Carciel carries the opened parcel into the small quay office above the moorings. Damp river air follows him through the warped doorway, mingling with tar, lamp oil, and wet rope.
Serren enters close behind, keeping the invitation letter folded against their chest. Merrin brings the parcel wrappings and glances back toward the returning barge.
Merrin Holt
This is where Tovan Reeve said to wait. I know the seal, the parcel, and the hand that gave it to me.
A broad desk overlooks the moorings. Ledgers lie open beside tide tables, weighted by a brass token. Beyond the salt-fogged window, barges creak against their lines.
Serren Vale
The chart, token, and invitation belong together. Let us compare them before we answer anyone.
The office settles around their scrutiny, wood groaning softly as the river rises. Down at the quay, a barge horn sounds, and footsteps approach the stair.
✓ Quest Accepted
Identify the approaching party
“I keep the chart and token together while Serren checks the approaching steps.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +2)
Carciel keeps the river chart flat against the brass token, pinning both beneath the ledger’s heavy clasp as the stair creaks below.
Therefore, Serren moves to the warped doorway and raises one hand for silence, listening to the measured tread climbing toward them.
Serren Vale
Merrin, is that Tovan Reeve?
Merrin Holt
Yes. That is the barge master, and two quay wardens are with him.
The stair door opens. Tovan Reeve steps into the office with rain darkening his coat, while two wardens remain below, visible through the doorway.
Tovan Reeve
Merrin delivered my parcel, then. Good. I came to confirm the southern route before you rely on that chart.
His gaze drops to the chart and token. The safe lodging mark is genuine, but Tovan’s expression tightens as he points toward the river.
Tovan Reeve
The north channel remains open. The southern cut has silted badly after the rise. We can still reach the archive, but not by the route printed there.
Quest Complete
Identify the approaching party
+ New Item Acquired
Brass token