Bobinko leads his stallion off the lane and toward the stables, hooves squelching softly in the mud. The registration tent falls behind them, its red seal already drying in the ledger.
Lazlo keeps pace at Bobinko’s side, brushing rain from his cloak. The fair’s noise dims to a distant murmur, replaced by stamping horses and the warm smell of damp hay.
Lazlo
That went cleaner than I expected.
He glances toward the stallion, then back to Bobinko, his mouth twitching with cautious relief. A stablehand shifts straw near the doorway and looks away, giving them space.
Lazlo
You looked steady in there. I think they heard you.
Bobinko Kozlov
The stables are quieter than the tent.
The stallion snorts once and lowers its head toward the straw, calm enough to settle. Lazlo slows beside Bobinko, ready to walk wherever he goes next.
✓ Quest Accepted
Strengthen the bond with Lazlo
“The race does not begin until tomorrow afternoon. I dont wish to leave Cracker ( Kozlovs prized stallion) unattended. Would you mind taking shifts with me staying watch to ensure no foul play occurs”
SUCCESS (Great Willpower, rolled -3)
Bobinko stops beside the stall and asks for shared watch shifts until tomorrow afternoon. The words hang in the damp air while Cracker noses the straw.
Lazlo
A fair ask. If someone means you harm, they will not choose the hour that suits you.
Lazlo looks from the stallion to the stable door, then back to Bobinko, his relief tightening into something more serious.
Lazlo
I will take the first stretch with you. No sense pretending this wager is only ink and wax.
He taps the red seal in his memory, as if the official's mark still stains the air. The stablehand keeps busy a few paces off, pretending not to listen.
Lazlo
If they try a trick, it will be on the horse, not the ledgers.
Cracker settles deeper into the straw, and Bobinko and Lazlo stand together in the yard, already dividing the night between them.
Quest Complete
Strengthen the bond with Lazlo