The iron-rimmed window of the monastery tower offers a grim view of the White Citadel crossroads. Below, the early morning mist clings to the cobblestones where a scaffold has been erected overnight.
Prophet Silas
The shadow of the gallows stretches long, reaching toward the very gates of our sanctuary.
Prophet Silas stands beside Brother Hrodebert. The elderly monk clutches his prayer beads, his knuckles white with tension as he watches the crowd gather.
Brother Hrodebert
It is a dark business, Silas. They bring the wet-nurse of the heir to the rope, claiming she conspired to smuggle the child past the border guards.
Brother Hrodebert
If she dies today, the truth of the King's lineage dies with her.
A squad of armored soldiers drags a woman toward the wooden platform. She struggles, her eyes darting toward the monastery windows as if searching for a savior in the morning light.
Brother Hrodebert
The executioner waits for the signal from the Royal Marshal. Do you see the way the crowd remains silent? Fear is a powerful master, Prophet Silas.
Brother Hrodebert
She is signaling us. Tell me, do we remain in prayer, or does your heart lean toward intervention?
+ Scene Quest Added
Prevent the execution of the wet-nurse
“"You ask me, Brother Hrodebert? You are the wise one - I am still wet behind the ears... I am barely of age to choose a direction within the Order, and am even now, looking for advice in that very matter.”
SUCCESS (Good Willpower, rolled -2)
Prophet Silas
Brother Hrodebert, you ask of my heart, yet I am the one still seeking wisdom from you. I have not even chosen my path within the Order, and I am far from ready to judge the weight of such a kingly decree.
Brother Hrodebert
The boy has a calm gaze, but I see the flicker of the divine in him that our masters spoke of.
Brother Hrodebert
Perhaps that is exactly why you are here, Silas. Wisdom is not found in the silence of the library, but in the difficult choices we make when the light of justice is dimmed.
The Royal Marshal on the ground raises a gloved hand, signaling the drummer to cease. The silence in the square becomes absolute.
Brother Hrodebert
If we move now, we must be swift. The guards are distracted by the ceremony, but their reach is long.
The executioner takes a firm grip on the lever, his gaze shifting toward the high balcony of the administrative hall where the local magistrate watches.
“I move with purpose, though perhaps with the impulsive brashness of youth: "Come Brother Hrodebert. You wear the Colours of the Order, while I do not yet do so. You must do the speaking:", hurrying quickly to the main doors, pulling Brother Hrodebert along. "Go out there and tell them that 'Since the scaffolding has been built on the Order's property, we claim sanctuary for the wet-nurse. She falls under our protection. I will be right behind you!"”
SUCCESS (Mediocre Oratory, rolled +0)
Prophet Silas
Come, Brother Hrodebert. You wear the colours of the Order, while I do not yet do so. You must do the speaking.
Prophet Silas catches the monk by the sleeve, his youthful energy belying the gravity of his words. He pulls the older man toward the stone stairs, his footsteps echoing sharply against the cold floor.
Prophet Silas
Go out there and tell them that since the scaffolding has been built on the Order's property, we claim sanctuary for the wet-nurse. She falls under our protection. I will be right behind you.
Brother Hrodebert
He moves with the conviction of a crusader. Perhaps the choice he seeks has already been made by his own spirit.
Brother Hrodebert
God grant me the breath for such a confrontation, Silas. If the law fails, may the weight of our robes be enough.
They reach the heavy oak doors of the monastery portico, bursting out into the biting wind of the square. The crowd gasps as the executioner pauses, his hand hovering over the iron lever while Brother Hrodebert steps forward with his arms raised.
Quest Complete
Prevent the execution of the wet-nurse
Attribute Upgrade: Willpower Good→Great