The cart rounds a rain-dark bend, and Dunmere’s outer watchtower appears beyond the firs. A mud-spattered adult man steps from the roadside, one sleeve bloodied, both hands raised.
Iven Rusk
Do not loose an arrow. I am Iven Rusk, dismissed boundary scout, and this badge once proved I served the Greenwardens.
He turns slightly, revealing the broken green badge hanging from his torn collar. His short brown hair is plastered to his forehead, and a fresh cut darkens his sleeve.
Iven Rusk
Someone watched your camp because Mara’s letter names a living contact inside Dunmere. The watcher was not searching blindly.
Iven Rusk
I learned who gives them shelter. Then they learned I knew. If I am standing here, they may already know I spoke.
Edrin draws Brindle to a halt. Mara shifts within the cart, one hand near her concealed letter, while Patter gives a low warning growl beneath the rear canvas.
Iven Rusk
Ask what you need, but decide quickly. Dunmere’s gate is near, and the person I mean may be waiting to welcome you.
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn which Dunmere contact shelters the watchers
Director's note
I listen quietly from the back of the cart, not certain if Iven knows -exactly- where I am, or is only guessing based on seeing Edrin and Mara. I let them think and speak first- it is Edrins cart and supplies, and Mara's letter. I am just.. what? not really a guard, not really a friend yet, a tempor
“)”
Octavius remains quiet beneath the rear canvas, listening while rain ticks against the cart. Edrin and Mara hold the conversation, leaving his presence unannounced.
Edrin Vale
You have our attention, Iven. Name the contact, and tell us what you actually know, not what you fear may be true.
Iven Rusk
The name is Pell Ordan, a clerk attached to the reeve’s household. I saw him pass messages to the men watching your camp.
Mara Venn
Pell handles arrivals and sealed notices, but he has no authority over the reeve. If he shelters them, he is doing it quietly.
Iven Rusk
Quietly is enough. He can send word before you reach the gate, or direct you toward a waiting room where no honest reeve will find you.
Edrin Vale
Then we do not stop in the open. Iven, walk beside Brindle and point out Pell without approaching him. Mara, keep the letter hidden.
Edrin gathers the reins again. The cart rolls toward Dunmere’s tower, while Mara lowers the canvas flap and Iven takes position along the road.
Quest Complete
Learn which Dunmere contact shelters the watchers