Rain beads on the herb leaves as Maurice and Elianor cross the convent garden. Behind them, Sister Agnes remains on the infirmary path with Old Martin and the novice.
A mail-clad man steps from behind the rain-dark wall. He is a broad-shouldered middle-aged man with a square beard, iron cap, red-and-black surcoat, and a baron’s colors knotted around his sword arm.
Ser Garran Holt
Elianor Vale, you are the baron’s property. Stand aside and submit to lawful recovery.
Elianor Vale
I am no property, and this ground is under convent protection.
The man advances with his sword drawn, using the garden’s narrow path to press close. His claim carries no petition or witness, only steel and the confidence of a planned distraction.
Sister Agnes
Alarm! To the garden! Armed seizure at the west wall!
The convent bell answers from within. Doors slam, feet gather beyond the cloister, and the attacker shifts his point toward Elianor as rain runs silver along his mail.
✓ Quest Accepted
Halt the armed seizure of Elianor
“I draw my sword and stand between Elianor and the mail-clad man. I tell the "be joyous for you will soon die to the blade of a master swordsman".”
FAILURE (Great Willpower, rolled -2)
Maurice steps between Elianor and the mail-clad man, reaching for the sword that is not at his side. His hand closes on empty air, leaving him unarmed.
Maurice Headsman
Be joyous, for you will soon die to the blade of a master swordsman.
The threat lands without steel to give it weight. The mail-clad man notices the empty scabbard immediately and shifts his stance, placing Maurice between himself and Elianor.
Ser Garran Holt
A master swordsman does not arrive without a sword. Step aside, headsman, or your empty hand will not protect her.
Elianor retreats one pace toward the herb beds, keeping the convent wall at her back. Rain slicks the stones, and the attacker’s drawn blade holds the narrow path.
Elianor Vale
Maurice, do not yield the path. I will not surrender, and the convent has heard the alarm.
Beyond the garden gate, hurried footsteps converge. The mail-clad man cannot press past Maurice without committing to the close quarters his planned seizure was meant to avoid.
“I disarm while him saying "you brought me the only sword I need"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Melee Weapons, rolled +0)
Maurice Headsman
You brought me the only sword I need.
Maurice catches the attacker’s sword arm as it thrusts, turns with the slick stones, and wrenches the blade free. The weapon clatters across the garden path, but the mail-clad man’s pommel strikes Maurice’s ribs hard enough to bruise.
Ser Garran Holt
You disarm me with empty hands, then boast as though the convent itself made you invincible.
Maurice kicks the sword beyond the attacker’s reach. Rain beads on its steel while the mail-clad man’s gloved fingers close around nothing, his planned seizure broken before the converging witnesses.
Elianor Vale
The weapon is surrendered, and your claim remains unsupported. Stand down before the convent records your assault.
Sister Agnes appears at the garden gate with two broad-shouldered lay brothers, both young adult human men in plain brown wool habits, one tall and square-faced and the other shorter with a round face behind her. The mail-clad man faces Maurice unarmed, trapped between the wall and the witnesses.
Sister Agnes
No blade leaves this garden. Kneel, give your name and office, and answer for attempting an armed seizure under convent protection.
Quest Complete
Halt the armed seizure of Elianor
Attribute Upgrade: Willpower Great→Superb