By midday, Octavius and Guard Tessa return to Dunmere with the hidden-crossing evidence, leaving Merris tethered safely beyond the ravine. Mara and Edrin remain under guarded protection at the gatehouse.
Reeve Anja Vey convenes the court beneath the timber roof. Tessa lays out the marked cloth, repeated sole print, and account of the concealed overlook while Patter waits beside Octavius’s boots.
Guard Tessa
The passage was maintained for private observation of the eastern road. Hadrik’s cloth and distinctive sole mark connect him to it directly.
Hadrik is brought from confinement under guard, his wrists bound before him. He looks from the evidence to Anja, while Mara and Edrin watch from the protected witness bench.
Hadrik Seln
A scrap of cloth and a footprint do not prove that I issued any false order.
Reeve Anja Vey
They prove access, concealment, and an unreported route aligned with the diversions you controlled. Combined with the ledgers, they establish knowing misuse of my authority.
Reeve Anja Vey
Hadrik Seln will remain confined for formal trial. Mara and Edrin retain protected-witness status, and Dunmere will secure their travel until every connected road is cleared.
− Story Quest Removed
Learn what happened to Edrin's vanished allies
− Story Quest Removed
Identify who intercepted Mara’s warning
“Lady Reeve," I offer, "Can I provide any further aid? My intent coming here was to perhaps get some coin for gathered herbs and the like, before heading back out again. It would not trouble me to add assisting you as eyes in the trees as I go, should you wish it.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +1)
Octavius
Lady Reeve, can I provide any further aid? I came seeking coin for my gathered herbs, but I would gladly serve as your eyes in the trees while I travel onward.
The court’s attention settles on Octavius once more. Tessa watches with open approval, while Mara and Edrin remain attentive on the protected bench and Patter stays close at his boots.
Reeve Anja Vey
Yes, Octavius. Dunmere will purchase your herbs at a fair rate, and I will retain your name as a trusted road observer. When you travel beyond our walls, you may report dangers directly to me.
Guard Tessa
I will enter the arrangement with the writ’s other findings. Your reports will carry weight, especially where the roads leave the usual patrols.
Anja orders the payment recorded and the herbs assessed before Octavius leaves. Mara’s protection, Edrin’s safe travel, and the evidence against Hadrik now rest within Dunmere’s law rather than on uncertain promises.
Reeve Anja Vey
Then it is settled. Take your payment, travel safely, and send word when the road teaches you something Dunmere should know. You have aided this town without surrendering your freedom.
The court resumes its orderly work. With the herbs valued, the writ honored, and his offer accepted, Octavius leaves beneath the timber roof with Patter beside him and a lawful road ahead.
The timber-roofed court emptied into clear afternoon light. Tessa’s record was sealed, the writ honored, and Octavius’s road service entered beside it.
Octavius
A lawful road, fair pay, and work worth doing. That will do.
Patter
And herbs. Do not forget the herbs.
Octavius
Never.
Together they turned from the court toward Dunmere’s guarded roads.
Hadrik’s authority had been broken in judgment, and the witnesses remained under the town’s protection. The hidden crossing would be watched, the roads would answer to lawful eyes, and Octavius would be paid to keep them so. With Patter at his side, he walked into the settled work of the days ahead, carrying no secret burden but the ordinary weight of duty.