Beneath the reeds, Rowan holds the fallen woman close while the refugees crouch around him. Muddy water ripples at their knees, and the road beyond shivers with approaching footsteps.
Through narrow gaps in the stalks, undead soldiers pass along the road, their dented armor clattering softly. No living voice guides them, yet their formation never breaks.
Tomas Vale
There. Eastward. The drainage channel leads beneath the bank and away from the road.
The gray-bearded refugee points through the reeds. The channel’s mouth is flooded, its black water reflecting scraps of dusk, and its far edge lies exposed beneath the open sky.
woman
Do not set me down. I can be quiet. I can try.
One refugee presses the bundles against their chest, while another remains near the roadside, watching the undead disappear past the bend. The rest huddle close around Rowan.
Tomas Vale
We have moments, not safety. The channel may hide us, or show us plainly. Choose quickly.
✓ Quest Accepted
Evade the undead patrol
“"Quickly and quietly, then," I murmur to the group. "One at a time, to be harder to spot. You and I will go last with her, old man. The rest of you, get out of sight around the bend in the channel and wait for the rest of the group. If we're spotted, I'll shout so that everyone knows to run. Take the channel towards Ironvale and don't look back." I nod to one of the refugees at random. "You first. Go, quickly; but be careful not to be seen."”
SUCCESS (Fair Willpower, rolled +2)
Rowan Silverhand
Quickly and quietly, then. One at a time. You and I go last with her, old man. The rest take the channel toward Ironvale and wait around the bend. If we are spotted, I will shout. You first. Go quickly, but do not be seen.
The chosen refugee nods, lowers their bundle beneath the reeds, and slips into the drainage channel. Black water closes softly around their boots as they move eastward, bent beneath the bank.
Tomas Vale
You heard him. Single file, and keep the bend between you and the road. Ironvale is our shelter now.
The remaining refugees follow one by one, each waiting until the previous figure vanishes around the curve. Their bundles pass hand to hand, making no more sound than the reeds brushing cloth.
woman
The water is cold, but his cloak keeps the worst of it from me.
Soon only Rowan, the gray-bearded refugee, and the woman remain beneath the cover. The old man gathers the cracked cup and loose straw, then gestures toward the channel’s dark passage.
Tomas Vale
Last, as promised. I will watch the road while you carry her. When we reach the bend, the others will be waiting.
Bring the fallen woman safely to Ironvale
Quest Complete
Evade the undead patrol