Under the nearest kiln roof, Mikayel spreads a rough charcoal map across a plank. Rain ticks overhead while smoke and damp wool fill the cramped shelter.
Mikayel
This upper track climbs behind the firs, then bends east into country used by few travelers. It avoids the lower road and the patrols.
He marks the route with a blackened fingertip, naming springs, abandoned platforms, and a narrow pass before Georgia. The charcoal burner’s elder son watches the entrance, listening.
Mikayel
I can spare bread, onions, and shelter until the rain weakens. My workers will not guide so many fugitives. They have families to protect.
The Charcoal Burner’s Elder Son
Voices below. And horse bells. The searchers are on the lower road, nearer than before.
Julia sits with her ankle raised while Sofia checks the binding. Angela gathers the food, Daria studies the map, and Petar moves quietly toward the rear opening.
Mikayel
Choose who carries what, and who leaves first. If you depart in confusion, the mountain will scatter you before the soldiers do.
“"Fortunately, our burdens are light. We can divide the food among ourselves, and each carries his own personal equipment. I think we may have more wood than we actually need; Daria is the strongest and can carry what she thinks fit. I can manage the rope and cords. Angela has carried the water jug so far, so she can do that. Sofia need only help Julia, who has a bad ankle."”
SUCCESS (Good Reasoning, rolled -1)
Makeda
Our burdens are light. We divide the food, and each carries personal equipment. Daria takes only the wood she thinks useful; I will carry the rope and cords.
Makeda
Angela keeps the water jug, as she has carried it so far. Sofia need only support Julia, whose ankle cannot bear more strain.
Makeda’s arrangement settles quickly beneath the kiln roof. Bread, onions, and sealed provisions pass into separate bundles, while the rope coil and cords are wound securely across her shoulder.
Daria
I will take the fir poles and enough dry wood for our next shelter. The driftwood can remain unless we find a better use for it.
Angela
The jug stays with me. I can keep it upright, and I will guard the food beside it.
Sofia
Julia and I will travel together. She can carry her cloak and sandals, but nothing that makes her limp worse.
The bundles become compact and even. Daria shoulders the selected wood, Angela lifts the clay jug, and Sofia helps Julia rise while Petar checks the rear opening.
“"Our path is difficult, but now might be the best time to leave, while the rain covers our tracks. What do you think, Daria?"”
SUCCESS (Good Reasoning, rolled +3)
Makeda
Our path is difficult, but now might be the best time to leave, while the rain covers our tracks. What do you think, Daria?
Daria
I think you are right. We leave now, before the searchers pass above us and before this shelter becomes a trap. Keep close and silent.
Daria studies the dripping entrance, then folds Mikayel’s charcoal map and tucks it inside her tunic. Petar slips out first to check the upper track.
Mikayel
Follow the fir line until the ground rises sharply. The upper path begins behind the split boulder. You will find a spring before nightfall.
Mikayel opens the rear way beneath the kiln roof. Rain veils the lower road, where horse bells and voices fade eastward under the steady drumming.
Daria
Petar, lead until the first turn. I will take the rear. Sofia, keep Julia sheltered between you and Angela. Makeda, stay near me.
The fugitives file into the wet firs with their burdens secured. Mud closes over their footprints, and the charcoal kilns disappear behind a curtain of rain.
✓ Quest Accepted
Reach the spring safely
“They keep going.”
SUCCESS (Great Health, rolled +0)
The fugitives keep east along the upper fir path, bent beneath rain and dripping branches. Petar finds the split boulder, and the track rises behind it as Mikayel promised.
Petar
The ground is firm here. Stay in my footprints, and keep the bundles beneath your cloaks.
Makeda remains near Daria, checking the rope and cords across her shoulder whenever the trail narrows. A branch catches the coil and frays one cord, which she cuts away.
Daria
No stopping in the open. The spring is ahead, and we rest only under cover.
Sofia guides Julia over slick roots while Angela shields the jug. Julia limps onward, spending strength, but reaches the rising path without falling.
Angela
Water. I hear it below the stones.
By nightfall they reach the hidden spring beneath the firs. They refill their vessels, settle into the trees, and leave the patrol road far below.
Quest Complete
Reach the spring safely
Quest Complete
Evade the patrols searching for the escaped captives
Skill Upgrade: Stealth Great→Superb