Beneath the alder trees, the filled clay jug passes carefully from hand to hand. Makeda remains with Daria, Sofia, Angela, Julia, and Petar as the path stays quiet.
Sofia
What sort of people live beyond this bend? Shepherds, charcoal burners, or villagers tied to the garrisons?
Petar
Mostly shepherd families in the higher country. They trade wool, cheese, and hides, but they watch strangers closely and remember faces.
Julia
Are they Turkish, Christian, or divided between both? Customs may matter as much as language if we ask for food.
Petar
Some are Muslim, some Orthodox, and some keep faith quiet. Do not enter a house without invitation. Do not touch a household object, and offer labor before asking for anything.
Daria
Tell us only what keeps us alive. Which settlement can hide us, and which one must we avoid?
Petar
The next settlement is near a shepherd named Arif. I worked there once, before soldiers took my brother. Arif blamed me for leading them to his door. He may give us water, but he will not forget.
“"Arif is a Turkish name. He may not report us, but he won't want any escaped slaves around his place. He could get in trouble."”
SUCCESS (Good Reasoning, rolled +0)
Makeda
Arif is a Turkish name. He may not report us, but he will not want escaped slaves near his place. He could get in trouble.
Makeda keeps her voice low, but the words carry along the alder shade. The group slows, and the filled jug knocks softly against a stone.
Petar
You are right. Arif fears soldiers more than he pities strangers. If he sees chains have been broken, he may send word to protect himself.
Daria
Then we do not approach his house as fugitives. We stay beyond the settlement and let Petar speak from the path.
Sofia
A household could offer water, but shelter might bring soldiers to our trail.
A sharp crack sounds from the brush behind them. Daria raises one hand, and everyone freezes. The jug’s clay rim has chipped against the stone, leaving a pale crescent in Makeda’s grip.
Petar
The settlement lies ahead. We will skirt it, watch Arif’s door, and ask for nothing unless the place is quiet.
“"Very well then. It's up to you, Petar. If you want to approach him, do that. We will wait under cover."”
SUCCESS (Good Stealth, rolled +1)
Makeda
Very well, Petar. It is up to you. If you want to approach him, do that. We will wait under cover.
Makeda leads the others beneath the alder branches, settling them behind the bank where the path cannot see them. The chipped jug rests safely in Sofia’s lap.
Petar
I will speak to Arif alone. If he remembers me kindly, we may gain water and news. If not, I will return without drawing him toward you.
Petar lowers his bundle, smooths his clothing, and walks toward the bend with empty hands. Daria watches him go, one palm raised to keep the others silent.
Daria
Stay low. We wait until we know whether Arif sees a hungry traveler or a danger to his household.
The group remains concealed beneath the alders. Ahead, Petar disappears around the bend toward the shepherd settlement, while the forest holds its quiet over Makeda and the others.
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn whether Arif will aid the survivors
“They wait anxiously.”
Beneath the alder branches, the survivors wait in silence. The chipped jug rests between them, while the bank shields their faces from the bend and the settlement beyond.
Daria
If Petar returns alone, we leave at once. If he brings news, we listen before moving.
Sofia steadies the jug with both hands. Angela watches the path through a screen of leaves, and Julia keeps the food bundle tucked beneath her cloak.
Sofia
He has not been gone long. The settlement must be close, if we can hear nothing from it.
A breeze stirs the alders and carries the faint smell of sheep and woodsmoke down the ravine. No footsteps follow, and no voice calls from the houses.
Angela
Then we wait. Moving now would only expose us, and Petar knows where to find us.
Time passes slowly beneath the trees. Daria remains poised beside the bank, Makeda and the others concealed behind her, until a familiar figure appears at the bend and begins walking back.
“They wait for him to say something.”
Petar reaches the bank and crouches before stepping into the alders. His empty hands remain visible, and his expression is guarded but not alarmed.
Petar
Arif remembers me. He gave me water and a little cheese, but he asked who traveled with me.
Daria studies Petar’s face while Sofia keeps the chipped jug steady. No alarm sounds from the settlement, and the smell of woodsmoke remains faint behind them.
Petar
I told him I was alone and bound for the eastern hills. He believes me, or prefers not to know more.
Daria
What did he say about the path? We cannot remain here until night.
Petar
The track divides beyond his sheepfold. Take the upper branch. It reaches a spring and avoids the houses. Arif will not follow us.
Petar offers the small cheese wrapped in cloth, then points toward the bend. Daria signals the others to rise, and the survivors prepare to continue east beneath the trees.
Quest Complete
Learn whether Arif will aid the survivors