Into the Wolf's Den [D2, Morning, Ask]

She hadn't been at the wedding? Curious. It demanded some looking into, though not immediately. The Baroness had always been particular about things, at least to his understanding. But it wouldn't hurt to see if anyone else could verify her story at a later time.

Have we any idea what significance the runes may have held? A message, perhaps?

Another train of thought entered his mind as he began to run the current facts through. He would see what she had to say about this, and then ask about Krinklestein. Perhaps there was some other link that hadn't been considered.

So he was back in the capital. Yet he was taking great pains not to reach out to Wryn. Why?

An uncomfortable feeling washed over him.

What can you tell me of him? I know little else other than he is a spymaster. I am curious how he could have dispatched a demon without some magical or divine ability.

There were three distinct possibilities to explain the gnome's actions in the Paladin's mind, and all of them made him feel uncomfortable.

He is very skilled, a man of purpose and conviction from my understanding. He knows how to employ both magic and subterfuge in equal parts... though he is far leass learned than I, she says a bit proudly.

I heard he arrived back in town with the King's Will, of all people - though Johann knows not where he is. Perhaps he will choose to show his face after the forum begins....

If he was aware of the forum, and has the kind of conviction you say, it seems quite likely then that there may be the chance of some plot afoot. I had wondered about this myself, in truth. Someone has already made an attempt on the princess' life, it is only logical that they would make such an attempt a second time.

He mulled the Baroness' words over a moment longer. Did he not go to Diona, as opposed to traveling with the King's Will? I am no cartographer, but that seems quite strange.

I am certain the truth will come to light soon enough. There was more he had wanted to say, but he elected not to waste the Baroness' considerably valuable time with idle musings. For the time, he had her ear, and he intended to make use of it as best he could while that remained the case.

Since I have been here, I have heard no end of strange stories. There is one I heard just last night I thought might be of interest to you: there is a rumor that Poseidon has gone missing. There are talks that he may have been charmed, possessed, or something worse. Normally, I would dismiss such a story, but in light of recent events, it seems all too strange to ignore.

Perhaps I will, should the opportunity present itself. The last thing I would wish to do is to start a panic, and a public setting is perhaps the best setting with which to accomplish such a thing.

He begins to scan the room again, seeing if he could recognize anyone else at the gathering, now that he was speaking with the Baroness. Speaking of the King's Will, I am reminded of another question. Why were they dispatched at a time such as this? I would have thought they would be needed close to home, given the circumstances.

To find out if the northern barbarians have anything to do with our winged neighbor to the east. Where they stand. Things are more dire than we initially thought; and I only tell you this because of your station as a paladin. The warlord Xyphon's ideals do not align with ours, and he has a trio of Bleiterghast's spawn in his midst. We will have trouble very soon.

Maybe it was only because he stuck out like a sore thumb, but Sigsimund would notice a tall, slender drow elf walking by. His white hair spilled out from behind his hood and cowl.

If that is the case... then it would seem they have the most motive. If they covet our lands, it stands to reason they would desire to destabilize both our kingdoms. Perhaps even for the dragon's benefit. One as old and powerful as that would have good cause to disrupt both our kingdoms' security.

He pauses the thought as the Drow walks past.

Who is the Drow Elf? I thought they rarely ever left their woods.

A fair deduction, one I'm inclined to agree with. Such reasoning could sway the course of events considerably. Sigismund would notice Staceene look back in the paladin's direction, her eyes following the drow.

Nalfein, a member of the King's Will. It is true that they are secretive and scheming compared to their fair skinned brethren, but interesting times call for interesting occurrences. Or so they say.

Well, he does work with my husband. I know him well enough... as well as he will allow. They say he murdered the Lady of his house, as he was found in her room covered in her blood. Yet no body was discovered...

Staceene smiled smugly. Now he works for his majesty to earn some kind of notion of redemption, or something of that sort. I saw him and the way he spoke when Wryn questioned him and through him in jail. He loved the lady he served. And we could never do such a thing to the people we care for, could we Sigismund of Stormhall?

So the Baroness had been present during Wryn's inquiry. Idly, he wondered just how far her influence extended.

I think we both well know the answer to that question. One cannot betray those they truly care for. Was that an admission of guilt, he wondered idly? And even if it was, would it matter? Would anyone care if she had murdered her own father?

It sounded as though there was a great deal unknown regarding the Drow's history, but he was loathe to re-open a case that had long been closed. There was no good in dwelling on the past, he knew quite well from experience. The matter had been settled, and it seemed the King was rather adamant in not letting the truth of such matters prevent one from serving him.

Of course, and good luck in your investigation, was all she said before the telepathic link was severed.