The garden remains barred after Aldren’s departure. Rain softens to a whisper through the yew, while the steward checks the gate, then withdraws toward the castle doors.
the castle steward
I will give you both privacy, but call if the road sends another visitor. Maurice, keep your voice low.
The steward disappears beneath the covered passage, leaving Elianor and Maurice beneath the wet hedge. Maurice steps into the open, his shoulders still tense beneath his cloak.
Maurice Headsman
I recognized the orders because I have seen the Baron’s seal used before. The wording was not a common arrest. It named a living delivery, then listed the old chapel.
Maurice Headsman
At the gate, I said only that you were not the ambush’s target. I did not say the writ ordered your capture, because Aldren’s escorts were armed, and walls have ears.
Maurice Headsman
If she believes I hid the truth to protect myself, I cannot blame her. A man who carries an executioner’s name earns suspicion honestly.
Maurice Headsman
There is more. The men who attacked you spoke of a priest waiting at the chapel. I chose not to repeat that before Aldren, because the Baron may be listening through the court.
“I will ask Maurice to watch over me while I commune with my patron for protective magic.”
SUCCESS (Great Willpower, rolled +2)
Elianor Vale
Maurice, watch over me while I commune with my patron and seek protection.
Maurice Headsman
I will. No one crosses this garden without answering to me first.
Maurice takes position between Elianor and the barred gate, his immense frame visible beneath the dripping yew. One hand rests near his sword, though he does not draw it.
Elianor quiets herself beneath the hedge’s shelter. Rain whispers through the leaves, and the silver brand at her throat chills as her prayer reaches beyond ordinary hearing.
Elianor Vale
The garden is quiet, and Maurice is watching the gate.
A steadier warmth gathers beneath the brand, not flame but borrowed assurance. The damp air seems to settle around her, sheltering her from the open garden and watching eyes.
Maurice Headsman
Your prayer is done when you say it is. I saw no one approach, and I will keep watch while the protection holds.
✓ Quest Accepted
Have Maurice pledge his loyalty to Elianor
“Ask Maurice to serve me as my personal guard during the investigation. And extend my patrons protection to Maurice as well.”
SUCCESS (Good Theology, rolled -1)
Elianor Vale
Maurice, serve as my personal guard while I investigate the Baron’s orders. I ask my patron to extend this protection to you as well.
Maurice studies her beneath the dripping yew. The rain hushes around them, and the warmth beneath Elianor’s silver brand reaches outward in a quiet, unseen blessing.
Maurice Headsman
I accept. During this investigation, I stand as your guard, and no lawful threat will reach you without facing me first.
The borrowed warmth settles across Maurice’s broad shoulders beneath his dark cloak. He breathes once, slowly, as though recognizing a shelter stronger than the hedge above him.
Maurice Headsman
Your patron’s protection rests on me. I will not mistake that gift for ownership, and I will not let anyone use it to claim you.
Beyond the wall, the road remains empty. The garden holds its damp silence, now sheltering both of them while the Baron’s chapel and his sealed orders await investigation.
Maurice Headsman
When you are ready to question the chapel’s secrets, I will walk beside you. Until then, the gate stays watched.
Quest Complete
Have Maurice pledge his loyalty to Elianor