Silas bursts from the service run into mist and cold pine air. Ahead, the forest thins toward the city road, and beyond that, the white stone of the capital waits.
Behind him, a branch snaps. The Stranger is still coming, close enough to hear but not yet close enough to see.
Through the haze, a cart lurches along the verge toward the city gates. Its driver wears a monastery hood and keeps one hand low, where a wrapped bundle rests beside the reins.
The Driver
Boy. If you seek the archives, climb in now. The gate watch is turning back every lone traveler.
Silas reaches the cart at the same moment the wrapped bundle shifts, revealing a seal cord and a sliver of waxed parchment. The driver is carrying papers for the Order.
The Driver
The Vesper key is not safe on the road. The city walls are watched, and someone has already named you.
“I jump onto the back of the cart, and quickly cover myself, working to regulate and slow my breathing. "Thank you" I whisper.”
SUCCESS (Great Agility, rolled +4)
Silas swings onto the cart and folds himself low behind the wrapped bundle. The wheels keep grinding, never stopping for him.
Prophet Silas
Thank you.
The driver gives a sharp, silent nod and snaps the reins forward. Cloth, wood, and shadow hide Silas from the road.
Mist drifts over the track as the cart jolts ahead, carrying the iron key and the hidden papers together.
The Driver
Keep down. If they stop us, let me speak first.
Behind the cart, branches thrash. The stranger is still in the trees, but the gap widens with every turn of the wheels.
The bundle bears an Order seal. These papers matter as much as speed.
The Driver
Once we reach the gate, do you want the archives, or do you want me to put you where the watch cannot see you?
“"I must bring this ledger to the High Council - it will clear the Good Name of the Order. Help me to get there safely... The archives can wait."”
SUCCESS (Great Agility, rolled -1)