Lucius and I were in the Golden Goblin Inn planning our next endeavor. As we nursed our drinks and mulled over the failed adventure we are approached by a nobleman who asked us to accompany him to his lord’s manor.

Sizing up the nobleman, I scanned his clothing and body language to detect any insidious intent. He appeared calmed and relax with a look of urgency on his face. Lucious whispered to me “What are you thoughts?”

“We have nothing better else to do”

Lucius locked gaze with the nobleman, “We will follow you to your lord’s house.”

It took us only a few minutes to walk to the Manor. Once we arrived to the three story Manor we are escorted to the second floor. Two men are huddle together and I quickly realize that one is a physician tending to the lord’s wound.

The lord shoos the physician away “I am fine let me speak with my guest”

The physician lingers with a disapproving look on his face. “My lord your wounds need to be tended to”

“Enough, I am fine. Please let me speak with my guest. If I need your services I will call for you.” Turning his attention to us “Thank you my friends for coming my name is Gustov Feindhart and I need you two to escort my daughter to the ball”

Gustov wasted no time telling us how an assassin broke into his house with the intent of causing harm to his daughter. It appears their family may be marrying into the barons family. I caught myself drifting a few times wondering who would attempt such an insidious attack.

Lucius and I discussed our terms before agreeing to Gustov job. I watched as Lucius called forth arcane magic to heal Gustov wound. Though the wound did not heal completely it no longer looked life threatening.

As we continued to hammer out the conditions of the job we are joined by both the Lady of the house and the daughter. The Lady and the Lord speak together in hush tones, try as I might to eavesdrop I could not make out anything they said.

Lucius appeared to have better luck as he motion me over “The lady is concerned about their daughter safety and purity traveling with the two of us.”

I could feel my forehead wrinkling up as Lucius spoke.

“I will suggest that the maid accompanies us to help keep the daughter company”

I nodded at Lucius. Lucius then interrupted the Lord and Ladies conversation and proposed his suggestion. They seemed very pleased with the idea.

I then requested a parchment and quill from the Lord and wrote up a contract outlining our services. I added a few symbols to the parchment in thieves cant warning other that this home was under my protection and that serious harm would come to anyone who spills blood in this manor.

We decide to be on guard during the night and nothing of note happens. In the morning Lucius recommends that the Lord hires a carriage driver. Winslow is hired to drive the carriage to and from the ball.

We head out to the ball and during mid-day Winslow calls out that we have a problem. I come up from the rear of the carriage and notice that a huge branch is blocking the road. I hop down and scan the road and notice bandits in the trees with crossbows aimed at us.

I did not have time to even warn Lucius as arrows impale both him and Winslow. There were four of them, two of them rush the carriage while two remain behind and fired crossbows. A very sound tactic, I just hate being on the receiving end of such an attack.

One engage me directly and slash at me with a rapier, a fine weapon. The gods smiled on me as his attacked missed. I withdrew my rapier and attacked him in kind, slashing him deeply in the chest. I could hear Lucius chanting loudly and then I saw the archers keel over.

I withdraw my dagger in my other hand and pierce the bandit. I had hope to bring my foe down but instead misjudge the attack and killed him. I then run across the horses and see Lucius engaging the other bandit.

Before I can react the bandit drops Lucius. I rushed the bandit with my rapier with blood lust in my eyes. The attack was fatal and the bandit was sent to the afterlife. I then rushed to Lucius aid and bound his wounds.

Wasting no time I bounded the two bandits and move Lucius into the carriage. Later Lucius would tell me he was in heaven surrounded by beautiful women and floating away. I walked the horses on the path until it was time to camp.

I must admit I was tired, one of the bandits escaped multiple times from the rope. Each time Lucius recaptures him and brought him back. Eventually we get close to town and are approached by two guards. That was a ordeal as they removed the gags from our prisoners.

The bandits had the audacity of accusing us of attacking them. But they were not very convincing as the guards saw right through their lies. I then requested any bounty on the bandits and for my rope to be return to me. This seem to get the ire of the guards especially when I requested their credentials. They pointed to their crest, at that time we were joined by two more riders.

This was from the noble house and Lady Willow’s brother. Lady Willow explained the battle and how we protected her. The brother then told everyone see that all our needs were tended to.

I had a bath prepared for me and put on the fine clothing. I then told Lucius I was going to recon the area and would return in a bit. I found a bar and started making inquiries.

Before I realized it I was being threaten by six guys. They did not take kindly to me coming in there establishment asking questions. Seeing that I had angered them I proceeded to leave and was told if I value my life I would sit back down.

I did what any good person in my position would do, I lied! I explained to them that I had someone watching me and to look outside. They looked and said they didn’t see anything, to which I replied I thought you were good but you don’t see my friend. They called my bluff and said I was pretty bold coming in and asking questions.

Still seeking to get answers I gently slide my palm behind the lead spokesman for the room and took his dagger. I then asked my question again to see if they assassinate people or know who do it. He replied they do it but they have a code and would not kill Willow as that is against their code. I returned the blade in such a way that only the lead saw the return and remarked how finely it was crafted.

I then bought everyone a round of drinks and told them I would be seeing them in the future. I was allowed to leave, and I am pretty sure I know have reliable contacts in the city.

I returned to the baron’s home in preparation to continue to watch over Willow during the event. Maybe it is my Elvin blood or my human side, but I have a bad feeling about what is to come.