Gray dawn leaks through the warehouse slats. John Smith stands over the paper, its fresh tear and ink smear stark in the pale light. Gervais is written there at last, a name that tightens the room.
The door creaks open. A lean man in a plain coat steps in with a crate hugged to his chest, then freezes when he sees the paper and the bloodless faces around it.
The Carter
Pardon, messieurs. I am only here to unload fish barrels. If I have walked into trouble, I can leave at once.
He edges backward, but his eyes keep darting to the name on the page, curious despite himself. Healer Gaston shifts aside, giving the stranger room to retreat or stay.
Healer Gaston
Wait. You know this warehouse, and perhaps the man who uses it. Speak plain, friend, and no one here will trouble you.
The Carter
I know the carts that come before dawn. One of them is for Gervais, a clerk with clean gloves and a dirty ledger. He pays in silver, and asks no questions.
The Carter licks his lips, then nods toward the paper without stepping closer. Outside, the river wind rattles the boards while John Smith holds the torn evidence steady in the cold light.
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn how Gervais uses the warehouse
✓ Quest Accepted
Confront Gervais