Dunmire’s warded well and silent bell recede behind them as Sil’Thalis and Bren follow the established road toward Vael Turog. Captain Orra remains with the villagers, carrying the secured evidence and its limits.
Bren keeps her separate account beneath her cloak, while the road climbs through thorn scrub into contested ground. Vael Turog’s distant watchfires mark a guarded audience rather than another investigation.
A Domini patrol emerges between the standing stones: six dark elf soldiers in black-and-violet scale, led by a middle-aged drow woman with silver-braided hair, a scarred cheek, and a hooked spear.
the Domini patrol captain
Stop there. This road enters House Domini protection. State your names, your business, and whether you carry evidence belonging to the vault.
The soldiers spread across the road without drawing blades. Their obsidian badges bear Vael Turog’s seal, and each watches Sil’Thalis’s marked hand before turning briefly to Bren.
Bren
I am Bren, witness and keeper of my own account. We travel to Vael Turog for the guarded audience arranged there, not to reopen Dunmire’s investigation.
the Domini patrol captain
Then keep your hands visible and your testimony separate. The audience may hear you, but Vael Turog decides who crosses its gate.
“" interesting, Captain." I say in a calm mesured tone. " I was certain news of my arrival would have proceeded me. Inquisitor Sil'thalis Domini, second brother of team five." I inform the captain as if she is but a trivial matter.”
SUCCESS (Fair Persuasion, rolled +1)
Sil'Thalis
Interesting, Captain. I was certain news of my arrival would have preceded me. Inquisitor Sil’Thalis Domini, second brother of team five.
The title settles over the road with deliberate calm. Sil’Thalis’s marked hand remains visible, its faint witness-sign catching the watchfire glow.
the Domini patrol captain
Inquisitor Domini. Then your arrival has been reported, though not in terms flattering to your discretion.
The Domini patrol captain lowers her hooked spear by a finger’s breadth, acknowledging the presentation. Two the Domini soldiers exchange a wary glance, and the patrol’s formation tightens around the road.
the Domini patrol captain
You may proceed to the guarded audience under that name and rank. Your companion remains a separate witness, and your evidence remains subject to Vael Turog’s custody.
A violet cord is fastened around Sil’Thalis’s wrist as a temporary passage token. Its clasp presses against the marked palm, reopening the burn and leaving his fingers briefly numb.
the Domini patrol captain
Understand this clearly, Inquisitor: the gate will receive you, but every eye inside will be measuring what authority you claim.
✓ Quest Accepted
Reach Vael Turog
+ New Item Acquired
Violet passage cord
“" then let us proceed." I say coldly as I let the pressure of the magic energy I control press down on the Captain and her guards. " Pray your interference does not cause the head inquisitor to wait longer then he needs to." I finished amused knowing the cord is ment as a formality and to keep the military inline.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Magic, rolled +0)
Sil'Thalis
Then let us proceed. Pray your interference does not cause the head inquisitor to wait longer than he needs to.
Sil’Thalis lets the controlled pressure of his magic descend across the road. Cloaks stir without wind, armor creaks, and the patrol’s disciplined line bows beneath an unmistakable warning.
the Domini patrol captain
Your passage will not be delayed, Inquisitor. We understand the cord is formality, not custody.
The guards lower their gazes and clear the stones. The violet cord remains fastened, its clasp still troubling Sil’Thalis’s numb palm, but no soldier reaches to restrain him.
Bren
I will follow as a separate witness. Do not let their formality become ownership of either account.
The patrol captain gestures toward Vael Turog’s rising road. Its watchfires broaden into torchlit walls, where a bronze gate opens beneath the Domini seal.
the Domini patrol captain
The guarded audience awaits inside. Bring your rank, your evidence, and whatever remains of your patience.