The watch hut is dry but close, filled with the smell of wet wool and river mud. Charles and the heir stand within while muffled sentries keep watch outside.
Captain Alric and his men remain at the ford, guarding the crossing. The tourney champion stays behind at the castle, covering the retreat and the postern route.
the heir
At last, a roof and a table. I will open the pouch, then we learn what drove him from the tourney road.
The heir lays the sealed pouch on the rough table. Water drips steadily from his cloak, and the outer wax catches the lantern light beneath a private mark.
the heir
That mark was never used for routine orders. The champion expected betrayal, or feared someone within the castle.
the heir
This is his personal sign. He did not abandon the tourney route merely to find a quicker passage.
His fingers hover above the wax without breaking it. Beyond the barred door, a sentry murmurs to another, while the river moves unseen in the darkness.
✓ Quest Accepted
Reveal the signal's contents
“I observe and see wat is unveiled”
SUCCESS (Great Perception, rolled -1)
The heir breaks the private seal and unfolds a narrow sheet of vellum. Charles watches the lantern reveal cramped writing, a list of names, and a rough castle plan.
the heir
These are not troop orders. They name the western gate captain, the grain clerk, and two men from the inner guard.
A second slip lies beneath the first, marked with the same sign. Its lines describe a gate opened from within during the next bell watch.
the heir
The betrayal is inside the castle. The champion sent us away because he could not know whom to trust.
At the bottom, one sentence names the enemy commander waiting beyond the western gate. Beside it, a warning says the signal must reach the allied host before dawn.
the heir
We must get this to our allies, but first I must warn the garrison. If the gate opens, the castle falls from within.
Charles
The list gives us enemies within the walls, and the warning leaves no room for delay.
Warn the garrison of the betrayal
Quest Complete
Learn the champion's hidden purpose
Attribute Upgrade: Strength Fair→Good
Quest Complete
Reveal the signal's contents