Artania and Al reach the Adventurers’ Guild before dusk. The eastern road closes behind them, while Hessa remains at the pasture with the enchanted hawk and the flock moved safely away.
The sealed fold containing the copper-bound volumes rests undisturbed, but the Brass Farm Token burns faintly beneath its frayed ward-cloth. Al keeps close at Artania’s side.
Maelin Voss
You returned sooner than expected. From the look in Al’s eyes, the mountain gave you more than a route.
Brunna Coppervein
Inside, lad. The guild has been waiting, and two officials arrived asking careful questions about eastern traffic.
Maelin leads them into the records chamber, where Brunna bars the door and Odelia clears a broad table. The guild’s lamps burn low behind drawn curtains.
Maelin Voss
If those volumes prove the Quiet Ledger ordered the Burning Pass ambush, we will make authenticated copies before sending any report beyond trusted hands.
Brunna Coppervein
Set the evidence down when you are ready, Artania. Then we decide whether the Crown receives a warning, a challenge, or both.