A hard knock jolts the chapel’s uneasy quiet. Dust sifts from the lintel as horses snort outside, and Seamus freezes beside the hearth.
Alexandre Reaper
Stay down. Through the shutter gap I see a Northmere warrant, a mounted official, and four armed men.
Bren draws Seamus behind the altar rail and lowers the blanket around his shoulders. The boy’s breathing turns shallow as boots scrape across the chapel step.
the Northmere official
By authority of Northmere, surrender Timothy at once. He is charged with theft of abbey property and heresy. Resist, and this chapel will be searched.
Bren Riverglade
Keep your voice low, Seamus. Whatever happens at that door, you are not to answer them.
Alexandre Reaper
Official, display the warrant beneath the shutter. You will not enter armed while a sick child shelters here.
A folded document appears between the shutters, sealed with Northmere’s mark. Alexandre reads it in silence, then looks toward Timothy, his expression hardening as another fist strikes the door.
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep the chapel from being seized