Aelwyn still holds the warrant beneath the hearthlight. The false seal gleams in layers, while the alleged crime remains an unmistakable blank beneath the shifting ink.
Elford
Briarhollow, come witness this! Let every eye see what the crown’s men have brought before anyone removes it or lays hands on my guests.
Through the windows, villagers gather, a mixed group of adult men and women in worn earth-toned village clothes, from the lane and press near the Golden Hare’s doorway. Elford plants himself between them and the armoured party, demanding space for the truth.
the dark-armoured knight
Enough theater. Hand over the fae, innkeeper, and surrender the warrant. Your obstruction will be remembered when judgment comes.
the robed spellwright
Stand clear of the parchment. I will test its authenticity by the crown’s own arcane measure, and no village accusation will interfere.
The spellwright raises two gloved fingers. Silver light gathers around his charm and threads toward the document, probing the layered seal with precise, hair-thin strands.
Veldrin
If that spell reaches the hidden mark, it may reveal who forged the order, or alert those who sent them.
✓ Quest Accepted
Prevent the crown party from turning enforcement on Briarhollow
“"This could be your magic. why would we let you do it?" *Aelwyn inquired holding the warrant back slightly.* "You could mess with it again."”
SUCCESS (Great Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Aelwyn
This could be your magic. Why would we let you do it? You could alter it again.
Aelwyn draws the warrant back toward her chest, keeping the parchment safely beyond the silver threads. The spellwright’s charm finds only empty air.
the robed spellwright
You accuse me while holding the evidence hostage. That is not how lawful examination proceeds.
Elford
It proceeds no farther until we agree on safeguards. Lower the charm, spellwright, and let the warrant remain with Aelwyn.
The silver strands withdraw at last, curling back into the charm. Murmurs pass through the villagers as the layered seal continues to shimmer harmlessly in Aelwyn’s hands.
Veldrin
She is right to distrust your measure. If the order is true, it will survive witnesses, daylight, and a second reading.
the dark-armoured knight
You shelter a fugitive and obstruct the crown. Remember this defiance when judgment reaches Briarhollow.
“"I have an herb that wipes away illusion magic when steamed. Excuse me for a moment." *She said, moving to the pot over the hearth, which was only filled with water. She dug through her pouch and dropped a few dried flowers into the pot, then began stirring.* * When it began steaming, she held the warrant up and the seal disappeared.* "Illusion magic. at its finest. Being used for cruelty."”
SUCCESS (Fair Magic, rolled -2)
Aelwyn
I have an herb that wipes away illusion magic when steamed. Excuse me for a moment.
Aelwyn moves to the hearth’s water-filled pot, digs dried flowers from her pouch, and drops them in. She stirs as fragrant steam rises, spending the last of that herb.
She lifts the warrant above the steaming pot. The layered red seal shimmers, then vanishes entirely, leaving plain wax and a blank accusation beneath it. A sharp breath of heat reddens Aelwyn’s fingertips.
Aelwyn
Illusion magic... at its finest. Being used for cruelty.
Elford
There! You all saw it. The crown’s seal was concealed by sorcery, and the accusation beneath it is empty.
the robed spellwright
That proves only that a working was present. It does not prove who placed it, or why.
Veldrin
It proves enough to deny them my chains. No honest warrant needs a hidden face.
“"It proves youre here on falsities."”
SUCCESS (Great Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Aelwyn
It proves you are here on falsities.
Aelwyn holds the cleansed warrant where villagers can see its plain wax and empty accusation. The hearth steams softly beside her, carrying the herb's sharp scent through the room.
the robed spellwright
The warrant's presentation was flawed, perhaps. That does not make our presence false.
Elford
Your authority was hidden behind sorcery, and the charge beneath it is empty. You came demanding a man on a lie.
Murmurs swell beyond the doorway. Several villagers step closer, their faces tightening as the exposed parchment passes from witness to witness without revealing any accusation.
the dark-armoured knight
We act under orders, innkeeper. Do not mistake a concealed mark for proof that the crown sent us falsely.
Veldrin
Then leave without me, and let the crown send an honest warrant if it truly seeks justice. You have no lawful claim here.
“"Be gone, or we will have to call our own authorities whom have real warrants."”
SUCCESS (Great Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Aelwyn
Be gone, or we will have to call our own authorities, who have real warrants.
Aelwyn speaks softly, but her words carry through the Golden Hare. She keeps the cleansed warrant raised, its empty accusation visible to every watching villager.
the dark-armoured knight
You threaten crown agents with village officials?
Elford
She offers you a peaceful departure. Take it. Briarhollow’s council will hear this matter, and you have shown no lawful cause to remain.
The villagers close ranks behind Elford, not attacking, but making the doorway unmistakably theirs. Outside, a few turn toward the council hall to summon Briarhollow’s authorities.
the robed spellwright
The warrant is exposed, the crowd is witnesses, and another examination will not restore what is missing.
the dark-armoured knight
This is not finished. We withdraw for now, but the crown will remember Briarhollow.
The dark-armoured knight signals the riders. Mail shifts and hooves strike the lane as the crown party retreats from the Golden Hare, leaving Veldrin sheltered and the false warrant in village hands.
Quest Complete
Prevent the crown party from turning enforcement on Briarhollow
Skill Upgrade: Diplomacy Great→Superb