Ethan keeps the caravan guard against the timber post, his restrained wrists held clear of the rune. The iron key hangs in the red-lit seam.
the sellsword
Steady. I am touching the notch, not turning it.
The sellsword seats a narrow pick beneath the key's smaller notch. At once, a deep tone rolls through the floor, and copper dust trembles from the arch.
the caravan guard
It heard you. The thing below knows what you are seeking.
A second tone answers from beneath their feet, closer than the first. Hairline cracks spread across the threshold, glowing faintly red as though something below traces their positions.
the sellsword
Do not move the key. If it senses the lock, it may draw the door open without us.
the caravan guard
The pulling has stopped, but something else is listening through my mark.
“I urge the sellsword to withdraw her pick”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled -1)
Ethan Graves
Withdraw the pick. The mark is listening through him, and I will not let it use your hand to find the lock.
The sellsword holds Ethan's gaze, then eases the narrow pick free. The deep tone fades, and the red cracks stop spreading beneath their boots.
the sellsword
Agreed. We have learned enough for this breath. Keep his wrist clear while I pull the key from the seam.
As the pick leaves the notch, a sharp spark leaps across the iron and burns the sellsword's gloved palm. She withdraws cleanly, but the glove smokes.
the caravan guard
It heard the warning. The listening has stopped, but the mark still feels awake.
the sellsword
Your caution bought us silence, though my hand paid for it. The key remains suspended, and the door stays shut.
The sellsword backs from the threshold, cradling her scorched hand. Ethan, the guard, and the hanging key remain together beneath the mine's watchful red glow.
“I bargain with the sellsword to leave”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled +1)
Ethan Graves
Let us leave. You keep the key and the mine's debt, while I take the guard beyond its reach.
The sellsword studies Ethan, then the smoking glove and the red-lit seam. The mine gives no answering knock. At last, she lowers her sword.
the sellsword
Agreed. I will not pursue you, and I will call this bargain settled so long as you do not return before dawn.
She crosses to the timber post and cuts the harness strap. The caravan guard's wrists come free, and the rune in his palm dims beneath the mine's fading glow.
the caravan guard
I can walk. The listening has faded, but the key is still there. Leave before the mine changes its mind.
The sellsword steps aside from the track, granting Ethan and the guard a clear route into the gray daylight. Behind them, the iron key remains suspended in the sealed seam.
the sellsword
Go. Your bargain is honored. Whatever wakes below, it is not collecting you today.
“I ask the guard to describe the rune's origin”
SUCCESS (Fair Reasoning, rolled +2)
Ethan Graves
Describe the rune's origin. When did it first appear, and what did you find beneath the copper shrine?
The guard pauses just beyond the mine track, rubbing the dim mark without touching it. Gray daylight settles over the broken crates and silent silver coins.
the caravan guard
It began as a black stain after I lifted the shrine stone. Beneath it lay an old seal, cracked from within, and this mark answered the crack.
the caravan guard
I heard voices promising safe passage, but no person stood there. The rune spread when I took the key, and the mine pulled through my hand.
The sellsword watches him from the threshold, sword lowered but ready. Behind her, the suspended key gives one faint chime inside the sealed seam.
the sellsword
Then the shrine was not the prison. It was a warning placed over the true seal, and the broken thing below chose its bearer.
the caravan guard
I never saw its shape. I only know it wanted the door opened, and the rune carried its command into my bones.
Quest Complete
Learn what was opened
Attribute Upgrade: Willpower Good→Great