Before Anothan and John reach the village hall, hoofbeats approach along the king’s road. A mounted young adult man, lean and sharp-featured, with cropped black hair, wind-reddened skin, and a brass clasp at his throat, in a dark blue surcoat enters, flanked by two armed retainers bearing royal badges; a sealed writ rests in his gloved hand.
The villagers gather near the hall and fall silent. The two retainers dismount first, keeping their hands near their swords while the rider studies John, the road, and the watching crowd.
Elian Vey
I am Justice Elian Vey, acting under the king’s authority. Which man is John, and where is the evidence concerning Harrow’s house?
John remains on his knees beside the path, hands still raised as ordered. He glances toward Anothan, then toward the sealed writ, measuring the sudden change in authority.
Elian Vey
The killing at the charcoal pits touches the Crown if Harrow’s house appears in the evidence. John is to be held for formal examination.
John
I surrendered to him already. The witness is in the charcoal-burner’s hut, and the list remains there with the dates and initials.
The order leaves the villagers uncertain whether royal authority will protect them or expose their families. John stays where he is, while the two retainers wait for Anothan to indicate what happened next.
✓ Quest Accepted
Bring John to the village hall for questioning
✓ Quest Accepted
Submit the evidence concerning Harrow's house for formal examination