Queen Angelina reaches the lower gallery through a narrow postern, with Mint hidden against her shoulder and Tomas Vey limping beside her. Dust veils the old stone.
Tomas Vey
The command post is beyond that arch, Majesty. Let me show you the order.
Tomas opens his satchel. Beneath the parchment lies a court-marked order bearing Angelina’s seal, its payment clause naming Tomas as her agent and promising Mint’s reward.
Queen Angelina
You forged the route, carried the order, and meant to sell us both. I will not pay a traitor.
Her elbow strikes Tomas beneath the jaw. He collapses against the gallery wall, stunned and breathing, while the satchel spills its papers across the floor.
Angelina retrieves the shrunken ceremonial banner, the court-marked order, and Tomas’s seal from the satchel. Then she lowers Mint into a padded glass jar and fastens its silver clasp.
Queen Angelina
Stay protected, Mint. I have secured the gallery, but these documents may prove the court’s betrayal. Tell me if the amulet warms again.
✓ Quest Accepted
Expose the court's betrayal
✓ Quest Accepted
Remain secured with little choice
““You cannot just leave me here Queen I was to earn a thousand gold from this quest!””
SUCCESS (Mediocre Oratory, rolled +0)
Mint
You cannot just leave me here, Queen. I was to earn a thousand gold from this quest!
Mint’s protest rings through the padded jar, muffled by glass but sharp enough to halt Queen Angelina’s hand over the scattered papers.
Queen Angelina
You are owed it, Mint. By my word and seal, the thousand gold is yours when this betrayal is exposed.
She draws the jar from the gallery floor and hooks it securely inside her cloak, beside the stolen order and shrunken banner. The clasp’s silver latch snaps shut.
Queen Angelina
That promise costs me more than coin. If the court denies your reward, I will pay from my own treasury.
A muffled clatter follows as the jar knocks against her belt during her turn. Dust sifts from the archway, and Tomas groans faintly against the wall.
Queen Angelina
Now remain quiet and protected. I will carry your claim, your evidence, and you beyond this gallery.
Quest Complete
Remain secured with little choice