The heavy oak doors groan as Arch-Lector Valerius strides into the inner chamber. He ignores the rhythmic thud of steel against the outer gates, his eyes locking onto the woman and the ledger in her shaking hands.
Arch-Lector Valerius
Explain yourself, Prophet Silas. Is this monastery a house of God, or have you transformed it into a den of treasonous conspirators?
Prophet Silas
His presence chills the air more than the winter draft.
Arch-Lector Valerius
The Royal Marshal claims you harbor a criminal. Do not trifle with me. Are we protecting a simple wet-nurse, or are we being dragged into a rebellion against the crown?
the condemned woman
The truth is in these pages, Arch-Lector. Please, you must see the danger.
Arch-Lector Valerius
Silence, woman. My order is to keep the peace, not to become a shield for those who burn our political stability to the ground.
+ Scene Quest Added
Address Arch-Lector Valerius's accusations
“"Venerable Arch-Lector, the lady speaks the truth, and as you know, we serve the God of Truth and Light. Look over this ledger - there has been a diversion of taxes to start a rebellion. The peace of the very realm is at stake!"”
FAILURE (Mediocre Oratory, rolled -1)
Prophet Silas
Venerable Arch-Lector, the lady speaks the truth. As servants of the God of Truth and Light, we cannot ignore the evidence within this ledger. It shows a systematic diversion of taxes intended to incite a rebellion.
Arch-Lector Valerius
The boy is naive to think a scrap of parchment outweighs the weight of a royal decree.
Arch-Lector Valerius
Your misplaced zeal blinds you, Silas. You speak of peace while holding the very spark that will set the Six Kingdoms ablaze.
The Arch-Lector does not even glance at the open pages. Instead, he signals to two armored guards waiting in the shadows of the doorway, who step forward with their hands resting firmly on their sword hilts.
Arch-Lector Valerius
Take the ledger and the prisoner. Prophet Silas will remain here under watch until his penance is decided.
the condemned woman
No! You are condemning the realm to chaos!
+ Scene Quest Added
Escape the monastery under guard
− Scene Quest Removed
Address Arch-Lector Valerius's accusations
“I pray, appealing to the Lord of Truth and Light to reveal the Truth to the Arch-Lector. 🙏”
SUCCESS (Great Willpower, rolled +1)
Prophet Silas kneels on the cold floor, palms pressed together. He focuses his Willpower, letting the teachings of the monastery flow through him as he calls upon the One True God.
A sudden, blinding warmth fills the chamber. The air shimmers with an ethereal radiance that settles directly upon Arch-Lector Valerius.
Arch-Lector Valerius
What is this... the truth of her innocence is not merely a claim, it is a weight upon my very soul.
Arch-Lector Valerius
The light... it burns away the lies. I see now that this woman has been a puppet of forces beyond her control.
the condemned woman
He speaks the truth at last! Please, let this be the end of the blood.
Arch-Lector Valerius
Guards, stand down. The prisoner stays under the protection of the Order until we have examined the ledger in the cold light of day.
Quest Complete
Escape the monastery under guard