Elianor descends from the gallery and steps onto the challenge ground. She points toward the sickroom corridor as the Estate Guards close around the ring.
Elianor Vale
Clear a path. My healing gift may reveal what seized the fallen contestant, and I will not have the evidence buried under frightened physicians.
The guards part reluctantly. Beneath Celia’s fading radiance, the fallen contestant goes with Maurice, rigid as a statue, while Celia keeps pace at his side.
Celia Graves
Healing may feed the curse instead of cleansing it. If you touch him, Elianor, do so knowing the thing inside him may learn your gift.
The Broad-Shouldered Herald
No one obstructs the estate physicians. Resist them, and I arrest you all under the Baron’s law.
The estate physicians remain behind with the herald, guarding the ring and the fallen contestant’s abandoned sword. Elianor, Celia, and the restrained contestant accompany Maurice toward the corridor.
Behind them, the herald’s order hardens the physicians’ courage. Ahead, the sickroom doors stand open, smelling of bitter herbs and something colder beneath.
Elianor Vale
Maurice, bring him inside. We learn what holds him before the Baron’s household decides the truth is too dangerous to survive.
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn what seized the fallen contestant
“I ask Celia to examine what seized him before Elianor heals him.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Maurice Headsman
Celia, examine what seized him before Elianor heals him.
Celia nods and moves ahead of Elianor, lifting her hand over the fallen contestant without touching him. The corridor’s bitter herbs cannot mask the colder presence beneath his skin.
Celia Graves
Yes. Hold Elianor back until I know whether this is an undead curse or something wearing one’s shape.
Elianor stops at Celia’s raised palm. Pale radiance threads between Celia’s fingers, tracing the contestant’s blackened veins without entering them.
Celia Graves
It is a curse, and death has not taken him. Something has fastened itself to his living will. I can try to draw it out.
Elianor Vale
Then I will wait. Tell me where my gift can help without feeding what holds him.
Quest Complete
Learn what seized the fallen contestant