Behind Grachus, Hadrin and the villagers remain at the breached wall, gathering tainted debris. The Rider swings onto the trembling horse, nearly losing the reins.
The exhausted animal snorts and sidesteps, ribs heaving beneath its damp tack. Dust pales the Rider's face as they turn toward the village gate.
The Rider
Open the gate! We have to warn them before the army regroups!
Grachus stands directly in the road, sword still stained with the wall's grey dust. The Rider hauls the reins, but the horse balks at his silhouette.
Hadrin
Rider, dismount. The gate is barred, and panic will carry that corruption farther than any army.
The Rider's gaze flicks from Grachus's crystal-marked hand to the open breach behind him. Their grip tightens, and the horse paws at the road.
The Rider
Move, swordsman. I will not abandon the village to save one roadblock.
✓ Quest Accepted
Force the Rider to abandon the flight
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn the truth behind the Rider's mission
“Grab the horses reigns and order the rider down. "You will panic the city if you keep at this."”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled +0)
Grachus seizes the reins before the horse can sidestep again. The animal jerks hard, burning a raw line across his crystal-marked palm, but his grip holds.
Grachus
You will panic the city if you keep at this. Dismount.
The Rider braces against the halted horse, staring at Grachus across the taut reins. The command leaves no path forward without forcing a struggle.
The Rider
You would stop me while the army gathers itself?
Grachus lowers the reins only enough to steady the trembling animal. The Rider swings down, boots striking the dusty road, and keeps one hand on the saddle.
Hadrin
Good. A warning delivered in panic becomes another breach. Speak plainly, Rider, and let the gate remain shut.
The horse settles beneath Grachus's firm hold, though his palm continues to sting around the reins. Beyond the wall, distant horns answer one another through the dust.
Quest Complete
Force the Rider to abandon the flight