Elfshadow

"Graves was a former adventurer, now a servant in the house of-"

"Yes, yes, I know of him," the bard broke in impatiently. "How did it happen?"

"The same as the others," replied the mage cryptically. "There were several differences, however. The attack took place during daylight, and the man was awake. He must have known the assassin, for there was no sign of struggle."

Shalar ran both hands through his hair. "It is as we feared. The assassin must be a Harper, one whose affiliation is widely known."

"I agree," said Coril. "Otherwise, how could he approach so many of the Harpers unopposed?"

Shalar nodded, then he reluctantly ventured, "Was there anyone else?"

"Possibly. Do you know an adventurer by the name of Arilyn Moonblade?"

"Yes. At least, I know of her. Is she dead, as well?" the bard asked in a resigned tone.

"I don't know for sure," Coril admitted, "but I think I saw her sword earlier this evening. An ancient sword, set with a large golden stone? It was in the possession of a young man who claimed he'd won it in a game of chance."

Relief flooded Shalar Simgulphin's face. "I would lay odds that the lad you saw was actually Arilyn Moonblade. She is known for her skill in disguises."

"Really." Coril thought that over. "Well, that is good. She is wise to travel in disguise, especially if she plans to stay here at the Drunken Dragon."

"Oh?"

"I believe there is to be a secret meeting tomorrow concerning this assassin, in this i

"That is so."

"Several Harpers have taken rooms here for the evening," Coril explained. "If the assassin were to strike tonight, this would be a likely place."

Shalar nodded in agreement. "It is late to notify the watch of this possibility, but I shall try. At the very least, the Harpers must be warned and alert." He looked around the room.

"I see the druid Suzonia, Finola of Callidyrr, some ranger from the Dales-I think his name is Partrin-and his partner Cal, who is not a Harper, I believe. There are others?"

Arilyn listened with growing horror as Coril added to the list. There were at least six members of the Harpers at the i

What a fool she had been! Laying hints for the assassin when he was probably as close as her own shadow, laughing at her pitiful efforts. Arilyn had believed that she'd taken enough precautions to protect Loene and her household, yet Elliot Graves was dead. If the assassin could follow her while she was invisible, he could surely see through her simple disguises. Would he also taunt her with the deaths of all the Harpers in the Drunken Dragon?

With a quick, jerky movement Arilyn rose from the table. If she could not yet confront the assassin, at least she could lead him away. As she neared the door, Danilo seized the hem of her tabard.

"Excuse me, Lady of Mielikki. Is your business here completed?"

Arilyn focused with difficulty upon the dandy. He was working on his second cup of zzar, and the overripe barmaid was seated on his lap.

"I'm leaving," Arilyn a

Danilo gently eased the girl off his lap and rose. "I don't want to enjoy myself. I'm coming with you." He made a face. "Oh dear. That did sound dreadful, didn't it? What I meant to say was-"

"Never mind," she said distractedly. "I'm leaving Waterdeep. Tonight. Now. If you plan to come with me, you'd better hurry."

Danilo observed her keenly. "You're not talking to me alone, are you?" he asked in a soft voice.

She shot him a warning look and pushed open the door of the Drunken Dragon, dimly aware that Danilo was close behind her. On the street outside the tavern lamplighters were tending to the street lanterns. In a circle of light stood two men in the black-and-gray uniforms of the Waterdeep Watch. One of the men, whose unicorn pendent proclaimed him a worshiper of Mielikki, respectfully greeted Arilyn. She nodded an acknowledgement, then stopped, her hand frozen mid-way through the gestures of a clerical blessing.

She recognized both men: Clion was a charming red-headed rogue, as light of finger as he was of tongue, and the other man was his constant shadow, Raymid of Voonlar. Almost fifteen years ago, when the men were lads just starting out, she had traveled with them in a company of adventurers. Impressed by their talents, after a time Arilyn had introduced them to Kymil Nimesin. Both men had trained with the elf at the Waterdeep Academy of Arms.

Their presence brought a measure of relief to the troubled half-elf. "It is well that the watch is here," she said to Clion. "Several members of the Harpers have taken lodgings at this i

The watchmen exchanged worried glances. "You speak of the Harper Assassin?" asked Raymid. The "cleric" nodded.

"We'll let our watch commander know of your fears," Clion said. "A guard will be sent."

"Sent? You two are not at liberty to stay?" Arilyn asked.

"We can't. The funeral of Rhys Ravenwind is this evening. We are part of the honor guard," said Clion.

Arilyn knew it was not a common practice to send the city watch to a funeral. If the watch was engaged in a search for the assassin, perhaps old comrades could give her some information that would aid her own search.

"A sad night," she commented. "Waterdeep does well to honor such a bard. I trust the murderer has been brought to justice?"

"We are not at liberty to discuss this, my lady," responded Clion in a stiff, official voice.

Arilyn stifled a sigh. She had no time to waste on such formalities. She would probably learn more if they knew who she was, still more if she caught them slightly off guard.

"I am surprised, Clion, to find that you have so soon forgotten me," she chided him, tilting her head to one side and painting a coy smile on her lips. "You who once professed such great admiration for my charms."

The shock on the man's face was almost comical. "My lady?" he stammered.

"Ah, but I am presumptuous," she said with a heavy sigh. "A man whose life is as filled with women as yours! You ca

Arilyn turned to the other man, who appeared to be enjoying his companion's chagrin. "Surely you remember me, Raymid."

The man's grin disappeared, and he studied her for a long moment before shaking his head. "You look familiar…"

"We have a friend in common," she hinted. "A master of arms?"

Realization dawned on Clion's face. "Arilyn!"

"The same," she said, adding teasingly, "Really, my friend, I thought you had forgotten me entirely."

"Not likely," responded Clion, gri

"Then I do not regret giving the lesson," Arilyn said. "Few former thieves are admitted to the watch. You have done well."

"What brings you here and in such a guise?" asked Raymid, ever one to attend to the business at hand. "Or have you truly become a cleric?" Both men gri

"And changed my race as well? Hardly." Her voice took on a grim tone. "I seek the Harper Assassin, as do you. Perhaps, once again, we can work together?"

Clion shook his head. "Believe me, Arilyn, I wish we had something to tell you. All we know is that we're to go to the funeral and stand guard. No one seems to know for whom or what we're supposed to watch."

A long shadow fell upon the cobblestone street, una

Arilyn's sharp intake of breath drew a curious stare from Danilo. He had listened to the conversation with great interest, which he now focused upon the newcomer.