Brother Osric snatches the hearing tablet back from the desk edge and clears a fresh space with brisk, careful hands. The scriptorium is all low murmur and wax smoke until the door bangs open.
A travel-worn messenger staggers in from Willowford, mud on his hems, breath ragged, a letter clutched hard to his chest. The chapel seal shows red at the fold.
The Messenger
Brother Osric, from Willowford. It must be read at once.
Osric takes the letter, breaks the seal, and scans the first lines. His face tightens, then stills, as if the page has named a wound he already feared.
Brother Osric
This is not an idle complaint. It speaks of ledgers, gifts, and men taking silence for custom.
Bren Riverglade
Willowford is tied to Northmere by more than one thread.
He looks up at Bren, Alexandre Reaper, and The Cleric, then folds the letter once and sets it beside the Northmere papers. The hearing has changed shape, and Osric means to follow it.
✓ Quest Accepted
Pursue the Willowford corruption lead
✓ Quest Accepted
Hear the Willowford complaint in full