Timothy slips through the heavy oak door into the Scriptorium. The air is thick with the scent of stagnant ink and parchment. The rhythmic chanting from the chapel nearby vibrates through the stone floor, masking the soft tread of his sandals. He needs to hide the ledger before someone notices his absence.
Timothy
I must find a sanctuary for this heavy burden... the floorboards beneath the master copyist’s chair remain loose.
He hurries toward the back of the room, his pulse racing. Suddenly, a shadow detaches itself from the darkness near the far bookshelves. A young acolyte, Brother Osric, stands holding a single tallow candle, his eyes wide with recognition as he spots the ledger clutched against Timothy’s chest.
Brother Osric
Timothy! The Abbot explicitly forbade anyone from the records wing. What are you hiding?
Timothy
His voice is shrill, likely to alert the brothers in the hall. I must silence him before the chant ends.
+ Scene Quest Added
Silence Brother Osric
“I persuade Osric that I was explicitly told by the Abbot to collect the ledger, and that Osric is much too junior to know the exact procedures and wishes of his elders and betters. I use my theology and oratory to convince him of my case. I give Osric a trivial errand that will take him to the far end of the monastery, threatening him with a lashing of his own if he does not leave the room immediately.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Oratory, rolled -1)
Timothy
Brother Osric, your zeal is noted, yet it blinds you to the hierarchy of our order. The Abbot entrusted this ledger to me specifically, as his secret confessor. Does it not strike you as prideful to question the direct command of your superior, especially when the penance for such insolence involves the heavy lash?
(His hands tremble, the candle flame dancing in the draft as he shrinks back.) I… I did not know, Brother. Please, I meant no disrespect to the Abbot's authority.
Timothy
Then redeem yourself. Take your light to the bell tower and ensure the ropes are greased for the morning toll. Do not return until the task is finished, lest I inform the Abbot of your interference in his private affairs.
Brother Osric
Yes. Right away, Timothy. I am sorry for the intrusion.
Osric turns on his heel and hurries out, his candle casting a frantic, bobbing glow that fades into the corridor. Silence returns to the Scriptorium. Timothy breathes a sigh of relief and steps toward the loose floorboards.
Quest Complete
Silence Brother Osric