Adventures of David Clarkson

The outer ditch opens toward the gate road, and the city wall looms ahead in damp gray stone. David Clarkson grips the ledger bundle, while the Woman at the Window keeps her blade low and ready. Behind them, hoofbeats and shouted orders rise from the road.

The Reed Man scrambles up from the bank, empty-handed but still dangerous, his face raw with rage. He points at the bundle like it is already his, and the gate guards begin to turn at the noise.

The First Inquisitor appears on the road with two guards behind him, calm as a judge. He sees the ledgers, then David, and lifts a hand to stop the gate line from closing.

For one breath, everything hangs on David’s choice, the ledgers tight in his hands, the woman waiting to see what he becomes.

David shifts backward with the bundle pinned tight to his chest, and the ledgers stay his. The Woman at the Window slides a half step with him, blade still low, while the Reed Man lunges and finds only air.

At the command, Guard 1 plants his shield across the lane, and Guard 2 raises his spear to keep the bank from being rushed. The wall and ditch turn the gap into a choke point.

The Reed Man’s shout hangs loud over the mud, but he is already losing ground as David edges away from the cluster. The torn strip snagged on the reed flutters between them like a taunt.

She turns her shoulder toward the ditch path, keeping her body between David and the road. Behind them, the inquisitor and guards hold, watching for the first careless step.