The archive passage settles into a strained quiet. Behind Orien and Aldren, the sealed vault groans as buried stone shifts, but the stair remains passable for now.
Aldren Veyr
Hold the tablet steady beneath your cloak. Its inscription is clear through the stone, and we need not open it again to prove what it records.
Aldren tears a clean strip from his sleeve and binds his cut palm. He studies the tablet’s pale lettering through its transparent seal, then checks each recorded name.
Aldren Veyr
It establishes custody of the succession claim, entrusted to your line under the crown and bound reeds. It does not restore a northern title or compel the southern houses to obey.
Aldren Veyr
I can promise House Veyr will preserve the record, present it under witness, and prevent its quiet removal. I cannot promise what the charter court will decide.
Far above, the gatewarden’s bar strikes once against the inner doors, a dull signal through the trembling stone. The causeway still holds, though water whispers beneath it.
Aldren Veyr
We have a brief pause. We can return to the gatewarden with the tablet, or leave while the passage remains open. The choice now rests with you.
✓ Quest Accepted
Travel south with Aldren as a guarded companion
“I leave with Aldren while the passage remains open.”
Orien turns from the archive and follows Aldren toward the open passage. The tablet remains secured beneath his cloak as the stone corridor holds.
Aldren Veyr
Then we leave while the way remains clear. I will carry the witness account, but I will not place the tablet before the charter hall without your consent.
They climb through the archive passage together. Dust trembles from the ceiling, and distant water murmurs beneath the foundation, but no stone obstructs their ascent.
Aldren Veyr
The record stays in your keeping. House Veyr may preserve its copy if asked, but your custody does not bind you to this crossing.
The gatewarden’s signal sounds again above. Aldren reaches the upper threshold first, then holds the way as Orien steps into the blue-lit archive.
They pass through the side passage toward the gatehouse, leaving the sealed foundation behind. The tablet travels southward with Orien, while House Veyr’s failing causeway remains under guard.
Bring Aldren’s witness account to the gatewarden
Quest Complete
Travel south with Aldren as a guarded companion