Timothy remains in the irons, wrists swollen from the witnessed trial. The iron key lies on the records-room floor beside Cerdic’s sealed declaration.
Cerdic stands over the parchment while Hrodric lowers his quill to the final clause. Harlen watches the chains, the door, and every shift in Cerdic’s posture.
Cerdic
A voluntary authority must survive refusal. Timothy, if I order these irons removed, will you remain here and answer Northmere’s questions?
Hrodric
I will record the answer exactly. No promise of release, punishment, or favor may shape it afterward.
Harlen
And if he refuses, Cerdic, you must not call that refusal proof of guilt. A captive’s silence is not consent.
Cerdic
Quite so. The test is whether his submission belongs to his judgment, or merely to the pain we have already caused.
Cerdic steps away from the declaration and leaves the key untouched on the floor. Hrodric’s quill waits above the blank line, while Harlen remains ready to intervene.
“I agree to remain and answer Northmere’s questions, asking Harlen to witness my uncoerced answer.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +0)
Timothy
I will remain and answer Northmere’s questions. Harlen, witness that I give this answer freely, without threat or promise.
Harlen steps beside the records table, placing himself between Timothy and the discarded key. The rain drums against the shutters as Hrodric resumes writing.
Harlen
I witness it. Cerdic has offered no release, favor, or punishment in exchange for these words.
Cerdic
Then the answer stands. The irons remain removed, and Timothy stays here as a willing witness until Northmere questions him.
Hrodric
Recorded: Timothy agrees to remain and answer Northmere, and specifically requests Harlen’s confirmation that the answer is uncoerced.
Hrodric adds Harlen’s name beneath the clause and turns the parchment for his inspection. Harlen reads it, then marks the margin with his own sign.
Harlen
That is accurate. I will stand witness when Northmere arrives, and I will challenge any claim that this consent was forced.
✓ Quest Accepted
Remain available to answer Northmere's questions
“Can Northmere's officials enter the records room now?”
YES (VeryLikely, rolled 20)
The records-room door opens under the Northmere seal. A Northmere official, a stern middle-aged woman in a rain-dark blue mantle, enters with two young adult guards, one carrying a writ case.
the Northmere official
No one leaves. We have authority to inspect this declaration, question the witness, and determine whether Cerdic’s custody remains lawful.
Cerdic steps back from the table, leaving the key and parchment in plain view. Hrodric closes the ink bottle, while Harlen remains beside Timothy as promised.
Cerdic
You enter as investigators, not as masters of my house. I will provide the record and submit to your questions.
the Northmere official
Your house is precisely what we are investigating. The boy’s consent does not erase the chapel’s protection, the unlawful seizure, or the pain used to test his account.
Harlen
I will confirm the order, the removed irons, and the witnessed declaration. I will also confirm that the trial of pain occurred.
The official takes the parchment without breaking Cerdic’s seal, then gestures for her guards to secure the doorway. Northmere now controls the examination, while Cerdic’s authority survives only as a claim under review.
“I answer Northmere’s questions plainly and completely, and persuade the Northmere officials of the legitimacy of Cerdic's custody of me and authority over me.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
The Northmere official sets the parchment before Timothy and studies his swollen wrists. Her guards stand at the door, silent and attentive.
Timothy
I answer plainly and completely. I returned voluntarily, accepted Cerdic’s authority without threat or promise, and remain here by my own stated choice. His custody is legitimate because I granted it freely, and he has respected that authority without concealing the witnesses or the record.
Timothy’s account is measured and consistent. He distinguishes the earlier seizure from the later declaration, admitting the pain endured while denying that it compelled his present consent.
the Northmere official
You separate what was unlawful from what followed. That distinction is credible, especially because you have not denied the trial or disguised its cost.
Harlen
I confirm every material point. Cerdic removed the irons, offered no bargain, and allowed the declaration to be witnessed and recorded.
the Northmere official
Then Cerdic’s present custody is recognized as voluntary custody under review, and his authority over Timothy is legitimate within that consent. The earlier seizure remains recorded separately.
She writes the finding beneath Cerdic’s declaration and orders the guards to amend the warrant record. Cerdic retains custody, while Northmere preserves its right to question Timothy and inspect the witnesses.
Quest Complete
Remain available to answer Northmere's questions