Round 3 Transcript

Sister Hale’s hushed voice barely rises above the wind as she steps toward Gravedigger Renn, who shivers in the ash‑laden air. The grizzled informant’s eyes flicker with a mix of fear and relief; he nods once, then leans close enough that his breath smells of damp earth. “The key you hold,” he whispers, “opens not only the church door but a hidden vault beneath the altar. Inside lies a relic that can bind the Veiled Dawn’s power to your cult.” He pulls a ragged scrap of parchment from his pocket, unfolding it to reveal a crude map of the ruined nave, marked with a red X over a stone slab that no longer stands. The map’s ink is faint but legible, and a single line of text in a trembling hand reads: “Do not trust the guards; they guard the vault as well.”

Jeane presses the heavy coin purse into Renn's hand—its weight suggests more than gold inside—and her voice drops to a tone that brooks no argument: Your work is done here. The grizzled informant doesn't question it; he pockets the money, his fingers lingering on its contents just long enough to confirm what she intended him to feel. His eyes meet hers for a moment, understanding passing between them like shadows in a moonless night—this isn't payment, it's a promise of future obligations, and he knows exactly which kind. He nods once, sharply, then turns and disappears into the swirling ash without looking back. Renn takes the coin purse and flees without further questions or complications.

I study the map over Hale’s shoulder, tracing the lines with my eyes while ignoring her excitement. 'A hidden vault under a church? Sounds like a recipe for leftover curses and whatever skittered in when the prayers stopped working...' My fingers hover just above the parchment, not quite touching it yet—not trusting even dead paper.

Sister Hale steps between Gravedigger Renn and her companions, her hand resting on her mace but not drawing it. Her voice is firm yet gentle: 'Renn, your courage is commendable,...' She locks eyes with him, '...but you've done enough. Leave now—take this road south until you're clear of Gravehill's borders.' The ash falls around them as she adds, 'Tell the others at the monastery that I sent you; they'll give you shelter and work when you arrive.'