Miller keeps his voice soft, almost kindly, and leans in over the tavern noise. The pity in his face looks practiced now, like a key turned in a lock.
Miller
Starving family, aye. That is why a steady lad like you matters. The King takes care of his own, if a man proves useful.
The mask slips. Behind the sympathy, Miller is measuring Arus like a recruit, not a witness. One redcoat shifts nearer to the door, while the other keeps his eyes on Arus's hands.
The Rider
Sir, the estate summons waits. If he is your man, take him and be done.
Bessy slows with the bottle in hand, reading the change at once. Her brows rise, amused and alarmed together, as she plants herself where a bad decision would have to pass through her.
Bessy Bussow
Careful, Miller. A thirsty courier and a pressed man are not the same thing, and my door is full of both trouble and rain.
The tavern feels smaller. Miller has stopped looking for a lost satchel. He is looking for a body to hand to the 25th Foot.
✓ Quest Accepted
Deflect Sergeant Miller's recruitment attempt
“Lie to Miller, "I would be honored to earn the right to wear the King's colors as you do, Sergeant, but a soldier's pay cannot feed as many mouths as I do while also freeing a man of his prior obligations, and I owe a debt I fear that even the King's service cannot liberate me from. That is why I need to earn payment as a message courier like our fine friend here, until my debt is paid off at least. Otherwise I will be hunted as a debt violator.”
SUCCESS (Superb Deception, rolled -1)
Arus Gandon
I would be honored to wear the King's colors, Sergeant, but I have mouths to feed and an old debt at my heels. I need courier work first, until that burden is cleared, or the debt men will hunt me down.
Miller's eyes narrow, then soften just enough to seem persuaded. The recruiter's grip loosens, but the change costs Arus, too, because the lie drags a tired rasp into his throat.
Miller
Debt, is it? A hard chain, that. A man in service still has use, but I see a courier with obligations can be more trouble than value, at present.
Bessy Bussow
There, now. A sensible answer in a room full of foolish men. If he is in debt, Sergeant, then your King can wait for his dues like everyone else.
The Rider watches the exchange with a sour glance, but Miller does not take the bait. He studies Arus as a useful shape again, not fresh prey, and Bessy keeps herself planted between them and the door.
Miller
Very well. For now, you are no recruit. But if that debt is truly the sort that follows a man's boots, I may yet have work that suits a quick courier better than a pike line.
His tone turns practical, almost companionable. The danger eases by a breath, though the debt he names hangs in the air like a hook, and the open door lets rain hiss on the floorboards.
Quest Complete
Deflect Sergeant Miller's recruitment attempt