The guard guides the child toward the gate while the bridge groans behind them. Ahead, lanterns wash the stone arch in gold, and a stern Patrol Captain waits beneath it.
The Guard steps forward with the boy at his side. He keeps one hand near the child’s shoulder, half shielding him, half presenting him as proof of what happened.
Bram
Captain, the boy lives. Tragold here pulled us through when the bridge failed.
The Patrol Captain
I see the bridge. I also see a kobold at my gate.
The Captain’s eyes narrow, then flick to the child, then back to Tragold. Her hand rests on the hilt at her belt, not drawn, but ready.
The Patrol Captain
Heroic or not, the law is clear. If I bend it for one monster, I invite trouble for the whole city.
The child looks from the Captain to Tragold, hope and fear sharing the same wide eyes. Beyond the gate, the road into Border City waits, narrow as a judgment.
✓ Quest Accepted
Gain the Patrol Captain’s permission to enter Border City
“Tragold gives the patrol captain a small, respectful bow. "Tragold not makes trouble. Tragold wants to earn money for food."”
SUCCESS (Great Persuasion, rolled +0)
Tragold
Tragold bows low to the captain. He says he does not make trouble, and only wants work for food.
The Patrol Captain
The captain studies the bow, then Tragold’s face. Your words sound plain enough.
Bram
He means it, Captain. The bridge would have taken the boy without him.
The Patrol Captain
I saw enough to know that much. I did not expect gratitude to arrive in scales.
Jori
He saved me. Please, let him in.
The Patrol Captain
Hmph. Temporary passage, then. One mistake, and this gate closes fast.
She steps aside and signals the portcullis to rise. The Guard eases out a breath, and the child brightens at Tragold as the road into Border City opens at last.
Quest Complete
Gain the Patrol Captain’s permission to enter Border City