Two - Dinner with the Almareths

Misson Log: Entry Two

It has been nine days since I have seen my home at Heaven's Reach.

Upon the road, as I came upon the walls of Carse at midday, I was intercepted by a pair of guards who attempted to interrogate me at the end of their swords until they were dismissed by a superior who came upon the scene. Apparently he had been notified of my arrival and, at the behest of the Baroness and to my continued fortune, escorted me to the palace.

The city of Carse is unlike anything I have ever seen. If every building in Shadow Cove and the outlying farmlands were built adjoined to each other and doubled in height, they may fit in a city block of Carse. There are so many people here. It is almost overwhelming, but I was warned to never put my trepidation on display, lest it attract those who prey on the weak. All the same, I am glad to have had the escort for, though I sensed no malice in the faces of the many I passed on the streets, I have never had so many eyes upon me.

I was met by a footman at the palace who showed me to my quarters. It was a simple room, but the decor was more opulent than I am accustomed. It was here I remained until summoned for dinner, taking the time to exercise and meditate, for I have done little of this on my journey. It was good to rest.

Finally, I was summoned to the dining hall where others had gathered ahead of time. I suspect that they were either asked not to gawk and assault me with questions or the discipline required not to do so is inherent to those of their station. I was welcomed and sat by Chamberlain Gran Dorwellan.

The initial party consisted of the Baron Bogardus Almareth and his wife, the Baroness Winona Almareth; their daughter, lady Pyria and her betrothed, Locklear Argamir, Prince of Merkemia; a scribe referred to only as Alvin; Sagrath, the house wizard; and a tabaxi whaler and friend of the baron, Jessicat Oliphant.

Dinner was exquisite and the company pleasant. As out meal drew to an end, I listened to idle political chatter and spoke a while with the baroness, who flattered me by speaking as though to a scholar rather than as a curiosity. I knew the baroness was of the elvin race, but I was stunned to discover she was eladrin. This makes the young Lady Almareth half eladrin, a lineage I have never considered possible. Perhaps this is why I was so welcomed.

This discussion was cut short by the arrival of an eccentric elf who barged in the chamber unannounced. This caused a brief scene as the palace guards held their pole-arms at the ready. I feel a bit embarrassed to admit I moved to stand between the Almareths and this intruder, but he bade a greeting to the prince. The newcomer, who introduced himself as Sewer Knife - a name which lends itself to his mannerisms, I assure you - is an apparent cohort of the prince.

His jarring arrival, he said, was to deliver a warning of assassination. He produced a ring which he claims to have pilfered from a would-be assassin. It was during this ordeal that Sagrath took his leave of the chamber, followed shortly and suspiciously by Jessicat. After further discussion of this alleged plot, Jessicat returned with news of visions granted to Sagrath of a castle, surrounded by snow, from which spewed images of terror and evil. Furthermore were vague references to Northwarden and Baron Stovokor, names I have only heard in lessons of geography and regional politics. Also mentioned was the possibility this assassin was of an organization known as the Doom Cult.

The combination of these omens were enough to convince the Almareths and Prince Argamir to investigate Mr. Knife's story, but I believe I convinced them not to do so with the haste Mr. Knife insisted upon, so we have retired for the evening. I now sit outside the prince's chambers, where I will take my rest beside Mr. Knife, now in his elven reverie, who also insisted on guarding the prince's door in the chance there is an attempt on his life within the castle. In my encounters with the vagabond, he seems to speak and carry himself with the intensity and excitement of a child. I know not yet what to think, for if he is trusted by the prince, there must be a reason.

In the morning, I will lend my services to this family as they see fit. I cannot say I will be a useful sleuth in such an alien environment, so at the very least this will be an informative experience.