The wayhouse door bursts inward, scattering river mist and ash. A mud-streaked herald staggers across the threshold, clutching a broken signet and tightly wrapped parchment.
Herald
Seris Vale.
Herald
The eastern road has turned against Varkesh. His banners are falling, and the people are gathering beneath the old oath.
He takes one more step, then collapses beside the hearth. The broken signet slips from his fingers, its blackened face bearing the mark of a severed crown.
Seris Vale
No. That seal belonged to the eastern courier houses. Who sent you?
Bram kneels to check the herald while two ferrymen bar the door. The gathered witnesses draw back, and the wrapped parchment remains clenched beneath the herald’s arm.
Old Keeper Bram
He still breathes. But if that parchment carries the name I fear, every refuge room beneath the chapel may soon be needed.
✓ Quest Accepted
Establish whether the herald's message is genuine