The water thief spreads the folded survey map across the stone shelf, pinning its corners with cartridges. Her brass key rests beside the inked roads, while Marshal Venn's revolver remains visible between them.
The Water Thief
This cut here is concealed from the main trail. It runs beneath the red mesas, then opens north of Mercy Crossing.
She traces a thin blue line with one dusty finger. The hidden passage is narrow, but the map marks old wagon scars and a spring symbol near its far end.
The Water Thief
Mercy Crossing has water, rumors, and folk who remember every stranger passing through. Someone there may know why those bounty hunters were searching for you.
Above, the abandoned station gives a long wooden groan, but no boots descend. The mounted posse remains at High Rock with their unconscious man, and nobody has followed Death bug below.
The Water Thief
I can show you the first turn. After that, the desert decides whether it wants to hide you.
Cool water ticks into a clay jar behind her. Between the map, the key, and the revolver, the chamber holds three unanswered ways forward.
“"why are u helpinh me" i ask”
SUCCESS (Good Reasoning, rolled -1)
death bug
Why are you helping me?
The question settles between the jars and the dripping ceiling. Death bug’s voice carries softly, but the chamber’s close stone gives it nowhere to hide.
The Water Thief
Because Venn’s hunters are not searching for a criminal. They are searching for whoever crossed the burned chapel alive, and I know what waits there.
She folds the map at the red mesa line, then winces as a frayed rope fiber cuts her thumb. A bright bead of blood marks the paper’s edge.
The Water Thief
I helped you because you can move where I cannot, and because those riders would take this water route from me if they found it.
The Water Thief
He asked plainly. Plain answers may keep him beside the map instead of against me.
The Water Thief
That is the truth, stranger. Use the passage, learn what Venn fears, and leave my spring untouched. We both get a road forward.
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn what Venn fears