John Smith ducks out of the store shed and into the night air, following the Ferryman through a strip of reeds toward a low, black moored barge. The river smells of mud and cold iron. Lantern light from the bank flickers behind them, thin as a warning.
The Ferryman
Below, quickly. If anyone follows, they find wood and ropes, not us.
He lifts a hatch in the barge deck, revealing a cramped hold stacked with oars, nets, and damp sailcloth. Healer Gaston lowers himself first, careful with his bandaged hands. The Boatman glances back toward the shore, jaw tight.
The Boatman
I like this less than the boat I am leaving, but I like pursuers even less.
John Smith
How many men are on our heels?
The Ferryman
Enough to make noise. Not enough to search every plank on this bank, if we keep still.
John Smith drops into the hold last. The hatch thuds shut above him, and the little chamber becomes all tar, wet hemp, and breath. Somewhere on the river, oars creak in the dark, then fade.
✓ Quest Accepted
Stay hidden aboard the barge
✓ Quest Accepted
Get past the pursuers
“Hide silently”
SUCCESS (Great Agility, rolled -3)
John Smith settles into the shadows between the oars and sailcloth, breathing through the ache in his ribs as the hold goes still around him.
He eases his rapier and pistol flat against the boards, careful not to clink metal on timber.
Above, the hatch settles into place and the last strip of lantern light narrows to a seam.
The Boatman
Keep low. If they come aboard, let them see nothing but nets and rot.
Healer Gaston
His breathing is quieter now. Good. A little pain is better than a search.
Boots thump faintly on the riverbank outside, then drift away with the current of night.
John stays hidden, but the strain costs him a sharp sting as his shoulder brushes a wet crate, and a trickle of water slides cold down his sleeve.
Quest Complete
Stay hidden aboard the barge
Quest Complete
Get past the pursuers