Adventure Journals

As we walked back to our house from the library, everyone seemed subdued. Soon after we arrived Tomas and Mica let us know that they would be gone several days on private affairs. After they left and it was just Silar, Rensil, Dorra and I sitting around, I broached a subject that had been troubling my sense of katorr for some time.

"Someone had paid Bucky to make the attempt on Mica's life. Because of that attempt our friend Bearclaw is dead, and even though Bucky is no more, those responsible for the attempt still walk Barsaive."

We sat talking about how best to take up this cold trail, our only leads to the Veiled Society being the Blue Water Mead Hall, and the names Enoch and Shadowswift.

All of a sudden Rensil gasped and collapsed to the floor! Without thought Blood Drinker was in my hand as I searched wildly for whatever enemy had attacked us in our home. Yet from Rensil came a strange cackling sound. The twice-cursed elf was sitting up laughing, saying he was just "practicing a spell." Perhaps I should "practice" up the side of his head.

After the laughter had died down we agreed to go to Bartertown to see what might be found. I also wanted to find out Hatch's fate.

10 Raquas, 1509 TH

The trip to Bartertown was uneventful, except for a constant chuckle from the elf, still amused over last night's spell. We took rooms at the Drifting Griffin, and Dorra asked how I expected to proceed. I suggested that I was not as well known at the Blue Water as the others, so I would visit and inquire after Bucky, saying that I had a commission for him (or someone of his talents). As no one had a better idea, that's how we agreed to play it.

We arrived at the Blue Water in the early afternoon, and placed Silar on watch. Dorra and Rensil went in, and I followed a few minutes later. I ordered hurlg, thinking as I'd drunk this before I should have no problem with it. I fear that whatever I had before either wasn't hurlg or had been much watered down! It took three tries to even sip at the foul drink. After a bit I told my story to the bartender -- nothing, only that Bucky hadn't been seen in quite some time, and that the Blue Water was under a new owner who didn't seem to have that sort around much anymore. Dead end. Now what? I left, followed by the others.

This trail is so cold! No one seemed to know what to do at this point, until Silar suggested trying another tavern he had visited, The Sealed Tomb. After some searching we came to the place where it had been, but fire had cleansed the spot and nothing remained. When I suggested we try another tavern at random, Dorra asked if I "planned to stop at every tavern, bar, and pub in Bartertown." I was about to reply, "Yes! If that's what it takes," when I realized I was being made fun of. "No. Just one more," I growled and led the way to another ale house. At least here the bartender thought he might know somebody who could help us. I left word that we would be at the Drifting Griffin, where we returned.

That evening, as we ate dinner, a message came to us that we would be met at the Blue Water -- by whom or for what we knew not. Arriving at the tavern, who should come striding down the stairs from the upper floors but Hatch! The little bugger seems to be the new owner of the Blue Water! We trooped up to his office and exchanged stories.

He had not been attacked of late and had won the Blue Water in a card game. He also had a bit of knowledge of Shadowswift. He said he'd do what he could for us and invited us back the following night for a party in our honor.

11 Raquas

During the day my companions spent their time in meditation, while I eased my inner spirit with jar'arak's peace. As evening approached we once again set out for the Blue Water Mead Hall, where Frank the bartender greeted us, and bade us go up to Hatch's office. We talked until it was time to join the celebrations in the common room. It was a fine evening with good and plentiful food, strong ale, and song.

Near midnight, Frank approached Hatch and whispered in his ear, gesturing towards the door where an ork stood. Hatch went over to this person, and during the exchange the ork became rather heated, finally picking hatch up and yelling in his face. As the ork realized that everyone in the tavern was staring at him, he put Hatch down, whispered something to him, and left. Hatch, looking rather pale, turned and told everyone that it was a mistake and to party on. Back at the table, when questioned, he gestured for us to follow him back to his office.

And there we learned the truth (or some small part of it) from the imp! It seems that while he was in hiding he was helped by Shadowswift. As such, Hatch owed him a favor, and that favor was to run the Blue Water Mead Hall, which was really owned by Shadowswift. The ork had claimed that a "gift" for Shadowswift's birthday had been delivered to Hatch! Of course, Hatch swore that he never received such a package.

Then he spoke the words that sent a chill down my spine. "The package was delivered to someone looking just like me."

Another double! It seems that the trail has found us!

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