, the signet. It will open what he keeps sealed from the dead.
At that, her gaze flicks to Buer's hands, and a thin smile of recognition sharpens the air between them, as if she remembers exactly how they like to bargain.
Kaelith
Do that, and I guide you straight to him. I will even show you which guard carries the lantern charm.
Down the corridor, boots and metal murmur closer through the hush, while Kaelith waits for Buer's answer with her palm held out.
Get the iron signet
Quest Complete
Get Kaelith to commit to guiding us to the warden