Before Albrecht can secure the guardhouse, the quarry path darkens. The Shadowed Figure stands beyond the boundary stones, its form wavering beneath the fog.
Ser Albrecht Vey
It cannot cross. The old stakes still recognize the oath, even if the roster is ash.
The figure raises a damp, folded ledger page. Its ink matches the ruined roster, though the letters glisten as if freshly written despite the rainless air.
The Shadowed Figure
The ledger is reclaimed. The hand of Batory names itself, and every stolen account returns to its keeping.
Behind the figure, its shadow stretches over the quarry road, sliding between the boundary stones without crossing them. The stolen seal in Tancred’s possession grows cold.
Ser Albrecht Vey
That page is a summons, cousin. Do not let it touch the seal. Whatever Batory lost, it means to recover through you.
The Shadowed Figure remains still, offering neither attack nor retreat. On the folded page, one final line darkens beneath the Batory mark: Bring the false lord to the quarry.
✓ Quest Accepted
Expose the hand behind the Batory ledger claim