The blue fire dwindles to a low glow. The lockhouse lies still beneath Valtún’s claws; Ibram rests against the wall while Naramu examines his bloodied side, and Samira studies the fresh seal.
Naramu
The wound is ugly, but not mortal. Ibram can travel if we leave the marsh before fever claims him.
Samira
The seal will hold Nethrakh, but not forever. Its strength is tied to this buried gate, and the gate is already remembering the open air.
Othar stands free beside the broken pillar, iron rings abandoned at his feet. He watches Samira’s symbols fade, as though each vanishing mark removes another year from his guarded face.
Othar
I remained because the lockhouse has been my prison and my charge. Now its history is exposed, and every seeker will come for what lies below.
Nethrakh
The sorceress has sealed my mouth, not erased my knowledge. Leave while you can. The marsh roads are safer than the kingdoms beyond them.
Samira
We take the western causeway at dusk. Naramu and Ibram will accompany Valtún; Othar stays behind, and I remain long enough to strengthen the threshold.
✓ Quest Accepted
Establish the expedition’s obligations to Valtún
✓ Quest Accepted
Leave the marsh with the expedition
“"I will listen to the sorceress, though there is a caveat to the plan. I cannot travel with human escorts for long... I must satiate myself." A pause. My massive head shifts between the humans. "I have held our truce thus far as gratitude to your kindness, but I will not remain your accomplice forever." I recall Hagrtich's betrayal, a stain within my fractured mind. I will not be fooled, or forced into another situation by a group I drown my heart in.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Intimidation, rolled +0)
Valtún Zalthiss
I will listen, but I cannot travel with human escorts for long. I must satiate myself.
Valtún’s massive head shifts between the humans. Her warning settles over the lockhouse with the weight of a verdict, while the fresh seal gives one faint blue pulse.
Valtún Zalthiss
I have held our truce from gratitude for your kindness, but I will not remain your accomplice forever.
Naramu’s hands still over Ibram’s wound. Samira meets Valtún’s single gray eye without flinching, and Othar watches the humans realize that cooperation has an appetite and a limit.
Samira
Then we will not pretend otherwise. You will travel beside us, not beneath our command, and we will choose roads where your need can be met without destroying the expedition.
Naramu
That is a dangerous arrangement, Samira. Yet it is safer than discovering her hunger after we have crossed beyond the marsh.
Othar
The western causeway reaches a caravan road before nightfall. Travelers pass there, but the choice of prey remains yours, great one. Do not make enemies of every road at once.
Samira nods, accepting the warning rather than bargaining it away. Behind them, Ibram gathers himself against Naramu’s shoulder, and the party prepares to leave the lockhouse under terms Valtún has made unmistakable.
Quest Complete
Establish the expedition’s obligations to Valtún