Adventure of Dagg Nabbitt

The violet-flaming sword descends before the bound rider can offer another claim. The last Pike-marked threat on the southern road ends, and silence returns around the overturned cart.

Dagg leaves the bodies and rides north without pursuing another trail. The road remains clear behind him, while Harl Venn’s list stays hidden beneath the east tollhouse hearthstone.

At Vellstead, Elia, Bram, and Nella meet him at the gate in Mara’s colors. Their steady work continues around the children, animals, sickbay, library, and guarded stores.

Dagg leaves Vellstead in their capable hands. Elia returns to the records, Bram to the barn, and Nella to the children as he rides toward Nabbitt Farms beneath the fading light.

At the ranch gate, your border collie races from the farmhouse and presses against Dagg’s legs. The familiar welcome loosens the road’s tension as the dog circles his horse and sniffs the empty road.

The farm is quiet, Mara’s judgment remains safe, and Vellstead is guarded by people Dagg trusts. Your border collie pauses beside the saddlebag, staring at a folded scrap tucked beneath its strap.

Dagg unfolds a clean scrap beside the saddlebag and writes a brief request: Rusk Vale should come to Nabbitt Farms so they can coordinate against Harl Venn quickly.

He ties the message to a trained raven's leg, checks the knot and destination twice, then releases it from the fence post. It beats south beneath the fading light.

At Vellstead, Rusk reads the note by the guarded gate. He folds it carefully, tells Elia he is leaving for Nabbitt Farms, and sends word that the household must remain watchful.

By the following afternoon, Rusk rides into Nabbitt Farms and dismounts beside the gate. Your border collie circles his boots, then returns to Dagg as Rusk offers a guarded nod.