The cart rolls into a narrow alley and stops under leaning timber walls. The city noise fades to a low murmur beyond the stone.
The Driver
We have time enough for your answer, prophet. Vesper road, or the High Council?
He keeps the reins loose and waits, not pressing, only watching Silas with tired patience.
Prophet Silas
The iron key is cold in my pocket.
The Driver
I ask plain, because plain words matter now. The city is listening, and the Order is not as blind as it was.
He glances toward the cart bed, then back to Silas, his face grave but not unkind.
The Driver
If you choose the Vespers, I can bring you to their door. If you choose the Council, I take you cleanly to the archives.
The alley holds still around them, damp stone shining in the dim light, as the driver leaves the choice open.
“"I have been commissioned by Arch-Lector Valerius to get this ledger into the hands of the High Council. I must go there first... *Then*, the archives..."”
SUCCESS (Great Agility, rolled +0)