Above the tunnels, warmth and gin soften the two redcoats into watchful stupor. Bessy stands behind the bar, steering every question away from the cellar where Miller waits below.
Behind a booth built from an old ship’s hull, Bessy draws out a salt-stained sailor’s route and a brass delivery token marked with a coded estate sign.
Bessy
This route reaches Carter’s next handoff, and this token opens the door to it. But keeping those redcoats blind costs more than a few jugs.
She folds the route beneath one palm and taps the token with a blunt fingernail. From the hall comes a drunken laugh, followed by the scrape of a chair near the tunnel stair.
Bessy
Give me a promise worth keeping, Arus. A favor, a secret, or a share of whatever this route delivers. Choose quickly, before their sergeant starts shouting again.
Bessy’s eyes flick toward the concealed stair, then back to Arus. The token remains just beyond his reach, while below, Miller’s muffled voice rises through the stone.
✓ Quest Accepted
Obtain Carter’s next-handoff route
“I will tell her that Carter's need to be found is also his opportunity in disguise. And that his new opportunity could not only insulate him from the inevitable scrutiny that is about to befall all who had any dealings with Baron Billing's illicit agents at any time these past many years, and the wisest place for John Carter to find himself is in the Viscount's confidence as a forward eye of the Sheriff of Cornwall, simultaneously explaining why his name will be read and spoken in powerful rooms in the near future, as a result of forces beyond anyone's control bringing these facts to light and into the Viscount's awareness. I implore Bessy to press Carter to make contact with me as soon as possible, for an opportunity of great value, but must do one thing first, help me spread the same rumor I'll need Bessy to help spread: some visiting free traders were caught with undeniable contraband, and arrested on St. Michael's Mont, and Baron Billings has left for the King's palace to report.”
SUCCESS (Superb Deception, rolled +2)
Arus Gandon
Carter's need to be found is his opportunity in disguise. Tell him the Viscount may welcome him as a forward eye of the new Sheriff, beyond the reach of the scrutiny closing around Billings's associates.
Bessy studies him over the route and token. Her guarded amusement fades into calculation as the promise of influence outweighs the danger of speaking Carter's name.
Arus Gandon
Press him to contact me at once. I offer him an opportunity of real value, and his name will soon be spoken in powerful rooms because these facts are coming to light.
Bessy
I can spread a better tale than that. Visiting free traders were caught with undeniable contraband at St. Michael's Mount, and Baron Billings has gone to the King's palace to report it.
She folds the route, slips the brass token into her bodice, and glances toward the drinking hall. The rumor already has a roomful of eager ears waiting above.
Bessy
I will send the word through every fisherman and free trader who passes my door, and I will make Carter understand that this offer is safer than hiding.
Bessy reaches beneath the bar and places the token in Arus's hand. The route and her cooperation are secured, while Miller's muffled voice continues below.
Secure Sergeant Miller’s custody
Quest Complete
Obtain Carter’s next-handoff route
+ New Item Acquired
Brass delivery token