Two weeks later, evening settles over the Hall of Welcome. Kynes is home when the outer wards give a soft, deliberate chime, announcing a visitor at the boundary.
Ledger waits beyond the ward-line in a russet shawl, accompanied by her two chosen escorts. They remain outside the boundary, hands visible, unless someone within invites them across.
Ledger
I am not asking protection for myself. I need to speak privately about a dockworker whose testimony was suppressed before Ashhand’s network fell.
The wards hold steady between Ledger and the Hall. Her escorts do not approach, while lamplight gathers behind her and the road darkens toward the river.
Ledger
He is alive, frightened, and still being overlooked. Helping him may expose who I am, but leaving him unheard feels worse.
Ledger
This is voluntary. I will accept refusal, and I will not cross the boundary or name him until I know what choice I am being offered.
Inside, the Hall’s quiet household waits without pressing the matter. The open path, the waiting escorts, and Ledger’s guarded request leave the next decision with Kynes.
Give Ledger a safe choice about the dockworker’s testimony
Help the suppressed dockworker be heard