The courtyard stirs as a man in mud-smeared rags forces his way through the onlookers. He drops to both knees at the cathedral steps, breath ragged, hands raised toward Bishop Valerius.
The Stranger
My lord bishop, hear me. They took my father’s field by force, and left my mother with winter debt and no bread.
The Bishop looks down, his face tightening as the crowd turns from Michael ward to the kneeling petitioner. The scribe freezes, quill hovering above the delayed decree.
Bishop Valerius
Name the lord who seized it, and speak plainly. If wrong was done, I will not hide it behind holy words.
Michael ward
Michael ward stands by the steps, letting the plea hang in the air.
The Stranger
I am called Edric, from the lower mills. Sir, your seal gave the men leave to measure our land. They measured, then claimed it was waste.
A few onlookers murmur at that. One clerk at the edge of the crowd steps forward at once, pointing to the decree with a pale, uneasy hand, eager to help set the record straight.
✓ Quest Accepted
Expose the monastery's corruption
✓ Quest Accepted
Protect family lands from seizure