The charcoal burner’s elder son leads them beneath a broad shelf of rock, where a stone spring gathers in a shallow basin. The road lies hidden beyond the trees.
Packs come open beside the spring. Water is measured into the clay flask, grain bundles are checked, and the survivors settle into the first quiet rest since crossing the torrent.
The Charcoal Burner’s Elder Son
Drink slowly. The climb ahead is worse than the gorge, and this spring will not be found from the road.
The charcoal burner’s younger son crouches near the entrance, listening toward the valley. Daria rests with one hand on the sickle, while Sofia helps Julia loosen her pack and Angela guards the provisions.
Petar
Something crossed after us. I heard stones shift beyond the torrent, then again on the slope. I cannot tell whether it was a person, an animal, or a patrol.
The Charcoal Burner’s Younger Son
How far behind? Did it follow the ford, or come down from the road?
Petar turns toward the trees, weighing the faint sounds against the rushing water. The sheltering rock conceals the spring, but the narrow approach offers few places to hide.
✓ Quest Accepted
Determine who or what crossed the torrent
“"Wait here. I'll have a look."”
SUCCESS (Superb Perception, rolled +2)
Makeda
Wait here. I’ll have a look.
Makeda leaves her pack beneath the rock shelf and slips toward the torrent, keeping low among the fir roots. She follows the disturbed stones above the waterline.
Makeda
The stones are fresh, but no boot heel marks follow them.
Beyond the torrent, a narrow ledge bends around the gorge. A tawny wild goat stands there, picking its way upward, and dislodges another scatter of stones.
Makeda searches the slope, ford, and road below. She finds only hoofprints in the damp earth, with no human trail or patrol sign among them.
Makeda
It was a wild goat. Nothing followed us from the road or the ford.
Petar
Then we have a little time. I will watch the valley while the others drink and repack.
Quest Complete
Determine who or what crossed the torrent