Birds of a Feather|Beastlands

[extalith]

"Because the trail had already gone cold. I needed time to clear my head, so I could get back to thinking properly. Rushing out recklessly would have done me no good, except maybe getting myself killed."

[Kender Bard]

"Then we must think carefully about what we know and what we don't know," Akilah reasoned. "Can you think of anyone who would have been enemies with your family, your father, or just you and have the resources to track down your father and kill him?"

[extalith]

After thinking for a time, Scion looked up at her. "It's a stretch, but there is somebody. A merchant that I worked for as an assassin. She wanted me to kill somebody she thought killed her husband. I ended up working as a double agent against her when the person she wanted me to kill ended up being innocent. She liked her victims to be killed with a serrated blade, one that left a similar wound as the one that killed my father. I still have the one she gave to me to do the job, although it ended up being used against one of the people she was traveling with, the real killer. She refused to believe me however, and I ended up with a severe slash across my thigh. I didn't want to kill her though because her husband had just recently died. I don't know how much influence she had though."

[Kender Bard]

"Merchants, if they are successful, can be extraordinarily wealthy, and money like that can fuel a number of desires and passions, revenge amongst them," Akilah remarked. "So that is certainly a thought. Where is this merchant person?"

[extalith]

"She was in Naurorod last I saw her, but I don't know if she is still there."

[Kender Bard]

Akilah made a small, frustrated sound. "Well it's a start, at least," she sighed after failing to come up with any better alternatives. "You are welcome to stay with us for as long as you need, though I am afraid that when the time comes to begin the hunt, I will be unable to join you. My place is here with my mate. I will keep a sharp eye out for signs or news of your killer, though."

[extalith]

"Thank you, Akilah, and I understand. I will probably leave tomorrow. I think I will stay in Beleg for a while though, as I am beginning to like it here. And who knows, maybe the killer is still here."

[Kender Bard]

"Aye, perhaps," she agreed. "And while in Beleg you may count me as an ally and call upon me when there is need. Whether you are here or gone, I will keep my senses alert regardless and come looking for you if I find something out."

[extalith]

"That would be very helpful. I don't want to cause you too much trouble, but if you are willing to, I will not turn away help."