The market’s attention breaks against Effruin’s altered silhouette. He slips between awnings and loaded handcarts, keeping his hood low while the imperial courier’s proclamation continues behind him.
Beyond the stalls, a weathered sign points uphill toward the Sanctum of Fialdir. Effruin follows it through narrowing streets, ornate burgundy robes intact and gold ornaments whispering at each measured step.
The sanctum’s outer archive stands beneath pale stone arches, its entrance crowded with pilgrims and petitioners. The same courier has arrived first, fastening Effruin’s wanted notice among imperial decrees and records of sacred journeys.
A young adult woman archivist steps from the doorway, slim and severe in ochre robes, with dark braided hair, ink-stained fingers, and a bronze key-ring at her belt. Her gaze moves from the notice to Effruin.
The Imperial Courier
You there. Hooded traveler. The archive is not a place to loiter, and the Empire’s notices are not decorations.
The Archive Keeper
Let him pass, courier. Pilgrims consult the catalogues every day. Unless you have cause to accuse him, your duty is already complete.
Behind the archive keeper, shelves hold catalogues of relics seized from conquered nations: blades, crowns, idols, and sealed objects whose powers are recorded in careful script. The courier watches Effruin closely while the archive keeper waits beside the threshold, leaving only a narrow opening to enter.
Slip beyond the imperial courier's reach