The alley tightens around Battista, wet stone on both sides, with Vey and the bard hustling behind him. The packet of stolen ledgers presses against his chest. Ahead, a gutter opening spits lamplight from the street beyond.
A watchman’s lantern sweeps the mouth of the alley. He stops, squinting at the three fugitives, then at the seal-smeared papers in Battista’s arms.
Kaelen
Hold. Those marks... show me what you carry.
Vey
This is the break we need. If the captain turns, Tranis loses his shield.
The bard edges into the shadow of a broken cart, ready to bolt or bluff. Battista has the captain’s attention, and the black seal is close enough now to force a choice.
Kaelen
If Lord Tranis forged these papers, then the law has been poisoned. Give them to me, and I will set my men on his ledgers, not on you.
For the first time since the tavern, the path is plain. Battista can hand over the proof, and push the captain toward exposing Tranis before the name on Graylis’s death sentence vanishes into silence.
“hand over the papers”
SUCCESS (Great Persuasion, rolled -1)
Battista eases the packet forward, and the captain takes it with both hands. Rainwater beads on the seal-smeared pages as he thumbs them open under the lantern glow.
Kaelen
Good. This is enough to hang a lie on. I know that mark, and I know who profits from it.
Vey
He takes the bait. Now the papers have a blade behind them.
The captain slips a waxed token into Battista's palm, his grip quick and deliberate, then tucks the documents against his breast like a pledge.
Kaelen
Show this token to my sergeant if the streets close around you. It will buy you a clean hearing.
The bard lets out a shaky breath from behind the cart, and the alley seems to loosen its hold for a heartbeat.
Kaelen
I am going to need every name tied to these ledgers. If you have more, bring them to me before Tranis learns the law has turned.
Quest Complete
Escape the Golden Tankard
Attribute Upgrade: Agility Great→Superb
“Where should we meet you?”
SUCCESS (Great Reasoning, rolled +0)
Battista
Where do we meet you?
Kaelen
At the old granary by the river road, after second bell. Come armed, but come quietly.
Kaelen
If I am late, it means I had to sell the lie to my own men first.
Vey
He names a place with exits. That is a man choosing sides.
The Traveling Bard
Second bell at the granary, got it. I can remember that.
Kaelen
Good. And if you have the missing caravan list mark, bring that too. It may prove who altered the ledgers.
The captain gives Battista a last hard look, then draws back from the alley mouth. The lantern light thins around him as he turns toward the street, leaving rain and wet stone to close in behind.
✓ Quest Accepted
Meet the Captain at the old granary by the river road after second bell
✓ Quest Accepted
Obtain the missing caravan list mark
“who has the missing mark?”
SUCCESS (Great Reasoning, rolled -1)
Vey watches the captain go, then lifts a finger toward the waxed token in Battista’s hand. The answer lands in the hush before anyone speaks.
Vey
The mark is with the caravan clerk. He keeps it under lock, like coin.
The bard stiffens at that, eyes flicking from Vey to the token as rain ticks on the alley stones.
Battista
Then we take it before the clerk warns anyone.
Vey
Aye. And with this token, we get close enough to do it clean.
Vey steps nearer, lowering their voice as the lantern light fades to a dull smear on wet stone.
Vey
But if the captain bought us a door, we use it now. The lower ward is waking up.
“go to caravan clerk”
SUCCESS (Superb Agility, rolled +3)