Verner stands at the orchard gate with Echo secured beside his first rapier and the magistrate notice beneath his crimson coat. His bruised shin burns as wagon wheels approach behind him.
Fresh ruts cut between dark apple trees toward a distant farmhouse, where a thin column of smoke rises. Among the shrine colonnade, three watchers shift behind broken stone.
Tavian Reedcloak
Pursue Erin now. The ruts are fresh, and whoever took her will reach that farmhouse before the wagons cross.
The Caravan Outrider
And leave the caravan here? Those watchers saw us arrive. They may seize the drivers and every witness before you return.
The lead wagon creaks toward the sheltered descent. Horses toss their heads, sensing the river below, while the colonnade figures spread apart to watch both roads.
Tavian Reedcloak
I can remain with the wagons and hold their attention, but the shrine guards will recognize the thorn token. They may expect me to betray you.
The Caravan Outrider
No splitting without a signal. If the farmhouse hides Erin, we need the caravan witnesses alive to identify those who carried her away.
“Take care of the caravan you two, I'll move ahead and find Erin! *Verner bolts after Erin's trail*”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +2)
Verner
Take care of the caravan, you two. I will move ahead and find Erin.
Verner bolts through the orchard, following the fresh ruts beneath the apple boughs. His bruised shin burns, but his stride stays swift and balanced over the uneven ground.
The farmhouse rises beyond the trees, its smoke thinning in the morning air. Verner reaches the open yard before the caravan can leave the bridge road behind.
At the rear door stands Erin, a young adult half-elf woman with a lean build, copper-brown skin, and dark hair braided beneath a battered crimson hat. A travel-stained white shirt and fitted charcoal trousers mark her as ready to flee.
Erin
You are Valkir’s heir. I know that blade. If you came for me, then come inside before the watchers notice you.
Erin draws him through the farmhouse doorway. Behind them, the orchard remains quiet, while distant wagon bells and raised voices carry from the river crossing.
Tavian Reedcloak
Go, Verner. I will keep the caravan moving and make the shrine guards watch me instead.
Train Erin as a Bladesinger
Quest Complete
Find Erin, Valkir’s half-elven daughter
Skill Upgrade: Lore Mediocre→Fair