The council chamber remains assembled around its wax tablets when guards admit Father Giorgi, a human man with olive skin and a prominent hooked nose,, an elderly Georgian priest with a lean frame, weathered face, gray beard, and rain-darkened black robe.
Dust covers his hem and boots. He carries a leather packet sealed with church wax, while the guards wait behind him and the inner door closes.
Father Giorgi
I bring statements from the Orthodox hamlet and the charcoal camps. They name Makeda and her companions, and describe the shelter, food, and guidance given them.
The clerk breaks the seals and spreads the folded statements across the table. King Rostom's official reads beside the Armenian councillor, comparing each name with Makeda's account.
the elderly Armenian councillor
These witnesses confirm the route, the number of travelers, and the assistance offered. They do not, however, prove every claim concerning the ship.
King Rostom's official
They establish that this group fled eastward under pursuit and that Christian households received them. That substantially strengthens the refugee record.
The clerk prepares a fresh wax tablet, recording Father Giorgi's testimony as corroboration. Makeda remains before the council, while Julia and the other survivors wait outside under guard and the queen's protection.
“She patiently awaits further questioning.”
Makeda remains before the council, composed and attentive. Her hands rest plainly at her sides while the clerk finishes copying Father Giorgi’s statements onto the fresh tablet.
King Rostom's official
You have heard the corroboration. We will now clarify the number of survivors and the places where each received shelter.
The official consults the folded statements, then compares their names with the earlier record. Father Giorgi waits beside the table, silent beneath the council’s scrutiny.
the elderly Armenian councillor
Were all the witnesses speaking from direct knowledge, Father Giorgi, or did any repeat what travelers told them?
Father Giorgi
The hamlet saw the women arrive and depart. The charcoal burners sheltered them directly. Their statements concern what they witnessed themselves.
The councillor makes a careful mark beside the testimony. No accusation follows, and the council’s attention returns to Makeda with deliberate, formal patience.
King Rostom's official
Makeda, remain ready. We will ask about the ship and your companions next, then decide what protection the record supports.
✓ Quest Accepted
Win the council's formal protection for the survivors
“She remains ready, as instructed.”
Makeda remains upright before the council, attentive and still. The clerk continues copying Father Giorgi’s statements, while the wax softens beneath the stylus.
King Rostom's official
The record names six travelers who reached Kartli together. Confirm whether that number is correct, and identify those who remain outside.
Father Giorgi watches her without prompting. The elderly Armenian councillor reviews the statements again, comparing the listed names with the testimony already given.
the elderly Armenian councillor
Take your time, Makeda. We seek a clear record, not a hurried answer. Your companions’ safety depends upon accurate identification.
No one interrupts her readiness. Beyond the closed doors, the survivors wait under guard and the queen’s protection, while the council leaves Makeda the space to answer.
Father Giorgi
The statements agree on the women and Petar. The witnesses saw them together at the hamlet and heard that they sought refuge under Christian protection.
The official nods and signals the clerk to leave room for Makeda’s clarification. The chamber settles into expectant silence, its attention fixed upon her.
“"I can add further details. I know the name of the ship and the captain, when and where it sank. Petar is a young Christian I encountered shortly after, tied up and starving in a shed. The Turks had falsely accused him of theft and tormented him. He can describe the remainder of the journey. An Armenian charcoal burner named Mikayel gave us this written notice and a token to identify us. He may remember that we were carrying a wooden spar from the sunken ship, and certainly Petar can."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Oratory, rolled -1)
Makeda
I can add further details. I know the ship’s name, the captain’s name, and when and where she sank. I will give them for the record.
Makeda states each detail clearly, then describes finding Petar tied and starving in a shed after the wreck. She identifies his accusation as false and his suffering as witnessed fact.
Makeda
Petar is a young Christian I encountered afterward. The Turks accused him falsely of theft and tormented him. He can describe the remainder of our journey himself.
King Rostom's official
That places Petar as a direct witness to the survivors’ flight, not merely a name repeated in these statements. His testimony will be taken.
Makeda
An Armenian charcoal burner named Mikayel gave us this written notice and this bronze token, so Christian households could identify us and know whom he protected.
Makeda produces the sealed notice and bronze token. Father Giorgi examines the marks, while the clerk records Mikayel’s name and the objects’ purpose before returning them.
the elderly Armenian councillor
These are tangible corroboration, and the charcoal burner can be summoned or questioned through the church. With Petar’s account, your record is substantially established.
“She awaits further instructions.”
Makeda waits before the council table, silent and attentive. The bronze token and sealed notice remain in the clerk’s keeping while the officials consider their evidentiary weight.
King Rostom's official
The record is now sufficiently supported to recognize your group as Christian refugees under Queen Mariam’s protection.
The clerk presses the final marks into the softened wax. Father Giorgi stands beside the table, and the Armenian councillor reviews the names without finding contradiction.
the elderly Armenian councillor
Petar will confirm the journey before the council closes its inquiry. Mikayel’s notice and token will be preserved with the testimony.
King Rostom's official
You may remain here while the witnesses are questioned. No claimant from the Turkish authorities will remove you without the queen’s consent.
Beyond the chamber, movement stirs as an attendant, a young adult woman with a slim build, dark braided hair, and a flowing red-and-blue patterned robe over dark blue garments goes to summon Petar. Makeda remains where she was instructed, with the survivors’ protection strengthened by each careful entry.
Father Giorgi
Your account has been heard plainly, Makeda. The church will affirm what its households witnessed.
Quest Complete
Win the council's formal protection for the survivors