The old ford lies silent beneath the grey morning. Water threads over flat stones, and fresh boot prints cut through the mud toward the abandoned tollhouse.
Beside the prints, someone has carved a three-pronged mark into the bank. The same sign stains Maelin's cloth.
Maelin
The Warden's mark. His men came here after taking the message.
Maelin draws the stained message from beneath their cloak. Its seal is broken, its parchment creased, but the toll names and figures remain visible.
Maelin
This proves the account was not destroyed. The names lead to the tollhouse, and the Warden knows I still carry them.
A bowstring creaks from the tree line. A hooded scout steps into view, keeping one hand near their sword while staring at the exposed message.
The Warden's Scout
Put it back beneath the cloak. The Warden will hear that you crossed the lake, and he will come before sunset.
✓ Quest Accepted
Prevent the Warden from taking the message
✓ Quest Accepted
Bring the message to the reeve of Fenmere