The violet pulse repeats: three quick flashes, a pause, then one long throb. Across the shelves, saintly masks tremble in exact imitation, their carved mouths whispering without breath.
At the far end, a narrow reliquary sealed with black wax answers in a deeper note. Dust slips from its iron hinges as the coffer’s heartbeat falters, then races.
Doku Nohara
The resonance is traveling through the reliquaries, not through the living guard.
the accompanying guard
There. The third shelf, beneath the blind saint. The sound is coming from inside that case.
The accompanying guard raises his sword toward the sealed reliquary, but the silver-nobled lord catches his arm and points sharply toward Doku instead.
the silver-nobled lord
Identify the source and neutralize it, Nohara. Lady Merrow’s heartbeat is weakening. Break the seal if you must, but do not let her die.
The black reliquary gives another deep answer. Its wax seal remains unbroken, yet a thin violet line appears beneath it, tracing a symbol that matches the coffer’s outer band.
“"Again I am a medic not a wizard or witch. However I will assist but first and foremost." She pulls out a legal document. "Sign here. Is a waiver that you understand the risk of having a medic with minimal understanding of magic do the neutralizing. If I fail, you cannot legally penalized me or any member of this court."”
SUCCESS (Superb Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Doku Nohara
Again, I am a medic, not a wizard or witch. I will assist, but first and foremost, sign here. This waiver confirms you understand the risk of a medic with minimal magical knowledge neutralizing the source. If I fail, neither I nor any member of this court may be legally penalized.
Doku draws a folded legal document from within her plum dress and opens it across the black stone. The violet pulses illuminate its clauses and the waiting signature line.
the silver-nobled lord
You demand immunity before touching the seal? Very well. Your caution is preferable to another reckless court death.
The silver-nobled lord takes a quill from the reliquary table, reads every clause beneath the trembling candlelight, and signs with a firm, elaborate stroke.
the accompanying guard
My lord, the heartbeat is worsening. Should we not be breaking the case instead?
the silver-nobled lord
No. The waiver is signed, and Nohara has authority to proceed. Stand clear of the stone and obey her instructions.
He returns the document with its fresh seal and signature. Behind him, the black reliquary answers again, while Lady Merrow’s pulse continues its frantic race through the silver bands.
+ New Item Acquired
Signed Waiver
“With the waiver signed. I go where the seal is and neutralized the seal.”
SUCCESS (Mediocre Magic, rolled +4)
Doku folds the signed waiver into her glove, rises, and crosses to the third shelf. Her plum parasol remains closed at her side as the reliquary’s violet mark beats beneath the wax.
She sets two gloved fingers against the black case, reading the resonance through its returning numbness. The symbol answers her touch, revealing a sympathetic knot bound to the coffer.
the accompanying guard
My lord, she is touching it. The pulse is changing again.
Doku draws a slim medical lancet from her sleeve and scores the wax along the violet line, not opening the reliquary, but severing the resonance that feeds upon Lady Merrow.
The seal flashes once beneath her hand, then collapses into harmless black flakes. The coffer’s frantic heartbeat steadies into a slow, distinct rhythm.
the silver-nobled lord
The source is neutralized. You have preserved her soul without breaking the case.
the accompanying guard
The masks are silent, my lord. Lady Merrow’s pulse is holding.
“"That should do it. She should be fine and next time please get a wizard instead. Now I ask for payment for my aid. I don't work for free after all."”
SUCCESS (Superb Diplomacy, rolled +1)
Doku Nohara
That should do it. She should be fine. Next time, please get a wizard instead. Now I ask for payment for my aid. I do not work for free.
The reliquary remains dark and still. Within the silver-lined coffer, Lady Merrow’s heartbeat settles into a steady rhythm, no longer answering the shelves.
the silver-nobled lord
Quite so, Nohara. The crown will not mistake competence for charity. Your fee will be paid in full.
The silver-nobled lord removes a heavy purse from his crimson coat and places it on the black stone beside the signed waiver. Gold presses against the leather in a dense, unmistakable weight.
the silver-nobled lord
This contains the contracted emergency honorarium, with an additional sum for preserving Lady Merrow’s soul. Consider the latter payment for discretion.
the accompanying guard
My lord, should the court summon a court wizard to inspect the remaining reliquaries?
the silver-nobled lord
Yes. Seal this chamber until one arrives. Nohara has fulfilled her work, and no further risk will be placed upon her.
Take the emergency honorarium
Quest Complete
Recover Lady Merrow's soul
Attribute Upgrade: Reasoning Great→Superb