In the barracks, salt stings the air and wet boots leave dark prints on the boards. The Captain sets the wrapped relic on the oak desk, then keeps one hand near it, watching Zia as if she might lunge for it.
The Captain of the Guard
You leave the harbor now. I lock this away, and the festival keeps its peace.
Harbor Guards stand stiff at the door, their grips tight on their spears. The Hermit is held back in silence, glaring over their shoulders. The Captain reaches for the iron key on his belt, never breaking eye contact with Zia.
Zia
The relic stays safest in your care. I only ask that you keep it sealed and away from curious hands.
The Captain of the Guard
And if it calls to you, cleric?
Zia steps closer, plate whispering, trident still. The Captain hesitates, then slides the key into the lock on the armory chest, choosing caution over suspicion as the relic leaves open reach.
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep the Captain trusting my facade
✓ Quest Accepted
Leave the harbor
“I tell him "It does call to me, as it calls to you now. You have touched it as well and you are now cursed." I subtly cast a spell to make the captain hear whispers. I then say "If you would allow me to take this relic and leave your town, I will find a way to dispose of it safely. To remove the voices from both of our minds."”
SUCCESS (Superb Persuasion, rolled +0)
Zia lets the warning hang like incense in the stale room, and the Captain stills. His hand tightens on the key as though the iron has gone suddenly cold.
Zia
It does call to me, as it calls to you now. You have touched it as well, and you are cursed.
She speaks softly, and the words seem to settle into the lamplight. The Captain’s eyes flick once to the chest, then away, as a faint whisper crawls at the edge of his hearing.
The Captain of the Guard
No. Not here. Not in front of them.
Zia
If you let me take it and leave your town, I will find a way to dispose of it safely. To clear the voices from both our minds.
The Captain’s suspicion bends, not breaks. He draws the key from the lock, then turns it in his palm as if weighing the cost of every heartbeat that follows.
The Captain of the Guard
Take the chest. Take the road too, and do not speak of this to my men.
The armory chest remains shut, but the decision shifts. The Captain’s shoulders ease by a fraction, and he gestures toward the door, careful to keep his voice low.
Quest Complete
Keep the Captain trusting my facade