The group reaches the red quarry tollhouse approach with Veyra restrained and guarded. Zuri Santos blocks the gate, quarry ash dusting her magic armor, an anti-magic sword resting openly at her side.
The Gatekeeper
I came to collect, Myk. Serath Vale offers a fortune for your capture, and an even larger payment if I recruit you instead.
She raises a fresh bounty notice bearing Vale’s seal. Yet her eyes keep measuring the tollhouse walls, the marked gate, and the concealed approaches rather than the offered reward.
The Gatekeeper
The contract is dishonest. The court defenses are arranged to make an arrest look lawful while feeding the captive straight into Vale’s hands.
Behind Myk, Zalise’s hand settles near her blade while Anessa continues twisting his tied hair into ridiculous disorder. Eli watches Zuri’s sword, and Veyra goes very still.
The Gatekeeper
I will not enter that gate blind, and I will not pretend this notice is a fair offer. Decide whether you want a bounty hunter, a rival, or the woman who can help you break Vale’s trap.