The caravan remains gathered beneath the palms, its travelers sorting recovered bundles while Deth and the half-orc stay near the overturned chest. No one has left the oasis.
A dust-covered rider reaches the palms, leading one exhausted mule. Caldus, a lean middle-aged human man with weathered skin, a gray travel cloak, and a brass signet, carries a sealed writ.
Caldus
Caravan master. By authority of House Veyr, I require your immediate attention.
The mule lowers its head, tack creaking beneath the House Veyr crest. Caldus offers the sealed writ, but his eyes quietly measure the half-orc and the chain’s fading pearled light.
the caravan master
You arrive after the matter is settled, envoy. The tribute has been returned, and the clans have witnessed it.
Caldus
Settled matters do not usually summon three beacon pulses from the salt ridge. Who handled the chain?
The half-orc’s bound hands remain still, though their gaze sharpens. The caravan master glances toward Deth, while the exhausted mule shivers and nearly folds at the knees.
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn what caused the salt-ridge beacon pulses
“the orc handled the chain”
SUCCESS (Superb Reasoning, rolled +0)
Deth McCloud
The half-orc handled the chain.
Deth’s statement settles over the oasis. Caldus accepts it without surprise, though his attention shifts from the chain’s fading glow to the rope around the half-orc’s wrists.
Caldus
Then the beacon pulses answered their hands, not the caravan master’s. That distinction matters.
the caravan master
They seized it from my chest and carried it east. Do not dress theft in sacred language.
Caldus breaks the seal on the writ and scans its cramped script. The mule steadies itself, breathing heavily beneath the palms.
Caldus
House Veyr’s mark was reported among the stolen cargo. I am here to learn who planted it, and where the rest was taken.
the half-orc
Then question the merchant before questioning me. His seal traveled with the goods, and his story keeps changing.
Get House Veyr's authorization to pursue the caravan mystery