“Where’s Bishop?” Marcus asked as he, Neeshka, Shandra, Sand and Serena all entered the Sunken Flagon.

Duncan turned around. “Don’t know, lad, he left a while ago. Never said when he’d be back, but… that’s nothing unusual.”

Marcus nodded. “Fine, haven’t got time to wait for him anyway.” He turned to where Casavir, Khelgar and Elanee were seated. “Fancy a trip to Port Llast? We have Nasher’s blessing to leave the city.”

“About time, lad!” Khelgar said as he stood up. “So, this squire thing worth it?”

“To be honest, Khelgar, I’m not sure. It keeps me out of Luskan’s hands, so it’s good in that respect. As far as being part of the nobility… that’s going to get a bit of getting used to,” Marcus said.

“Just so long as I don’t have curtsy or anything,” Neeshka muttered, wrinkling her nose. “I’m no lady, no matter what you say, harbour boy.”

“You listen to me, Neeshka, dear,” Serena said as she walked around to face the tiefling. “You may find this hard to believe, but you are a lady. And not just because your boyfriend thinks you are. However, I have to say, speaking from experience that helps a lot.” Serena smiled a little at Neeshka’s bewildered expression. “You see, I could still go by the title of Lady Serena Delryn, if I so wished, but I haven’t used that since well… since my first husband passed on.” Serena’s green eyes were sad. “I miss him still, sometimes. When I first met Anomen, he was a squire in the Order of the Radiant Heart in Athkatla. He eventually was knighted and when I married him, I gained the title. Something that, I can assure you, took me a while to get used to, given my… background. Anomen was the first man who loved me for me, and he treated me like a lady. Do you understand what I’m trying to tell you, Neeshka?”

The tiefling nodded, a little uncertainly. “I think so, Serena… you’re saying that me and the harbour boy is kind of like you and Anomen?”

Serena smiled warmly. “Yes that’s exactly what I’m trying to say. Though Anomen did came from a reasonably wealthy family in Athkatla. Apart from that, our stories are surprisingly similar. You and I are, or were outcasts for similar reasons, our blood heritage. However, that does not define who you are, Neeshka. Marcus loves you for you, just as Anomen loved me. Remember that when things get tough and you’ll do just fine. Screw what the nobility thinks. You’re you and don’t change just because they say you should. I never did.”

Neeshka gave the priestess a hug, which was no easy thing, considering both were in full armour. “You’re the coolest priestess I’ve ever met. Thanks, Serena.”

“You’re welcome, Neeshka, dear,” Serena said, returning the hug. “You’re welcome indeed. Now, hadn’t we better be getting to Port Llast, hmm?” she asked.

“You have done far better than I could have to ease her fears, my lady,” Casavir said as he came alongside Serena.

Serena cast a glance at the paladin. “You sell yourself short, Casavir. Whether you know it or not, your simple approval of her relationship with Marcus means more to her than anything. You’ve never once disapproved of them being together. That to Neeshka says more than mere words ever could.” Serena smiled slightly at the paladin’s embarrassed expression. “You are a paladin of the city of Neverwinter and of Tyr. Neeshka looks up to you, though she’d never admit to that. Just be there for them when they need you, like you did since you met them.”

“So what do you think, Neesh?” Marcus asked. “Think you can give this nobility thing a shot after all?” he said, stroking the tiefling’s cheek.

“Yeah, I think so. I mean, I didn’t expect that about Serena, you know?” Neeshka said as she leaned against the harbourman, enjoying his touch. “Sir Grayson and Lady Aeryn were accepting enough of me hanging around,” she said, smiling, as she remembered spending time at the knight’s estate.

Marcus chuckled at that. “I think they had some idea just how much you mean to me, Neesh, though I’m not sure how they felt about you teaching their daughter some of your more… interesting tricks,” he said, putting his arms round her.

Neeshka grinned. “You mean all those scandalous stories that have been going around about us, harbour boy? The ones which say I’ve put you under a spell using my demonic powers?” she asked playfully, putting her arms around his neck. “And that girl needed to loosen up, especially after… you know. It was just a little lock picking.”

Marcus snorted. “Yeah, right. Just a little lock picking my…” he said with a smile. “But thanks, sweetheart. Sarah might be nothing like Amie as personality goes, but looks… she may as well have been her twin.”

“I know, that’s why I kept her out of your way the only way I knew how,” Neeshka said quietly. She tilted her head to one side. “You know, I’m not sure it’s me with the powers in this relationship… I think it’s you.”

The harbourman looked confused. “Me?” he asked.

“Yeah. I mean, I know you haven’t tried or wanted to change me... but I think you have a little anyway… I don’t have the urge to steal stuff like I used to do. Ever since Leldon, to be honest. I think you’ve made me realise there is more to life than nicking things. Thanks, harbour boy,” Neeshka said, kissing him deeply.

Marcus just grinned. “As Serena said, I love you for you. But I’m glad I’ve been a good influence on you, sweetheart. I love you, Neesh, but I never wanted to change you,” he said, as he looked to the side. “So: everyone ready to leave for Port Llast?”

Casavir had a bemused expression on his face. “I was just about to ask the two of you that very question.” The paladin’s deep voice rumbled with amusement as he spoke. He’d succeeded in embarrassing the young couple.

“Ah, and here we are in the illustrious Port Llast. Watch where you step, you might get some of the local culture on your boots,” Sand said, looking around.

“Gods, Sand, you hold your nose so high it's a wonder you don't wear your hat on it,” Shandra said with a shake of her head.

“I don't even know what that means, my dear, but I'm sure as far as your local expressions go, it's quite quaint and charmingly ignorant,” Sand countered.

“Alright, enough, you two. We have to gather information, remember?” Marcus reminded them.

“We should find Haeromos as quickly as we can, he can grant us access to Ember and hopefully we can find some clues there,” Sand said with a nod.

“Asking some of the locals couldn't hurt, either. After we speak to Haeromos, of course,” Shandra suggested, with a glance at Sand.

“I can do that if you like, Marcus,” Serena said. “You’ll have your hands full with the First Captain.”

“Thanks, Serena, I appreciate your help. Who knows, they may have seen something,” Marcus said.

“I'll try to sort through what we find as we discover it, but check with me if you're ever curious about all we've gathered... I'll have a good sense for when we have enough to bring to trial,” Sand remarked.

Marcus nodded. “Alright. I'm glad to have you along, Sand.”

“The pleasure is all mine... as exceptional as my skills are, it is good to see them put to good use,” Sand said.

“You’re just sooo modest, Sand,” Neeshka said, teasing the moon elf as they walked to the militia barracks while Serena made her way to the Alliance Arms Inn, which would be the best place for her to start.

“Welcome to the Alliance Arms. I’m Falgor, the innkeeper. What can I help you with?” he asked the tall, armoured woman.

“Hopefully you can,” Serena said pleasantly. “Can you tell me anything about what happened at Ember?” she asked as she held a small bag of gold in view of the innkeeper.

Falgor’s eyes sparkled as he worked out just how much gold was in the bag the woman held. “I can tell you plenty, but whether any of it's the truth... well, that remains to be seen.” Serena just nodded for him to continue. “Take this rumour, for a start. Some folk say it was beasts of the Duskwood that savaged Ember. Revenge for disturbing their nests, or some such. Frankly, I'm inclined that believe that one. Port Llast had a bit of a werewolf problem, not too long ago. Wouldn't surprise me if there's more of 'em hanging about.”

“I see. What else?” Serena asked while tossing up the bag and catching it.

“Well… there was this Luskan woman sniffing around, awhile back. According to her, some adventurer strolled into town and slaughtered everyone, just for chuckles.” Falgor shook his head. “Nothing but lies come out of Luskan lips, so you can ignore that one. That's just my opinion, though.”

Serena’s eyes narrowed. “Interesting… Anything else?”

“Then there's Elgun, one of my regulars. He claims he was there, saw the whole thing,” the innkeeper said with a laugh. “I wouldn't exactly call him a liar, but he's always talking about his 'adventures,' which conveniently happen when no one else is around. The man can't handle a butter knife, much less a stout blade. The weaponsmith, Haljal tried to teach him a few tricks, but Elgun was hopeless.”

“Thank you, Falgor, you’ve been most helpful indeed,” Serena said with a smile as she let the bag of gold drop onto the counter top. “Oh, one more thing: where can I find this Elgun?”

“Head on over to the common room. He's probably telling the story for the hundredth time,” Falgor said with a roll of his eyes.

First Captain Haeromos Dothwintyl sat at his desk, a grave expression on his face. The past few weeks hadn’t been pleasant and not just because that vulture Torio had been sulking about in his town, though he was probably the only one who knew who she was. Then there was the massacre at Ember which (worst luck) was in Luskan territory and not his. Still, he was reassured by the presence of the Lord’s Alliance troops, stationed in Port Llast. They mainly came from Neverwinter, the town’s closest ally as well as Elturel and Baldur’s Gate, so that a Luskan attack would risk war with three economically powerful cities. Although, truth to tell, currently Neverwinter was in no shape to wage a war.

Haeromos looked toward the barracks door as it opened and a group that had to be adventurers entered. He looked the group over. Their make up was decidedly strange: three humans, two men and a woman, a male moon elf, a female wood elf, a male dwarf and a female tiefling. It was the bearded human that the tiefling seemed to be holding hands with that made the First Captain lean back in his chair in surprise.

“I must say I'm surprised you have the courage to show your face here. A lot of people here had friends in Ember. If they find out who you are...” he growled in a warning tone.

Marcus was completely thrown by Haeromos’ words, as were the rest of his group. “You… know who the harbour boy is? What he’s been accused of by that… snake, Torio?” Neeshka asked, her eyes all big.

It was Haeromos’ turn to be thrown by the tiefling’s words. It was apparent to the First Captain that she cared about her human companion a great deal. He also suspected that this was the case with the rest of the group, the way they clustered around him. It was also clear he was the party’s leader.

Haeromos sighed. “Yes young lady. I know who your friend is, sadly.” He was quiet for a few moments, considering something. “There was a witness to the attack, a survivor. He was described in great detail.”

Everyone in Marcus’ group looked stunned, but it was Sand that came to his senses first. “Doesn’t it seem remarkably convenient that someone survived the attack on Ember, and not only that, but got close enough to clearly identify my friend here? Surely if that had been the case he’d have noticed them?” the moon elf asked.

Haeromos’ eyes narrowed as he recalled what Torio had been saying when she’d been here, not all that long ago, as it happened. The First Captain was beginning to smell a rat, a very large Luskan rat. “You have a point. You can question the witness, but you shall do it in my presence. She's been through a lot, and you may not like what she has to say.”

“That seems fair to me,” Marcus said. “And it might be a little unpleasant but I think I can put up with that sooner than losing my head.”

“Very well, then,” Haeromos said, as he looked over to one of his men. “Bring the girl here, would you.”

Serena entered the common room and let her eyes sweep the room. There were a few people that might prove worthwhile to talk to. There was a female half elf seated by the fire, who was likely a ranger, and then there was Elgun. Serena was going to enjoy chatting to him. And lastly, there was a woman who just looked troubled.

Malin looked up from her mug of soup. “You're clearly not from around here. Planning on staying awhile, or just passing through?” she asked “I’m Malin, one of the few rangers that call Port Llast home.”

“Actually Malin, dear I'm assisting a friend in investigating the murders in Ember.” Serena replied.

“What's to investigate? The village is destroyed, and everyone's dead,” Malin said bitterly. “Could have been brigands, or gods know what else... but a lord's justice won't bring those villagers back to life.”

“That’s sadly true, Malin, but if nothing else, the truth of what happened may come to light,” Serena said, her eyes sad.

Malin sighed. “I see your point. Three days gone, I was passing just south of the Duskwood when I spied a column of smoke. I'd say it was coming from the ridge, just above Duskwood Grove. Could have been some traveller stopping for the night, or it could be that someone's made a home for themselves. There's a cave up there, and a good spot for a camp. Either way, the Grove is an hour's walk from Ember... maybe less,” the ranger said. “Whoever's up there may have seen what happened in the village. Just watch your back. The Grove's not known for being friendly to strangers, it's gone strange of late. Used to be deer there, and plentiful hunting. Now something's driven all the deer away. Nothing but ferocious beasts and stranger things for miles around the Grove. If somebody's made a home on that ridge... well, could be they're just crazy. You'd better hope it's as simple as that.”

“Thanks for the information, dear. Enjoy the fire,” Serena said, as she walked on.

“Alaine?” Shandra asked “You survived... thank the gods!”

“Oh, Shandra! It was horrible! They butchered everyone!” Alaine said, close to weeping again.

“Alaine, it's all right... shhhh. Look, I've brought people to help,” Shandra said soothingly. “We'll get to the bottom of this…”

Alaine’s grew wide on seeing the harbourman. “You!” she cried, shocked. “Shandra, it's… it's him. Why would you bring him here?” she asked, perplexed.

“I'm not responsible for what happened at Ember, Alaine,” Marcus stated quietly.

“I saw you murder those people,” Alaine said coldly.

“No, Alaine, it's not true…” Shandra said, trying to calm her friend

“I know what I saw. They had no weapons... some even surrendered, but he... he...” Alaine stuttered.

Neeshka’s eyes blazed red with anger. She couldn’t take this any longer. She leapt forward toward Alaine, or would have, if a pair of strong arms hadn’t encircled her waist.

“How can you stand there and say that, you ungrateful… the harbour boy saved your village from the gith! Saved the farm girl!” the tiefling yelled. “Now you’re working for that Luskan whore Torio? I don’t believe you! Should have let the gith gut the lot of you!” she said, outraged and upset.

Alaine stood in shocked silence. Even Haeromos wasn’t sure of what to make of the tiefling’s outburst.

“Shhh, calm down, Neesh, sweetheart, this isn’t helping, you know,” Marcus said as he pulled her into a hug and held her close, stroking her hair.

“I… I know, Cole, sorry,” Neeshka murmured as she buried her head in his shoulder. “Just seems so unfair… all this.”

“I know, sweetheart… that’s why we’re here to try and figure out what Luskan is up to.” The harbourman looked over to Sand. “I think you better take over for the time being, Sand. I’ll be over there in the corner, with Neeshka, if you need me.”

The moon elf nodded. “That’s probably for the best, Marcus. You take care of your lady.” Sand clapped his hands. “And I’ll take care of the legal matters.”

The harbourman smiled his thanks, led the distressed tiefling to a quiet corner and sat down, drawing her on to his lap.

Haeromos sighed heavily. “Would someone please explain to me what in the name of all that’s holy is going on here?” he asked, rubbing his forehead.

Sand turned to face the First Captain “This could take awhile,” the moon elf said cautiously.

“You’re not from around here, are you, dear?” Serena asked as she approached a woman who looked troubled.

The woman turned slightly, not really seeing Serena. “Many pardons, but I have a lot on my mind...” she said in an accent that the priestess hadn’t thought to hear this far north.

“Well now, I haven’t heard an Amnish accent in many years, and certainly not this far north,” Serena said, truly surprised.

The woman focused a little on the tall armoured woman before her. “You are correct. I am from Amn. How did you know?”

Serena smiled. “I lived in Athkatla for a time. Now… what’s bothering you, dear?”

The woman sighed. “My partner, Bradbury... he is two days late for our meeting. He is a northerner and a fool. But... he is good with pick and wedge and has brought much silver to my house. I was planning on taking him to Amn with me, but he heard tell of valuable ore in Duskwood.”

Serena chuckled a little. “Ah, spoken like a true Amnish, artisan and master trader, I see. Well I do have some friends that may be investigating the Duskwood in the near future. What does this partner of your look like?”

The woman smiled, a little hopefully. “Bradbury? He is hard to miss, his hair is bright orange, like flameblooms in the desert. If your friends happen to see him, just tell him that Calindra still waits for him,” she said.

“I shall pass the message on. I’m sure they’ll find him, Calindra, don’t fret, dear,” Serena then turned to walk away.

“My lady, might I know your name?” Calindra asked.

Serena looked back over her shoulder and smiled a little. “Serena Darkstar or you may know me better as Lady Serena Delryn, at your service.” The priestess was rewarded by Calindra’s eyes going wide with recognition.

Haeromos leaned back in his chair, deep in thought, after Sand had finished explaining everything, as he knew it. The First Captain looked over to the corner and studied the harbourman who was still trying to calm his tiefling lover. Could this man be capable of mass murder? Haeromos asked himself. Somehow, I’m inclined to doubt that at this point, he thought. After all, Black Garius and Torio Claven are involved in this mess.

Haeromos let out a sigh and faced Alaine. “This may be hard for all concerned, Alaine, but try and answer Sand’s questions as best as you can. We may yet find the truth of what happened at Ember, Luskan territory be damned.”

Alaine nodded numbly, for she was still looking to where Marcus and Neeshka were seated. She thought she must have been losing her mind. Had she seen this man kill the people of her home village? Was it even possible? For now, here he was less than twenty feet away being caring and loving. Alaine just didn’t know anymore.

“You must forgive Neeshka, Alaine,” Casavir spoke as he stepped forward and bowed. “As you can see, she and Marcus are very close and the stress of the accusations against him have taken a toll on the young woman. We only wish to find the truth, to find out who really slaughtered Ember.”

“Indeed, we are here to help you, not to hurt you, Alaine,” Elanee said as she took a step forward. “Nature will have its say, I assure you.”

Shandra smiled warmly at her old friend. “See, Alaine? We're here to help, all right?” she indicated the paladin. “And you can trust Casavir; he’s a paladin of Tyr.”

Alaine nodded as she steadied herself. “It was trade season, and the shipments into Ember had fallen off... I decided to trade along the South Roads…” She became quiet, as she recalled a horrible memory. “When I came back to Ember, I heard the screams and saw the smoke. I left my wagon and went into town. That's when I saw the bodies...” Alaine looked over to where Marcus as still seated with Neeshka. “I saw him kill the quartermaster while he was on his knees, begging for his life.”

Sand raised his eyebrows as he pointed to the harbourman. “You saw that man, there, do the killing blow? And was it just him? And where did he...”

“Sand!” Shandra hissed, dismayed by the moon elf’s coldness.

The moon elf rolled his eyes. “We don't have all year, girl, nor do I have the patience when the trail of these killers grows colder,” Sand replied, irritated.

Alaine nodded slowly. “There were others, but I didn't see them closely. I ran as hard as I could to Port Llast and they took me in. But he did do it,” she stated coldly.

“Wait a moment,” Elanee said, a frown marring her delicate elven features. “How did you manage to get away if you got close enough to identify Marcus, Alaine?”

The woman blinked as she’d never really thought about it before. “I... don't know. I just started running. I guess they didn't notice me,” she said with a shrug.

“You were lucky, hmm? Or perhaps, they let you escape?” Sand said in a slightly mocking tone. “It could have been someone that looked the part, you know. There are many magics that can cloak one's appearance... even allow one to change shape.”

“I know what I saw,” Alaine said firmly.

“Don't you think it's a possibility that it was someone else, disguised as our leader, Alaine?” Casavir asked.

“I... suppose it's possible, but... I don't know. I just don't know,” Alaine said with a shake of her head.

“Well, I think you for considering it, at least, Alaine,” the paladin said.

“You're... welcome. Is there anything else you need from me?” she asked, truly surprised that they were being so nice, even given Shandra’s assurances.

“Who else was there besides Marcus? Were any of us there?” Sand asked thoughtfully.

“He had about a dozen of his friends with him... but, I don't recognize anyone with him now.”

“A dozen, you say? Interesting. Do go on,” Sand prompted, rubbing his hands together with glee.

“So you didn't see myself? Khelgar or Neeshka?” Elanee asked.

Alaine blinked. “Well... no. I believe they were all human.”

Sand started tapping his chin. “Hmm… well, considering that those two... and your good self, Elanee... account for at least half of us, that might seed some doubt.”

“But… he could just have hired others,” Alaine said lamely.

Sand smiled with triumph. “Yes, my dear... but as your hesitation suggests, why would anyone do that, when they have trusted allies who would follow one almost anywhere?” the moon elf asked.

“That's all we needed to know. Thank you for your help, Alaine. I know it was hard on you,” Casavir said as he bowed.

“I'm sorry to have put you through this, Alaine. Guard, please see that she reaches her quarters safely,” Haeromos said ending the interview.

Serena walked up while Elgun was in the middle of his story. “...I had just lined up my arrow on the deer when I heard a growl. I turned, and there was the biggest, blackest wolf I'd ever seen… coming right at me! Lucky for me, I had my enchanted dagger with me. With its jaws only inches away from my throat, I lunged, and with a quick twist of the blade, I cut out the beast's heart!” Serena rolled her eyes. This man was an utter idiot, but the patrons seemed to lap it up all the same, which was very disheartening. “I was a bit tired after all this fun in the Duskwood, so I decided to head to Ember to rest up… That's when I smelled the smoke. I ran there as quickly as I could, and what did I see? The village in flames, the defenceless people being slaughtered by cruel and evil men. There were dozens of attackers, heavily armed, aided by foul creatures… demons, I think.”

At this, Serena let out a most undignified snort. “Torm save me, you make me sick, Elgun, and give proper adventurers a bad name.”

Elgun turned to face the tall armoured woman. He had to look up, as she was a good foot and a half, taller than he was. “What? You think I’m lying about what happened at Ember?” he asked, incredulous.

Serena leaned forward a little to emphasise their height difference. “Oh, I don’t think you’re lying, I know you’re lying,” she said. Elgun was going to reply but the priestess cut him off with a glare. “Don’t you dare interrupt me,” Serena growled. “There’s no way you could have been hunting deer in the Duskwood, as the ranger Malin…” Serena nodded in the woman’s direction “…says there haven’t been any for some time, only dire creatures. Add to that, Falgor tells me you can’t even handle a butter knife, much less a proper weapon.” So saying Serena unsheathed her greatsword one handed and brought its blade down within inches of Elgun’s face. All the terrified man saw was a softly glowing blur as it passed in front his eyes, before Serena sheathed her greatsword once again. “Lies serve no one. You are harming others by the tales you're telling, Elgun, not to mention that everyone thinks you're a witness. If Ember's attackers should hear about you...” Serena let the sentence hang, a cold smile on her face.

Elgun looked at Serena a moment… and just fainted. Serena turned away, knowing he wouldn’t prove any further hindrance to Marcus.

“You alright now, Neesh?” Marcus asked as Alaine was escorted back to her room.

The tiefling nodded. “Yeah, I think so. Thanks, harbour boy. I just lost it. Stressed out, I guess.”

“Come on then, looks like Sand and the others are done. I want to ask Haeromos a few things before we go,” he said as Neeshka got off his lap and he stood up.

They walked hand in hand back to where Sand and the others were waiting, as was the First Captain.

“Luskan is a threat to Port Llast, isn't it?” Marcus asked thoughtfully.

“Of course it is,” Haeromos said. “The Luskans would lay claim to our harbour for their warships. Having secured such a prominent location, they could mount a swift attack on Neverwinter or Waterdeep, for that matter.” The man snorted. “They talk of a peaceful coexistence, but I know their words to be false. Luskan's... difficulties with Ruathym may have come at a fortunate time. As long as Luskan is at war with their island neighbour, they cannot turn their attention elsewhere. But that is also why there are Lord’s Alliance troops stationed here. Luskan would dare not attack my town directly, risking a war with the Alliance.”

Marcus just nodded. “What do you know of Black Garius?” he asked next.

“A Luskan archmage of some power. Not someone you want to cross, but it seems that you already have,” Haeromos said with an ironic smile. “Like many of the Arcane Brotherhood, Black Garius aspires to rule, regardless of what harm it may cause.”

“I think you will find that attitude common among most of the Hosttower... and Garius in particular,” Sand observed.

“What worries me is that he may succeed.” Haeromos said with a frown as he looked at the harbourman. “He's amassing power at a pace I dislike. I suspect his brothers are beginning to grow wary of him. Followers flock to his side like vultures to a battlefield. Two in particular keep me awake at night, that woman Torio Claven and that giant of a man Lorne.”

“Ah, and so the pretty little circle reveals itself,” Sand said with a sigh not at all surprised.

“Torio you know as Luskan's ambassador to Neverwinter. A treacherous snake that one. The other one, Lorne, lacks Torio's guile, but compensates for it with brute force. He's a savage fighter, and extremely good with a blade. I suspect he handles most of Garius's dirty work,” Haeromos said.

Marcus nodded. “Thank you, Haeromos, for everything,” he said and he extended his hand to the First Captain.

Haeromos was clearly surprised by the gesture but took the harbourman’s hand and shook it. “You’re welcome. And rest assured, I’ll be at your trial in Neverwinter. I’ll be escorting Alaine, one way or another. I’ll not let that witch Torio get her hooks into the poor woman.”

“Listen to me Marcus... if we can get Alaine to work for us, her story of tears will sway the court in our favour,” Sand said as they were walking out of the barracks.

“Alaine's not some tool, Sand... she's just survived the massacre of her town... which someone caused to get to us,” Shandra said, annoyed.

The moon elf turned sharply to face Shandra. “Girl, if we do not use your friend, the Luskans will. And they will use her testimony to kill our friend, here. So... please, dispense with your convenient morality. Either we use her, or they do.”

Marcus pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, but it seemed as if Casavir had read the harbourman’s mind as he spoke. “Sand, Shandra is right, but there may be another way to foil Torio. We have planted doubt in her mind and Haeromos said he would be there at the trial. Imagine that Torio has Alaine give her testimonies and then we mention our conversation with her here? Haeromos will be present to back our claims up. Torio will look like a fool.”

Sand smiled as he thought about it. “Risky… but it will prove far more satisfying.” He looked at Casavir. “For a paladin, you’re being very devious.”

“There you are,” Serena said as they left the militia barracks “Took longer than you expected, hmm?”

Marcus nodded, though he was a little distracted. “Yeah, something like that, Serena,” he said.

The priestess frowned. “What’s the matter, Marcus, dear?” Serena asked, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“It’s a name that Haeromos mentioned that’s bothering me,” Marcus said with a sigh. “He said the name Lorne in connection to Black Garius. The only person I know of that name is Retta’s missing son and from what I can vaguely recall of him, he’d be a large man these days. It’s… I’ve just got a bad feeling about it is all,” the harbourman said with a shake of his head. “But enough of that. How did you get on, Serena?”

Serena smiled and let the matter rest. “Very well, I met a ranger named Malin who said there has been strange goings on in the Duskwood, and connected to that a woman named Calindra told me her business partner Bradbury has gone missing there. He shouldn’t be that hard to track down as he has distinctive orange hair.” Serena paused a moment. “Also, there was some right idiot telling tall tales, but I put the fear of Torm in him so he shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Thanks, Serena, for your help. Well, I suppose we better get going to Ember… that’s not going to be very pleasant,” Marcus grimaced.

Serena smiled as she fell in step beside Neeshka and Marcus. “Just as well I saw Nya the herbalist, then isn’t it?” she said. “She gave me some wyrmsage. Should come in handy.”

Neeshka furrowed her brows, thinking. “Wyrmsage? Isn't that a reagent for preventing undeath?” she asked.

Serena nodded. “You’re right, Neeshka, dear, that’s what it’s used for.” The priestess sighed heavily “We all know what happened in Ember and if the bodies aren't tended, they'll return as undead. It is only a matter of time, sadly. Nya hasn’t been to Ember since the massacre. But she’s heard that the bodies are rotting where they fell,” Serena said, disgusted. If it was one thing she hated with a passion, it was the undead.

“We’ll set it right, won’t we, Serena?” Neeshka asked hopefully.

Serena nodded and ruffled the tiefling’s hair. “Of course we will, Imoen. We always do,” she said. Clearly Serena was thinking of something else.

“Who’s Imoen?” Neeshka asked softly.

“Did I just call you Imoen?” the priestess asked. Neeshka just nodded. “You remind me of Immy, Neeshka. She knows how to pick other people’s pockets and pick locks; Immy is also a very accomplished mage. I’m sure the two of you would get on very well.” As they walked Serena, begin to tell them of her past. “Imoen is kind of my kid sister. We were raised together in a fortress library called Candlekeep...”