Dire Straights

Freeday, 28th Planting

Today I find myself mystified, feeling foolish and in grave danger. My friend Mesko who bid me to make this trip in service to Ulek has had his title stripped, and his wife murdered. The prince’s new investigators that we found in R’march this morning reported that the prince was displeased with my note, and by Mesko’s decision to have me investigating this matter. Beyond the bruising of my pride was the sudden realization that this venture would not be profitable for me, and I would be back at square one in terms of finding a means to fund my research and to establish my own company. A grim and harsh reminder of why I chose to be a man of the sea and to leave games and politics to landlubbers.

That disappointment and horror paled against the fate of the town’s orphans. There are no street urchins or orphans to be found here. I was told they were moved to Courwood north for better care. Perry suggested that they’re removal was a ruse and as I’ve never heard of orphans being moved en masse before for anything but exploitation. I’m sure now that I will not find them in Courwood. I dare not dwell on their fates too long lest I never sleep again.

For her part Shayla the guide has agreed not to abandon us, she says she will stay on and assist as we continue our own investigation – to help Perry and St Cuthbert’s not the ungrateful fickle royals of Ulek. I told all of our team that in two days come what may I make my way north to Courwood and beyond on my way home. Cade has discovered that his brother may be prisoner in the Manor of the Graf and I am afraid the prince’s elite investigators are on their way into a trap. Cade has also found the enemy patrolling the grounds of the manor and so we are preparing our own assault against it but this night, Cade continues his own probing alone. I have done what I can to prepare him and wished him well. Perry and I shall pray for him this evening.