The blue lamps settle into a steady glow over the command table. Copied reports, sealed weave, and custody notes remain separated, while Neris checks the unconscious agent’s breathing.
The three rescued travelers gather their packs near the exit. The middle-aged traveler supports the elderly man, while the young traveler watches the southern route marked across the reports.
the Domini officer
Every disputed claim is recorded separately. The evidence remains under protest, the accounts remain independent, and no custody entry will be altered.
Neris Vaun
The agent stays unconscious and restrained. I will take her and the sealed weave to the custody alcove, unless your investigation requires another arrangement.
Harl
We can leave for the upper road and testify at central command, or remain briefly to identify the lower junction. We will not decide that for you.
the young traveler
The middle-aged traveler and I can escort him safely. The route below is yours to pursue, if you choose it, but the relay may already be shifting.
The staff gives one quiet pulse toward the southern marker. Around Sil’Thalis, each person waits with a separate account, a separate duty, and no authority granted by silence.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure voluntary cooperation among the rescued witnesses and central command
✓ Quest Accepted
Identify the maker of the older copper lattice
““Commander, a suggestion.” I begin coldly. “The travelers are just that—travelers. Take their testimony and release them. The agent works for Voss. Take her into custody, and if she recovers, interrogation will be necessary.” I glance toward the reports. “Summon my attendant, Bren, from the Hall of Welcome. I will be in the officers’ barracks studying your mess and these files until she arrives.””
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +4)
Sil'Thalis
Commander, a suggestion. These travelers are just travelers. Take their testimony and release them. The agent works for Voss. Take her into custody, and interrogate her if she recovers. Summon my attendant, Bren, from the Hall of Welcome. I will study your reports in the officers’ barracks until she arrives.
The commander holds Sil’Thalis’s gaze, then gestures to the wardens. The three travelers are entered as independent witnesses, their testimony copied, and they are released toward the upper road.
the Domini officer
Granted. The travelers leave under no restraint, and the agent enters custody under separate authority. If she wakes, questioning will follow the recorded limits.
Neris transfers the unconscious agent and sealed copper weave to the custody alcove. A runner is sent to the Hall of Welcome with orders for Bren to attend Sil’Thalis in the officers’ barracks.
the Domini officer
Your barracks room is opened. I will have the copied files delivered there, including the sealed route index. It identifies a junction omitted from the southern maps.
In the officers’ barracks, Sil’Thalis receives the reports, route maps, and custody notes in separate stacks. The hidden index marks a lower junction beneath the old marker, with a second branch leading farther south.
The command chamber recedes behind him as the door closes. Outside, the released travelers take the upper road, while the agent remains secured and Bren’s summons travels through the Hall of Welcome.
Quest Complete
Secure voluntary cooperation among the rescued witnesses and central command