Brother Hrodebert
By the sacred rites of our Order, I claim this soul. She stands upon holy ground, Marshal. You shall not touch her while she remains beneath the eaves of this portico.
Brother Hrodebert stands firm, his bony hands trembling slightly as he points toward the monastery entrance. The Royal Marshal scoffs, the iron of his gauntlet grinding against his sword pommel.
The Royal Marshal
Your stones are old and your laws are brittle, monk. King Earnhardt does not recognize sanctuary for those who harbor traitors.
Prophet Silas
The soldiers are shifting their weight, their hands tight on their spear shafts.
The Royal Marshal takes a step closer to the elderly monk, looming over him. Behind them, the condemned woman sinks to her knees, her eyes wide with terror as she clings to the stone column.
Brother Hrodebert
Prophet Silas, stand beside me. Let them see that the Order does not abandon its own, nor those who seek the light of truth.
+ Scene Quest Added
Protect the woman seeking sanctuary
“I stand up beside Brother Hrodebert, and looking at the Marshal, I say, "Brother Hrodebert is correct. Sanctuary has been called and given by the Order, and though the King may not respect this divine right, though he does so at his own peril, these people around you do!", pointing the the gathering crowd. "I would not risk divine wrath, sir. These people know the good that the Order does for the realm." Looking over the crowd, I spot many whom I know. "Master Rodney, myself and two other spectra day fixing your shop's steps and entranceway just last week, after that untimely brawl between Citadel guards and two drunken farmers," singling out the old shopkeeper with a limp. "And Widow Ferrell, I dropped off a supply of much needed goods, so you can provide for those three growing boys you have... No, sir Marshal, it is best you relinquish your claim on this poor lady, she now falls under our care." I say, speaking much more boldly and confidently than I feel.”
SUCCESS (Great Willpower, rolled +1)
Prophet Silas
Brother Hrodebert is correct. Sanctuary has been called and given by the Order. Though the King may not respect this divine right, he does so at his own peril. These people around you know the good that the Order does for the realm, and they will not see it trampled.
Prophet Silas
Master Rodney, I spent all of last week fixing your shop steps after that brawl. And Widow Ferrell, you know these hands brought bread to your table so your boys might eat. I would not risk divine wrath by desecrating this sanctuary, sir.
Prophet Silas steps into the light, his voice ringing with a strength that belies his years. The crowd shifts, a low murmur of recognition rising like a tide. Master Rodney grips his cane, his eyes darting toward the soldiers, while Widow Ferrell moves to the front of the gathering.
The Royal Marshal
You threaten the King's justice with the whispers of peasants, boy? Do you truly believe a handful of artisans will stand against the steel of Valehaven?
Master Rodney
He fixed my entrance when the guards broke it, Marshal! He is a man of the cloth and a man of his word. We want no trouble, but we do not like to see the holy laws mocked.
The Marshal sneers, yet he hesitates. His soldiers glance at the growing crowd, their hands loosening from their weapons as the atmosphere in the square thickens with sudden, palpable defiance. The Royal Marshal turns his gaze back to Prophet Silas, his jaw tight with suppressed rage.
The Royal Marshal
You have bought her time, monk, but not safety. We shall see if your prayers can stop a royal decree. Men, fall back to the gates. We watch from the perimeter.
Quest Complete
Protect the woman seeking sanctuary