Airday, 21st of Blessing, 721IA

Sebastian and Aretha showed up at our new apartment at the appointed hour (they did not arrive together) and together we went to see William. William looked haggard, he hasn’t shaved in some time and probably hasn’t slept much either. Needles to say he was overjoyed to see us, especially when Menon gave him the key. He grabbed it quickly and rushed to a locked box he had on the counter and tried to open it… the key did not turn, and the box remained locked. He tried it, almost desperately, on another lock, but again it did not turn. I thought he’d be angry, but as he turned to face us I saw a broken man. He threw the key to a corner of his shop and slumped down of his seat “Nothing. Lost. What will I do know?” he was almost sobbing. The key lost whatever magic (if indeed it was magical) that it had, and William, while a competent locksmith, feared that his business is going to drop noticeably, since, while people didn’t know it, he relied heavily on that key. We told him to keep the 150 Imperial he promised (for the hard times ahead) but that we still want information about Menon’s key. Unwillingly Menon left the key with him and he told us to come back in several days.

The rest of the day Menon and I spent shopping for our new house, and I think we got almost everything we need. Personally I want to buy some books: Legends, Poetry, Songs, History, anything and everything. You got to start from somewhere. I also told Menon that I’m going to see if the Bull & Bear may have some lighter leather armor to wear and she said to get two if they have anything good (and not too expensive). She said she need to meet with some old (but not elderly)… acquaintances.

The kid, Iltumar, was standing behind the counter of the Bull & Bear and the moment I stepped in he puffed up two sizes. He was again trying the macho thing, so I smiled and asked him about the armor. No luck, its tailor made and will cost 500 Imperials! Ohh yeah, two will cost us only 900 Imperial. Thanks, but no thanks. As I was saying goodbye he asked me out, but I was half expecting that so I told him that I’m currently seeing someone, but if things don’t work out well, who knows… He didn’t take it very well and after a short disappointed face, tried to tell me that it was actually my sister he wanted to see. “I’ll be sure to let her know,” said I and left him there.

I sensed my sisters’ satisfaction even before I saw the satisfied and relaxed look on her face as I sat down next to her at the Ghostly. We were in the middle of dinner when a tall, muscled, middle aged man dressed in white and with a silver belt approached our table, introduced himself as Mand Scheben and asked to talk with us. Eric, without even a hesitation cleared a place for him and invited him to sit… I wouldn’t have invited a stranger to sit with me so quickly.

He presented himself as a priest of Asche, the God of Civilization, and that he had heard about us dealing with Toridan Cran. His friends at Castle Shard would like to meet us, he said. Castle Shard is located in the Nobles' Quarter and is ruled by Lord Zavere and Lady Rill. Both Menon and Aretha have heard about the place before, which is supposedly magical in nature, and from time to time is known to throw lavish parties (maybe they need a singer for one of them?). Aretha also told us that she heard that the Lord and Lady of the Castle are chosen by someone… or something, she wasn’t really sure. They would meet us at four hours past noon, and when we said that we wish to go in search of a friend who we believe to be in the hands of slavers, Mand said that the Lord and Lady have wide influence in many areas of the city, and might be able to help us there as well.

We agreed to meet them.