Kynes still holds the map, blood drying beneath his nose as the trace of the lone crypt traveler lingers in his thoughts. The crossroads lies quiet beyond the hamlet.
Bren steadies the mule while Slaan watches the northern road and Nhal studies the fields. A tired farmhand approaches from a side path, carrying a broken harness.
The Farmhand
You came from the hamlet, didn't you? Tell me you did. I saw someone matching your description near the south fence, heading north.
Kynes
His account conflicts with the trace. The traveler turned north beyond the farms, not near the hamlet.
The Farmhand
Gray cloak, hood up, walking alone. But he crossed the western field before dawn, not the southern road. Would not answer when I called.
Bren
We passed through the hamlet, yes. We did not see him. What made you remember his direction so clearly?
The farmhand shifts the broken harness against his hip and glances toward the fields. Slaan’s attention narrows, while Nhal remains silent beside the notice road.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure the farmhand’s cooperation
“Nhal casts a mending spell on the harness to repair it." Do you know why he would have ignored you " nhal asks the farmer sweetly”
SUCCESS (Legendary Arcana, rolled +0)
Nhal
Do you know why he would have ignored you?
Nhal takes the broken harness gently. A small mending charm knits the split leather and straightens the cracked buckle, leaving the tack sound and usable in her hands.
The Farmhand
Did he? I thought perhaps he had not heard. The wind was low, and I called twice.
The farmhand tests the repaired strap, then runs a thumb over the seamless join. His suspicion eases, though his eyes remain fixed on the western field.
The Farmhand
He looked toward the old sheep path when I called. Not frightened exactly, but intent. Like he already knew where he was going.
Slaan
Did he carry anything besides the gray cloak? A pack, a weapon, a parcel?
The Farmhand
A narrow bundle under one arm. Wrapped dark. I saw no blade, but he kept that arm close.
Bren thanks him with a nod and gestures toward the road. The party keeps its cover intact while the repaired harness hangs ready for the farmhand’s use.
“I look from the mule to the farmer. " Need another beast of burden" I ask”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +1)
Kynes
Need another beast of burden?
Kynes looks from the mule to the farmer, keeping his voice practical and his request within the party’s unremarkable traveler’s story.
The Farmhand
Aye. My brother’s old pack donkey is in the shed behind the western field. Stubborn, but sound enough for a road.
He points across the grass toward a low shed beside the sheep path. The mule flicks its ears, while Bren studies the distant field without alarm.
The Farmhand
You can take him north today. Leave a few silver with my brother at the farmhouse, and tell him I sent you.
Bren
That gives us room for water and provisions without changing our story. We should collect the donkey and be on the road.
Slaan
A stubborn animal may be the safest companion here. No one remembers a pack donkey unless it causes trouble.
Obtain a pack donkey
Quest Complete
Secure the farmhand’s cooperation
New Gift: Farmhand's Trust