The patrol healer summons Belron and Alena into a warmer side chamber. Traver lies on the stretcher, his breathing shallow beneath blankets, while bitter herbs steam beside nearly empty shelves.
Patrol Healer
His wound is worsening again. I can keep him breathing for a while, but this waystation has no medicine strong enough to treat what is inside it.
Clean cloths crowd the table beside stained water and a dwindling medicine chest. Outside, boots strike the yard in steady rhythms as harness buckles and orders pass between the riders.
Alena Knight
Then we cannot stay here. Where can we take him, and how long does he have?
Patrol Healer
Rostrum has physicians and stores enough to attempt something. The nearest road is dangerous, but waiting here may cost him the chance entirely.
The patrol captain appears in the doorway, cloak fastened and sword belted, his expression grim. Beyond him, several riders lead saddled horses toward the open gate.
The Patrol Captain
We are departing before full dark. One wagon can carry the injured soldier, but I cannot promise a safe escort all the way to Rostrum.
✓ Quest Accepted
Escort Traver to Rostrum for treatment
Director's notewhole tale
Rostrum is Etheldren territory, the patrol Captain would not give up his prisoner. He will want to take him to the Yarathian fort in the mountain pass
“Belron whispers to Alena, "They will not release your brother, they have a duty to their country. I trust the patrol healer, she seems kind, but the Captain is not quite so merciful. Honorable perhaps, but not merciful. Tell me what you want to do and I will help you."”
SUCCESS (Mediocre Persuasion, rolled +1)
Belron Valerion
They will not release your brother. They have a duty to their country. I trust the patrol healer, but the captain is honorable, not merciful. Tell me what you want, and I will help you.
Belron keeps his voice low beside the steaming herbs. Alena studies him, then looks past his shoulder toward the patrol captain and the waiting horses.
Alena Knight
I want Traver taken to Rostrum, where physicians can treat him. If the captain refuses, we must find another way without abandoning the patrol.
The Patrol Captain
Rostrum is not my destination. Your brother is an Etheldren soldier found on Yarathian ground, and I will deliver him to the fort in the mountain pass.
The patrol healer’s hands pause over the medicine chest. Alena steps nearer Traver Knight’s stretcher, her expression tightening as the patrol captain’s order settles over the chamber.
Alena Knight
Then take us with him. We will not leave Traver, and I will speak for Rostrum when we reach the fort.
Patrol Healer
If the wagon moves steadily, he may endure the journey. I will need every herb remaining, and someone must watch his breathing throughout the night.
“Belron whispers to Alena once more, "Once we enter that fort we are in Yarathian custody. We will be prisoners the same as your brother. I think going with them is a poor choice."”
SUCCESS (Mediocre Persuasion, rolled +2)
Belron Valerion
Once we enter that fort, we are in Yarathian custody. We will be prisoners as surely as your brother. Going with them is a poor choice.
Alena studies Belron in the herb-scented chamber. His warning settles over the captain’s orders, forcing the journey’s danger into plain view.
Alena Knight
You are right. Reaching Rostrum matters, but surrendering ourselves at that fort would leave Traver no better protected.
The Patrol Captain
Careful. I heard you, werewolf. You are turning my prisoner’s sister against the only escort available.
The captain’s expression hardens, and two riders glance toward Belron. His warning succeeds, but his standing with the patrol visibly worsens.
Alena Knight
I am not abandoning my brother, Captain. But I will not knowingly lead him into custody when another road may still reach Rostrum.
Patrol Healer
Then decide quickly. The wagon can leave with us, or you can seek another route, but Traver needs care before dawn.
✓ Quest Accepted
Prevent Traver from being taken into Yarathian custody
− Scene Quest Removed
Escort Traver to Rostrum for treatment
“Belron steps forward, "Captain you are a man of Duty, I know you want to take Traver to the Yarathian fort and the Yarathian capital of Belgost to be prosecuted. The mountain pass is harsh and cold, he will likely not survive that journey. Release him and let me and his sister take him back south to Rostrum."”
FAILURE (Mediocre Persuasion, rolled +1)
Belron Valerion
Captain, you are a man of duty. Release Traver and let Alena and me take him south to Rostrum. The mountain pass is harsh, and he may not survive the journey to Belgost.
Belron steps forward, keeping his voice controlled despite the riders watching him. Alena turns toward him, hope briefly breaking through her worry.
The Patrol Captain
I will not release an Etheldren soldier found on Yarathian ground. Duty does not bend because the road is difficult, werewolf.
The captain’s refusal closes the road south. His gaze shifts to Traver’s shallow breathing, however, and his certainty loses some of its edge.
The Patrol Captain
But I will not knowingly send him to die on the pass. The wagon leaves at dawn, not tonight. Until then, the healer may judge whether he can travel.
Alena Knight
That gives us time. If the healer says he cannot endure the pass, will you send word to Rostrum before moving him?
The Patrol Captain
I will send a mounted message to Rostrum if his condition warrants it. That is the most I can offer without surrendering my prisoner.
“Belron sits beside Alena as the Captain and his men leave the chamber. He whispers so the healer can not hear him. "Alena if they will not surrender your brother we may have to fight them. I do not want to, but if they take your brother to Belgost they will likely hang him. The Yarathian Emperor hates the people of Etheldren."”
FAILURE (Mediocre Stealth, rolled -1)
Belron sits beside Alena as the captain and his men file from the chamber. He leans close, lowering his voice, but the closing door leaves a narrow gap.
Belron Valerion
Alena, if they will not surrender Traver, we may have to fight them. I do not want to, but Belgost may mean the gallows. The Yarathian Emperor hates Etheldren.
The healer keeps sorting herbs and does not react, yet boots halt beyond the door. Belron’s whisper has carried farther than intended, and the silence makes that clear.
Alena Knight
Keep your voice down. I understand what you fear, but if we fight here, Traver may lose the only care he has.
The Patrol Captain
I heard enough, werewolf. You will not threaten my men inside this waystation, and you will not take the soldier by force.
The captain reappears in the doorway with one hand near his sword. Two riders remain behind him, watching Belron while the healer finally looks up, alarmed.
The Patrol Captain
At dawn, I decide the road. Until then, your warning has earned closer watch. Make no move toward the wagon.
“Belron stands, "Captain I will not let you take her brother. I swore to protect her, and help her. I do not wish to harm you, or your men, but I am no longer asking nicely. Release her brother or else."”
FAILURE (Fair Intimidation, rolled +1)
Belron Valerion
Captain, I will not let you take her brother. I swore to protect her and help her. I do not wish to harm you or your men, but I am no longer asking nicely. Release her brother, or else.
Belron rises, shoulders tense beneath the chamber’s lamplight. His threat fills the narrow room, but the patrol captain’s wary soldiers close ranks instead of yielding.
The Patrol Captain
Your oath does not overrule my orders. Step away from the stretcher, and keep your hands where I can see them.
Alena Knight
Belron, stop. You have made your point, but forcing this now could cost Traver the care keeping him alive.
The patrol captain gestures, and one rider moves to guard the door while another watches Belron. The demand has failed, and the chamber’s fragile trust tightens into open confinement.
The Patrol Captain
You will remain under watch until dawn. If the healer says he cannot endure the pass, I will send word to Rostrum before we move.
Patrol Healer
Then let me examine him again before morning. His condition, not threats, will decide whether he can travel.
“Belron sits down and looks at Alena, "I am sorry. I will not risk your brothers treatment tonight." As the words left his mouth Traver awakens and sits up slightly.”
SUCCESS (Mediocre Persuasion, rolled +3)
Belron lowers himself onto the bench, easing the tension from his shoulders. He turns toward Alena while the patrol captain’s riders remain stationed around the chamber.
Belron Valerion
I am sorry. I will not risk your brother’s treatment tonight.
Alena Knight
Thank you. That is all I wanted from you just now. Stay with me, and let the healer do her work.
The patrol captain studies Belron for a long moment, then lowers his hand from his sword. The riders loosen their formation, though none leaves the doorway.
At the patrol healer’s side, Traver’s fingers twitch beneath the blankets. His eyes open, unfocused, and he slowly raises himself against the stacked cushions.
Traver Knight
Alena... where are we?
Alena Knight
You are at a waystation. I am here, Traver. Rest now. We are taking you to Rostrum if the healer permits it.