Gladios looks over as Abet arrives, chuckling. [color=663399]"Do not worry, Master Drakethorne. At least you made it."[/color]

He then looks to Rhindani, listening to her question. [color=663399]"My agents were of a similar mindset. We believe it is a large organization because it varies. A week ago, two merchants were attacked on the road. Two weeks ago, a group of roughs tossed an alchemist's shop and stole almost everything. A month ago, a large force of them marched into a town and demanded gold, leaving before a resistance could mount."[/color] He shakes his head. [color=663399]"They're damned bold. The only reason we know they're related is we find this at every attack."[/color] He throws a black card, about the size of a playing card, onto the table. It's emblazoned with a golden skull wearing a grotesque smile. 

[color=663399]"And of course, Rhindani, I will provide horses for your journey."[/color]

Gladios looks up as Saida enters. [color=663399]"Well, Master Drakethorne, it appears you are not alone in being late."[/color] He smiles. [color=663399]"It is of no worry, lady elf. A healer is always welcome."[/color]

He then looks around at the party. [color=663399]"As no-one else seems to have any questions, then I dismiss you. Meet Captain Lawrence outside the doors to the throne room, he should be waiting. He will lead you to our stables and point you in the right direction. Godspeed."[/color]

[hr]

After two and a half days of hard riding through the sunny Avaliaran countryside, they can see a small manor house in the distance.

The manor is three stories tall and stands out from the otherwise empty landscape. It has a low wall, only around six feet, surrounding it all the way around. Standing at the gate are four guardsmen, two wielding halberds and the other two holding flintlock rifles, swords sheathed at their belts. The landscape all around the walls of the manor is fairly empty, spotted sparsely with trees. From here, it's impossible to see into the walls.