The Abbot strides through the acrid, billowing smoke, his robes singed at the hem. He tosses a heavy, blackened piece of timber aside with a sharp clatter and stops inches from Timothy.
Abbot
You have not moved an inch. Tell me, boy, were you praying for the flames to consume this house, or simply waiting to see what ash would land upon your head?
Abbot
This creature remains unnervingly still. There is a hunger in his eyes that defies his posture of submission. He is hiding something behind that mask of piety.
Timothy
I was merely awaiting your return, Father. It is my place to remain exactly where you commanded, regardless of the heat.
Timothy
He suspects the wall. He smells the scorched dust on my hands. I must lean further into the silence, let him believe his own pride has blinded him to my true intent.
The Abbot leans down, his face a map of soot and fury, and grips Timothy by the chin. He stares into the youth's eyes, searching for a tremor that refuses to surface.
“I endure the Abbot's scrutiny but accept that he has already promised me an additional private whipping before my public whipping.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -1)
Abbot
You have learned the lesson of the lash well, haven't you? Your neck is stiff, but your spirit is soft. Two floggings today, Timothy. One for the kitchen fire you surely invited, and one for the insolence of your silence.
Timothy
The skin on my back already sings with phantom pain. The Abbot’s grip is bruising, but he does not know that I have already secured my escape path. He can take my hide, but he cannot take the ledger.
The Abbot releases his hold with a rough shove, his knuckles white against his palm. He gestures toward the smoldering pantry with his free hand, his gaze narrowed into two slits of contempt.
Abbot
Get to the tool shed and fetch the heavy chains. When you return, you will strip and prepare for your penance before the altar. Do not think of running, for the brothers are watching every gate.
+ Scene Quest Added
Retrieve the heavy chains from the tool shed
“I obediently retrieve the heavy chains from the tool shed, eager to find out if the Abbot is as much of an expert with the whip as Wulfric.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -1)
Timothy
Yes, Father. I will bring the chains at once.
Timothy
His rage is a tempest, but I am the reed that bends to survive the gale. If the Abbot seeks to test my mettle, I shall meet his iron with the silent strength of my own resolve. Pain is merely a bridge to grace.
Timothy traverses the soot-slicked stones toward the shed, his gait humble and measured. He brushes past the discarded, charred timber, his eyes fixed on the heavy iron latch of the shed door. He swings it open, the hinges groaning in protest against the thick, grey air. Inside, the rusted links of the chains hang heavy on a wooden peg. He grips the cool, biting metal, the weight grounding his senses.
Timothy
The tools of my instruction, ready for your hand, Father.
Timothy
Every link is heavy with the promise of agony, yet I feel a strange calm. My skin will bleed, but my secrets remain locked in the scriptorium floor.
Quest Complete
Retrieve the heavy chains from the tool shed
+ New Item Acquired
Heavy iron chains