By late afternoon, Davis, Seris, and Tavren emerge from the eastern road beneath Bellwater’s weathered gate. Dust clings to their cloaks, but none carries the strain of the descent.
The shrine bell sounds once as they cross the square. Iven Tarrow hurries from the shrine steps, a young man in ash-blue keeper’s robes, his narrow face bright with alarm and hope.
Iven Tarrow
You returned. Where is Rowan, and what happened beneath the gate?
Corren Vale steps out from the forge behind him, wiping black dust from his hands. The blacksmith’s broad gaze fixes on the empty place where the jagged fragment once rested.
Seris
Rowan is safe at the hospice with Sella. The curse is ended, and the heir is sealed forever. Nothing beneath that stone can call either bloodline again.
Tavren
The fragment is gone into the final seal. The prison did not open, and no voice followed us out.
For a moment Bellwater seems to hold its breath. Then the shrine bell rings again, and Corren lowers his hands as if setting down a weight he has carried for years.
“"Rowan's real name is Elian. My real name is Davis. We were cursed by the heir but now that the heir is sealed forever, we are no longer cursed. Neither one of us can be chosen by the heir to be the chain. I must go back and tell him the good news. That he has been protected. Before I go, I want to thank all of you." I turn towards Seris. "I don't know what duties you have now but if you'd like to come with me, I'd enjoy your company?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Reasoning, rolled +1)
Davis of Carmathen
Rowan's real name is Elian, and mine is Davis. The curse is ended, and neither of us can be chosen by the heir again. I need to tell him he is protected. Before I go, thank you, all of you. Seris, I do not know what duties await you now, but if you would come with me, I would enjoy your company.
The square grows quiet around Davis’s words. Iven’s hope settles into relief, while Corren glances toward the shrine as though hearing old burdens finally set down.
Seris
My duties are to the living, and Bellwater has keepers enough for one evening. I will come with you, Davis. Elian should hear the good news from us both.
Iven Tarrow
Then go with the shrine’s thanks. I will record what happened here, so no keeper mistakes silence for safety again.
Corren Vale
And mine as well. You brought back an ending, not another burden. That is worth more than any metal I have worked.
Tavren
I will remain here a little longer and make certain the road and gate stay quiet. Travel safely, both of you.
Seris steps beside Davis as afternoon light turns the square gold. Behind them, Bellwater’s bell sounds once more, no longer an alarm but a farewell.
The eastern gate stood silent behind them, its ancient seal holding while Bellwater's square filled with relieved voices.
Iven Tarrow
Then Rowan is safe, and the curse is truly ended. You have our thanks.
Corren Vale
Bellwater will remember this day, though I hope never to see its like again.
Davis of Carmathen
Elian and I are protected now. Seris, come with me. We should tell him together.
Seris
Gladly. Let the good news reach him before the dust settles.
Tavren took his place by the road, watchful and steady, as the farewell bell began to ring.
Davis and Seris departed beneath Bellwater's bell, carrying the truth home at last. Behind them, Tavren watched the quiet gate while Iven and Corren helped the town gather itself around its survivors. The buried threat was sealed, the curse was ended, and the road ahead belonged to the living.