Rainwater runs from the fir branches as Makeda and the fugitives leave the lean-to, carrying sealed vessels and carefully rationed food. The elder charcoal burner remains behind.
The Charcoal Burner’s Elder Son
The lower charcoal road is safer than the ridge, but a kiln collapsed across it during the last storm. We must clear it before workers arrive.
The charcoal burner’s elder son leads them downhill through dripping firs. Daria follows close behind him, while Petar watches the rear and Sofia steadies Julia over the slick roots.
The Charcoal Burner’s Elder Son
If we open the road, the charcoal men may give us shelter. It also leads east without joining the patrol road, but only if no one sees you there first.
The forest thins around a muddy track. Ahead, broken timber and wet stones choke the road beside a blackened kiln, its fallen wall spread across the passage.
Daria
We work quickly and quietly. Keep the food dry, and leave no sign that more hands than charcoal burners touched the ruin.
Beyond the blocked road, distant axes strike faintly through the rain. The sound is approaching, giving the fugitives little time to decide how they will clear the passage.
✓ Quest Accepted
Open the blocked charcoal road
✓ Quest Accepted
Gain shelter from the charcoal burners
“"Julia, you just sit down and rest. The others will clear as much as we can of this mess."”
SUCCESS (Good Strength, rolled +1)
Makeda
Julia, you just sit down and rest. The others will clear as much as we can of this mess.
Julia lowers herself beneath the firs, keeping her injured ankle raised on a folded cloak. Makeda and the others approach the collapsed kiln wall through the rain.
Julia
I will rest, then. Do not spend yourselves needlessly on my account.
Makeda grips a wet timber and heaves while Daria and the charcoal burner’s elder son shift stones from the track. Sofia gathers smaller branches aside, and Petar watches the road.
The Charcoal Burner’s Elder Son
Together. Lift when I say. The timber can be dragged clear without bringing down the rest of the wall.
They work in a tight rhythm, hauling broken beams and rolling stones into the mud beside the kiln. Soon the passage is open enough for laden travelers to pass.
Daria
That is enough for now. We conceal the fresh disturbance, collect Julia, and move before the charcoal men reach this road.
Quest Complete
Open the blocked charcoal road