The narrow cut opens onto a reed-choked bank. Muddy water glimmers below, and a small youth stumbles from the reeds, clutching a monastery token in his fist.
Seamus
Wait. I was sent after I saw Alex taken. The men following you serve the monastery, but not only the Abbot.
Seamus sways where he stands, clothes soaked and mud-streaked. His breath comes thinly, and his eyes keep darting toward the road behind Alexandre.
Alexandre Reaper
That token proves little. A frightened child can steal a sign, or repeat a story meant to open our gate.
Bren Riverglade
He is exhausted, Alexandre. Let him breathe before you question him. Seamus, is there another way to Willowford?
Seamus
There is a water path under the old mill bank. The pursuers avoid it, because the ground gives way near the reeds. I can lead you, if I can stand.
Alexandre studies the token, then the darkening road. Bren moves nearer to Seamus without touching him, while the cut behind them fills with distant, careful footsteps.
✓ Quest Accepted
Evade the monastery pursuers
✓ Quest Accepted
Reach Willowford
“I keep low among the reeds and follow Seamus toward Willowford.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +1)
Timothy keeps low among the reeds and follows Seamus into the water path. Mud grips his boots, while the bank hides them from the road and its watchers.
Seamus
This way. Step where I step, and keep your weight near the roots. The mud is firm beneath them.
Seamus leads them beneath the old mill bank, through dripping reeds and a narrow channel where the water muffles every footfall. Alexandre brings up the rear, sword ready but lowered.
Alexandre Reaper
The boy knows the ground. Stay close, and leave no token or scrap behind for the monastery men to follow.
Bren Riverglade
You are doing well, Seamus. Once we reach Willowford, I will get you dry, fed, and before someone who can hear your account.
The hidden water path carries them beneath the mill and out beyond the pursuers’ search. At last, the reeds thin, revealing Willowford’s chapel bell and its low stone walls.
Seamus
There. Willowford. They will not find us quickly here.
Quest Complete
Evade the monastery pursuers
Quest Complete
Reach Willowford