The cove falls quiet except for surf hissing through black stone. Robby stands by the exit with Augustus snorting in the salt spray, while Midori keeps watch over the bound mercenary leader.
A slim tiefling steps out from the cliff shadow, dusk-violet skin dim in the light. Gold paint flakes from his horns as he raises both hands, empty and careful.
Seryth Kade
Wait. I am not here for their prize. I am Seryth Kade, and that shipment carries something I need, a relic tied to my family’s curse.
Seryth Kade
I have tracked it through the tide door. If you are going in, let me help you find it, and I will help you take it clean.
Midori glances from Seryth to the trapped mercenaries, measuring the risk. Augustus lowers his head a little, still ready, but no longer lunging.
Seryth Kade
The fence at the docks will expect muscle or fools. I know the routes, the names, and when the tide door opens. You want answers, I want the relic. That seems simple enough.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure the relic tied to Seryth Kade’s family curse
“I draw my bow and aim it at Seryth, demanding he explain his family curse.”
SUCCESS (Good Ranged Combat, rolled -3)
Robby snaps his bow up and sights Seryth’s chest. The arrowhead stays steady, but the sea wind tugs at his string and a sharp twang carries across the cove.
Robby the Gobby
Explain your family curse.
Seryth Kade
My bloodline made a bargain long ago, and the debt still bites us. The relic is part of what keeps that curse from tightening its grip.
Seryth Kade
If it falls into the wrong hands, the curse does not stay a family matter. It spreads, quietly, through everyone tied to it.
Midori’s gaze flicks to the iron key near Robby’s boot, then back to Seryth. The mercenary leader stops straining for a breath, listening despite himself.
Seryth Kade
I can name the dock route, the tide door timing, and the man waiting below. But I need that relic in my hands before the shipment vanishes into the deep.
Robby holds the aim, and the point of his arrow forces the tiefling to keep his hands raised. Seryth answers anyway, calm but pale, while the string burns a little against Robby’s fingers.