The clerk presses harder into the wall, eyes flicking to Wukong’s blade, then to the guard. Rainwater slicks the stones, and the lane feels even tighter around them.
The Clerk
Wait. I can name him. The one who hired me never came from the market.
The guard steps in, jaw set, forcing the clerk to choose his next breath carefully. Wukong holds the ring closed, leaving no gap to slip through.
The Clerk
He carried counting house token wax, blue as old bruise. Said the treasure was to be moved, not stolen, and that I would be paid from the city ledgers.
That detail lands hard. The stolen chest is no street theft at all, it reaches into the counting house, and someone there is using its seal to hide the trail.
The Clerk
I never saw his face clearly. Hood up, gloves on. But he knew the side door, and he said to meet by the counting house yard at dusk.
The guard’s stern look sharpens into certainty. This is no lone clerk’s panic, it is a net cast from inside the city’s own ledgers.
✓ Quest Accepted
Identify the clerk’s accomplice
✓ Quest Accepted
Expose the counting house’s involvement
“Can the guard identify the hooded figure if we reach the yard before dusk?”
NO (Even, rolled 70)
The guard shakes his head slowly, his expression darkening as he considers the vague description provided by the clerk. He admits that without a face or a distinct mark, the hooded figure remains a ghost that even his years of service cannot track.
“I press the clerk for the accomplice’s name”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +2)
Wukong steps in before the clerk can shrivel back into silence. The lane feels tighter for it, all brick and breath and the blue wax at their feet.
Wukong
Tell me the accomplice’s name.
The Clerk
I... I heard them called Master Pell. Pell of the counting house yard.
The Clerk
No, that is not enough to save me.
The guard’s head lifts at once. The name lands like a struck bell, and the clerk flinches as if he has said too much.
The Guard
Pell? From the ledgers office? Then the counting house is in this up to its neck.
Beyond the lane mouth, the child tightens a fist around the blue wax, watching the adults stare each other down with fresh dread.
Quest Complete
Identify the clerk’s accomplice
“Is Pell still in the counting house yard?”
YES, BUT (Likely, rolled 55)
The clerk confirms that Pell remains within the counting house yard, though the gates are now barred against all visitors. The information offers no path forward, as the heavy iron locks hold firm against any casual approach.
“I press the guard to arrest Pell and take the clerk into custody. I will tag along in case things get ugly.”
SUCCESS (Good Persuasion, rolled +0)
The Guard straightens, then snaps a hand toward the clerk. He steps in to take custody, while Wukong moves with him, ready to follow if the counting house turns ugly.
The Guard
You are under arrest for theft and conspiracy. Hands where I can see them.
The Clerk
Wait, I said what I know. Pell is the one you want, not me.
The Guard ignores the plea and hauls the clerk off the wall. Blue wax skitters underfoot as the clerk is searched and bound.
Wukong
I am coming with you.
The Guard gives Wukong a curt nod and shifts to make room for him at his side, keeping the clerk between them as they turn toward the counting house.
Down the lane, the child still grips the blue wax fragment and watches them go. Ahead, the counting house yard waits behind barred gates, silent for now.
Quest Complete
Expose the counting house’s involvement
Skill Upgrade: Persuasion Good→Great