Octavius remains slumped against the wagon, bucket in hand, while Edrin loudly scolds him. Mara huddles nearby, convincingly frightened and helpless beneath her travel cloak.
Edrin Vale
Keep your hands off that bow, you witless drunk. You could scarcely hit a barn, and now you mean to guard us?
The watchers take the bait. Two figures rush from the hedges, one broad and short-haired, the other lean with a cord wrapped around one hand, while Tessa gives a concealed signal.
A dunmere scout rises behind the wagon as hidden scouts close from both flanks. Brann stumbles into the prepared snare, and the cord-holder is driven to his knees before either can reach Mara.
Brann
Wait! We were told the helpless guard would expose Mara and Edrin. We were not meant to fight Dunmere’s whole watch!
Tessa binds both watchers while the scouts recover a folded instruction from Brann’s coat and a marked route from the cord-holder. The papers name a rendezvous beyond the old quarry.
Guard Tessa
Octavius, the trap worked. We have prisoners, proof that Mara and Edrin were the target, and a trail toward whoever directs this search. What do you want done first?
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure the captured watchers and their evidence
“Lady Tessa, I think you and your scouts should take these people back to our Lady Reeve." I completely lose the fake-alcoholic act and stand up straight, wiping the fake-sweat away from my face and glaring at the captives. "I know lady Mara needs to get to the next town, and I cannot desert her, but I believe these people need to speak to the Reeve. What do you think?”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +0)
Octavius
Guard Tessa, I think you and the scouts should take these people back to Reeve Anja Vey. I cannot desert Mara Venn before she reaches the next town, but these captives need to speak to the Reeve. What do you think?
Octavius abandons the false drunken slump and stands straight, wiping the staged sweat from his face. His glare fixes on the restrained watchers, while the nearby scouts keep their hands ready.
Guard Tessa
I think you are right. The Reeve should hear them while their instructions and route remain fresh, and I will take responsibility for delivering both prisoners safely.
Brann
The Reeve? We told you what we knew. There is no need to drag us before a court.
Tessa tightens Brann’s bindings and checks the cord-holder’s restraints without roughness. The scouts close around them, forming a quiet escort back toward Dunmere’s authority.
Guard Tessa
You will speak to Reeve Anja Vey, and she will decide what follows. Octavius, continue with Mara. We will report the capture, the papers, and your recommendation exactly.
The decision settles cleanly: Tessa and the scouts lead the captives toward Dunmere, while Octavius remains with Mara. The marked route and folded instruction travel under guard, preserved for the Reeve’s examination.
Quest Complete
Secure the captured watchers and their evidence