Grahamin turns from Calisto’s body and strides toward the hall doors. Beyond them, rain lashes the fort yard as soldiers gather beneath the opening gates.
High Marshal Grahamin
Open the gates. Ready the mounts. We ride for Duskford Mill before the Ashen Oath can scatter.
The Fort Healer
He needs more rest. That shoulder is not ready for a forced march or another fight.
High Marshal Grahamin
Calisto’s murder does not cancel my vow. I will hunt the Ashen Oath, and Effruin will answer for what he did afterward.
Two officers step from the map table, blocking the passage with rigid shoulders. Outside, bridles jingle and hooves strike the wet stones as the garrison prepares.
Grahamin's Officers
He killed a surrendered prisoner under your roof. Confine him, Marshal, or surrender command of this hunt.
The Veiled Courier
The eastern patrols are already shifting. Imperial riders will reach the road before your column does.
Grahamin’s gaze settles on Effruin while the officers wait for his decision. The fort healer remains nearby, and the opened gates frame a road already tightening with imperial movement.
“Daring Grahamin's officers to stop me, I stride past them to depart for Duskford Mill.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Strength, rolled -2)
Effruin
Stand aside, or stop me yourselves. I am going to Duskford Mill.
Effruin strides into the officers’ line. Their shoulders lock together, but his one-handed shove breaks their stance and sends both men stumbling aside across the flagstones.
The passage wrenches his wounded shoulder. Fresh pain bites through the healing flesh, and his arm falters for a breath, but he keeps moving toward the open gates.
High Marshal Grahamin
Let him pass. He has chosen his road, and I will not make my officers bleed for stopping it.
The officers recover behind him without pursuing. Effruin crosses the threshold into the rain, while saddled mounts wait beyond the fort yard and the eastern road runs toward Duskford Mill.
High Marshal Grahamin
Ride, then. I will follow with the column, and the Ashen Oath will answer for what comes next.
✓ Quest Accepted
Preserve the alliance with Grahamin
“I take a waiting mount and ride east toward Duskford Mill.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +2)
Effruin takes the nearest saddled mount and swings into the seat with one hard motion. The fort gates stand open behind him, rain veiling Grahamin and his waiting column.
He drives the mount east along the sodden road. The pace pulls at his wounded shoulder, but he keeps the reins tight in his single hand and leaves the fort behind.
Rain thins as the road climbs through alder country. Hoofbeats settle into a hard rhythm, carrying Effruin beyond the last imperial checkpoint before any patrol can bar his passage.
By late afternoon, Duskford Mill rises from the eastern mist, its weathered wheel turning beside the dark river. Smoke threads from the roof vents.
Effruin
The mill is occupied.
Effruin reins in beneath a stand of dripping trees, overlooking the mill and its approaches. The Ashen Oath's eastern gathering place lies within reach, and the road behind him is open.
Quest Complete
Reach Duskford Mill
Skill Upgrade: Athletics Good→Great