The sturdy wooden door leaving the Dread Dragon is locked with a thick bolt and latch. The door itself is made of dark oak and has a few scuff marks and dents, evidence of its long use. It’s best to keep this locked until you’re able to figure out who murdered Auberon and Tua’la.
To the right, a large bookcase stands tall against the wall. To the left, a barred window looks out onto the street. The dark elf assassin, Zyn, is leaning against the wall, stoically watching the room.
A sturdy oak wood bookcase towers over you. The shelves are neatly arranged and filled with a variety of books, some of which are leather-bound and appear to be ancient tomes. Some titles on the middle shelf catch your eye:
You look out through the bars of the window and can see a dimly lit street with the rare passerby hurrying to their destination. The street lamps cast an orange glow on the cobbled pavement, and shadows dance on the walls of the surrounding buildings. You can’t help but think it’s too quiet and peaceful out there, compared to the atmosphere of the tavern.
You turn to Zyn and startle to find them already watching you, despite having taken care to circle around. Their eyes shine from their hood, like the eyeshine of some strange wildcat. They maintain eye contact as you get closer. You catch what seems to be a hint of amusement as they greet you, and you’re reminded of some of the predators you’ve faced down.
“Greetings again, brave hunter. No, please, feel free to practice your quarry-stalking skills. We could both benefit from practice, I’m sure. But my, how things have changed since last we spoke. Auberon is truly dead, and young mistress Tua’la as well. This opens the door for some interesting suspects.
Normally, I’d require a contract and payment before doling out intel, but to honor Auberon Greatstag and young Tua’la, I’ll give you these for free. It seems two of my old companions have been hiding an interesting talent all these years. Just after the murder, I used one of the tricks of the trade, a simple but handy eavesdropping spell that allowed my hearing to catch things I otherwise would not. What did my heightened hearing catch the sound of? None other than High Sorceress Charity chanting under her breath in some foreign tongue that not even I recognized. Even more interesting, however, I noticed Master Finnian react, as if he actually understood the strange words.
Oh, and keep in mind, next time it will take gold in hand for me to share any other secrets.”
