The merchant drags Timothy away from the silence of the forge and into the bustling chaos of the Cross-Roads Market. The morning air is thick with the stench of salted fish, wet wool, and woodsmoke.
Merchant
Move faster, whelp. The magistrate at Oakhaven won't wait for a slow-footed servant, and my purse is already light enough.
Timothy
If he drags me into the main square, someone might see these chains.
Timothy
I need a distraction before we leave the town limits.
Elder Ewan
Halt there! That lad bears the mark of the forge master. Why is he in irons, merchant?
Merchant
He is a thief and an indentured debt-bearer, old man. Mind your own affairs unless you want to pay his weight in silver.
Timothy
This elder is my only chance. If I can prove these chains are a violation of the town charter, the merchant might be forced to release me to local custody.
+ Scene Quest Added
Escape the merchant's custody
“I use my oratory to persuade the elder that the merchant is taking me to be punished at the magistrates' court, and that I accept his authority over me and am accompanying him willingly and have no wish to escape.”
SUCCESS (Great Oratory, rolled +0)
Timothy
Elder, please. You have no cause to worry. My master has tasked me with a debt, and I am traveling to the magistrate of my own accord to settle it. My heart is heavy, but my honor dictates I face the judge for my transgressions.
Merchant
See? The lad has more sense than you, you meddling relic. He knows the weight of his own crimes better than you do.
Timothy
The elder’s scowl is softening. If he believes I am an honest penitent, he will back down and leave me to the merchant’s mercy. It is a gamble, but far better than a brawl I cannot win.
Elder Ewan
A youth with a sense of duty is a rare find in these hollow times. If you truly wish to serve your debt, go with grace. I shall trouble you no further.
Merchant
Come then, penitent. We have a long road ahead and little patience left for stalling.
Timothy
He is turning his back to pull me along. If I can slip these iron loops when he focuses on the path, I might just disappear into the crowd.
Quest Complete
Serve the merchant to avoid punishment