Subject: Elementary, My Dear Farron; The Murder Site

Wilk leads the two wizards through the busy streets of Nesalin. Not far away, the army is moving out the main gates and the energy of has rubbed off on the citizens. It is almost a carnival atmosphere. There is a loud thud, as the city's main gates swing shut, and Sa'id says something quietly in his native tongue. When he sees Farron looking at him questioningly, he translates, "Gods bring you swiftly home." Farron replies, "Amen." It is an odd feeling that Garyth and Rennik will be fighting without them.

It is not a long walk back to the Keep, and only a few blocks away from that to the sewer entrance Cadfael was found in. Wilk says, "I saw some boys looking down into the hole, and the cover had been removed. I chased 'em away, thinking they had tossed a dog in or something. But when I took a look, I saw the body. That cover is pretty heavy. I don't know that those boys could've moved it, nor would they have had a reason to. I think whoever did this just left it open."

Sa'id climbs partway down the ladder, but there is little to see in the sewer itself. The magistrate's men had already collected what there was to be found. Farron looks around him. This area is directly between the Keep and the Temple; about three blocks from the keep, and seven from the church. Cadfael seems to have been following the most direct route. The area of the murder is commercial. Both sides of the street are lined with small shops that cater to the upper and middle class. Its proximity to the temple district means it is a nice neighborhood. Though, late at night, it is probably fairly empty. Farron can see how a person might be murdered here without a witness. The thing that most bothers him, is how did anyone know Cadfael would be here? Walking this route, on this day, at that time of night?

Sa'id climbs back up. "Nothing down there." Farron nods, then tells him his thoughts on the neighborhood. Sa'id turns to the young guardsman. "Thank you, Wilk. We will carry on from here. Well, friend. To the school?"

The college of magic in Nesalin is small, for an institution of its type. It was originally founded as a vanity project by the Duke Wallech, the third duke of Huss. His son had decided at an early age that he had magical talent, so the duke built a school to keep the boy on the island, and allow him to live out his fantasies of great wizardry at the same time. As it turned out, the boy did in fact have some power, but sadly lacked discipline. Fortunately, the school had gained enough momentum that it kept running after the boy's tragic passing, and the crater in the front yard was turned into a nice fountain.

In the years since, the school has grown into a moderately well respected institution. While it will never compete with the large mainland schools in terms of prestige, it does have the advantage of island life, a slower and more relaxed pace, and fewer distractions.

Farron can't keep a silly grin off his face as they walk up the stone path, past the fountain, and to the large oak door. It's like coming home again. The doorman recognizes them both, and they are let inside without a word. While walking to the office of Farron's old mentor, Master Thaddeus, they pass a door with Master Tormin's name on it. Farron says with a grin, "Think we should give him Danmonoth's letter disproving his theories about the halflings? Or would he react badly to that?"

A few steps later, they knock on Master Thaddeus' door, and are mildly surprised to actually find him in his office. They are ushered inside with a warm handshake, and within moments find themselves seated by a crackling fire, with a hot cup of Kaf. Farron dimly remembers a dream he had about this exact scene while he was sleeping in the sewers beneath Kor Garesh's twisted jungle. It is even better in real life.

Master Thaddeus, the Divination Master, smiles warmly at the two young mages over his cup of Kaf. "You don't look like men on a social call. What can I do for you?"

Subject: Re: Elementary, My Dear Farron; The Murder Site

I love how the fountain was made. :)

Mark

Subject: Re: Elementary, My Dear Farron; The Murder Site

Yes, brilliantly subtle. I'm still smiling at the thought.