Don Hernán Valdés steps between Redmane and the opened chest, one hand raised toward the signet. Outside, confused guards thunder past the sealed counting floor while the captured harbor officer weighs duty against his new allegiance.
Don Hernán Valdés
The signet must be carried before the harbor officers while their guards remain confused. Let them see lawful authority before they understand who holds it.
He points across the sealed accounts to a final mark pressed beside the largest payment. Beyond the door, orders collide, boots retreat, and no guard yet knows which command to obey.
Don Hernán Valdés
That mark is the payment authority’s final seal. It names the officers who will recognize the signet, but delay will give the loyal clerks time to burn what remains.
Hernán’s gaze shifts from the chest to the hidden stair. His warning would preserve the harbor’s secrets, yet acting on it would expose the very authority he has promised to serve.
Don Hernán Valdés
I will lead you to the officers, Captain, but I will not stand idle while those clerks destroy the harbor’s memory. Choose quickly, before both paths close.
The signet and sealed accounts lie ready between them. Outside, Governor's Guards search the wrong passage, while Loyal Clerks begin gathering near the counting floor with fire and ledgers.
Redmane has the master’s keys, the harbor signet, and Hernán’s uncertain guidance. The next command will decide whether Ballantyne authority appears in public first, or the evidence disappears in smoke.
“I display the signet and summon harbor officers while ordering Hernan to stop the clerks from destroying the payment records - through violence if necessary.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Intrigue, rolled +0)
Captain Redmane
By the governor's signet, I summon the harbor officers. Hernán, stop those clerks from destroying the payment records, by whatever force is necessary.
Redmane raises the governor's harbor signet above the opened chest. Her wanted poster catches against her coat, but her Silver Tongue gives the command the ring of lawful authority, while her cutlass makes its consequence unmistakable.
Don Hernán Valdés
Harbor officers, attend! The signet commands you. Clerks, stand away from those ledgers, or answer for their destruction before the governor's own authority.
Hernán strides toward the loyal clerks with drawn steel, his allegiance made visible through action. The Governor's Guards halt in confusion as summoned harbor officers hurry into the counting floor and see the signet displayed.
Don Hernán Valdés
Put down the fire and open your hands. These payment records now stand under lawful protection. Resist, and my blade will decide the matter.
The Loyal Clerks extinguish their brands and retreat from the ledgers. Harbor officers bow toward the signet, while the guards lower their weapons rather than challenge Hernán's command.
The payment records remain intact, and the summoned officers gather before Redmane for instructions. Her signet has converted a hidden seizure into recognized harbor authority, with Hernán holding the floor by force of loyalty and steel.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure the loyal clerks' cooperation
“I offer the loyal clerks protection if they preserve and explain the payment records.”
SUCCESS (Superb Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Captain Redmane
Preserve these payment records and explain them fully. Under my protection, you will answer for the truth, not for the governor's displeasure.
The wanted poster snags against Redmane's coat and briefly obscures the signet, but her Silver Tongue keeps the offer measured and precise. She raises the governor's harbor signet again, while her Inspiring Presence steadies the clerks' trembling hands.
Loyal Clerks
We accept your protection. The records will remain intact, and we will explain every payment entered beneath the governor's authority.
The Loyal Clerks extinguish the last ember, gather the ledgers, and set them in ordered piles before Redmane. The harbor officers witness their submission to the signet and their preservation of the accounts.
Loyal Clerks
These sums mark payments to informants, pilots, and officials who opened the western route. The largest entries purchased silence, while the repeated harbor marks identify the governor's private agents.
Their explanation matches the coded ledger and exposes the network behind the port's authority. With the records saved and interpreted, Redmane possesses both the evidence and the clerks' willing cooperation.
Don Hernán Valdés
Then the harbor's hidden accounts are yours, Captain. These clerks have chosen the protection of Ballantyne colors over the governor's failing reach.
Quest Complete
Identify the authority behind the harbor payments
Attribute Upgrade: Agility Good→Great
New gift: Harbor Ledger Sense
Quest Complete
Secure the loyal clerks' cooperation