The Dock Master was admitted to Arkolio’s study by the two large men watching outside his richly engraved teak double-doors. Both were large, well-muscled, and “Bludgers.” The wood had been imported from a faraway and unnamed tropical island, and the labor of half a dozen skilled craftsmen over the period of a month went into their fine construction. A Dwarven smith had forged the titanium hinges. Their value was more than most men in Vehl could make in a lifetime.The Dock Master was nervous and he grasped his wool hat in front of him tightly. A large red welt could be seen above his right ear. When he spoke, the low-born and uneducated dialect was missing and had been replaced by that of a “book-taught man.” “Councilman Salvorre. I bring news.” When Arkolio did not respond and merely looked up at the man, he continued. “I think I recognized a newcomer in the docks today... but could not put a name to the face. Her papers named her as Lavender Blacklace. The papers were top grade forgeries. Very few could source or afford their quality. I almost missed it myself. I attempted to accompany her, but she gassed me with some type of substance and knocked me out.”When Arkolio still remained silent and watched the man, he continued. “Later in the day there was an assassination near Talent Street. Brint Fiercerock of the Fiercerock clan was murdered by a poisoned arrow from the rooftops. There are rumors that the Fiercerocks are threatening to redirect trade from Vehl in retaliation.” *He then swallowed hard* “And there are also more rumors of criminal activity outside of your influence...”
