At the castle gate, Arrus’s ready pack holds the sealed intelligence cache beneath its buckles. The coast road and the long route toward London lie open beyond the waiting sentries.
Mara brings the guarded carriage from the outer yard, its mounted escort settling into position around the dispatch chest. She checks the seals without disturbing them.
Elizabeth has followed as far as the gate. She stands beneath the stone arch in her dark cloak, watching the preparations with pride sharpened by the uncertainty of departure.
The Viscount
Master Gandon, present yourself as my authorized envoy. The cache, charge, and endorsement are sealed under my authority, and these sentries will witness your departure.
The Viscount steps onto the gate walk and raises his sealed acknowledgment. The sentries straighten, while Mara’s guards close ranks around the carriage and keep the road clear.
Mara Trevithick
The carriage is provisioned, and every seal is recorded. When you are ready, Arus, we can reach the coast road before the traffic thickens.
Elizabeth Billings
Go with the Viscount’s authority and return with your honor intact. I will be here when London has heard what you carried there.
“I will nod my head to acknowledge the Viscount, "At once, my lord. They may scarcely notice, our return journey has but already begun, once the rest of the slow world catches up to the news that we've arrived!" And then I will look down at Elizabeth and conspicuously say, "All the sooner to return to that which is most worth waiting for..." And with that I give the order for the horse train to depart for the Royal Palace.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled -3)