The open doors gape behind the retreating knights when a robed chancellor strides in, his hem whispering over the rushes. Two guards follow close, but he does not look at them. His eyes lock on Bennigan and the ledger in Elian’s hands.
Chancellor Vane
Sir Bennigan, surrender the ledger at once. By lawful authority, it belongs in my keeping.
One guard shifts to block the doorway, then hesitates as the chancellor lifts a hand. The knights hold back, suddenly unsure who commands this hall now.
Elian
No, Chancellor. He saved me from them. If it goes anywhere, it goes with Bennigan.
A lean clerk in a mud-stained green cote steps out from behind the chancellor, peering at the seal on the ledger. He raises both hands, calm and careful, as if handling a cracked cup.
The Green Clerk
Let the book be seen before it is claimed. If the seal is broken, the house will quarrel forever. Give me one look, Sir Bennigan, and I will tell you if the chancellor speaks true.
The hall settles into a sharp, expectant silence, with Bennigan at the center, the ledger between law and loyalty.
✓ Quest Accepted
Defy the chancery to protect the scribe and ledger
“I step forward and shield Elian, keeping the ledger tucked firmly behind my back.”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled +1)
Bennigan steps in front of Elian and folds the ledger behind his broad back, making himself the shield between clerk and court.
Elian
He is taking the blow of this with his own body.
Chancellor Vane
You make a bold wall, Sir Bennigan. Boldness is not title. Hand it over.
The Green Clerk
One moment more, Chancellor. Let me see the seal in peace, and we may all leave with less shame.
The knights at the doors stop retreating and watch, while the guards keep their spears still. The missing bolts on the open doors catch the torchlight like empty teeth.
Elian
Sir Bennigan... if you trust me, I will not let this book out of honest hands.
For a breath, the hall holds steady around Bennigan, and every eye waits on what he will do with the ledger.
Quest Complete
Defy the chancery to protect the scribe and ledger
“I ask the Green Clerk to inspect the seal”
SUCCESS (Great Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Bennigan
Inspect the seal, then. Let the truth of the book speak before any hand takes it.
Bennigan shifts the ledger out from behind his back just enough for the Green Clerk to reach it, never lowering his guard.
The Green Clerk
Gladly, Sir Bennigan. A seal should endure scrutiny, if it is honest.
The clerk takes the ledger with careful fingers and bends close to the wax, while Chancellor Vane tightens his jaw and waits.
The Green Clerk
This is good work, old and clean. No fresh break. No clumsy lifting.
The Green Clerk
The seal is sound. It bears no sign of tampering, and the cord sits as it should.
Chancellor Vane
A seal proves only that a book was closed, clerk. It proves nothing of whose hands should open it.
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep the ledger from Chancellor Vane