Valunn slumped down in the booth and let out a deep breath. [i]I think I've about had it with all this mess[/i], he thought. The music stopped playing and Valunn glanced up to see the halfling packing up his instruments. [i]It's like the little bastard would have played later, so as to not give anyone a headache in the early hours[/i], he thought to himself. And then to his surprise the little man strolled on over to the booth.

"Hello there," the man began, "I'm Gabriel Knotts, the Laughing Scorpion, Professional Entertainer and Freelance Adventurer. How are you doing this day? Say, it looks like you haven't got anything to munch on." Gabriel tore off a piece of meat and held his arm out to hand it to Valunn. "The food here is fantastic, and the atmosphere is nice. So what brings you here?"

Valunn simply glared at Gabriel, never changing his expression. Finally the man realized Valunn didn't care about anything he had to say and got up before proceeding to tell stories, sing, and other such nonsense. [i]Hope he can fight as good as he can play that fiddle[/i], he thought to himself.

By then Valunn spotted a dark-skinned woman staring in his direction. Just a minute or two ago she had been speaking to the innkeeper, then conversed with one of the inn wenches. [i]Seeking information I take it. On me? No, she's not from around here... still, she's a concern.[/i]

Valunn exited the booth and walked over to the dark-skinned woman who was obviously awaiting the food being brought by Haven. "'Apologies, m'lady," Valunn began while motioning his hand towards a nearby table, "mind if we sit?" Valunn was trying to be on his best behavior, trying to earn this woman's trust and really get a feel for her. It wouldn't be long before Haven would come out with her food.

[b]Outside[/b]
As Shamus was headed for the inn to rest his vocal cords he spotted a small group of guards near the river. At the head of them all was none other than the respected Kern Locke, so-called 'mayor' of the town. Shamus, being the curious person he was, forced his tired body to scurry over to their location.

"Easy Shamus," called out one of the guards, "I'm not so sure you're gonna want to see this."

"What! What, what is it?" As Shamus pushed his way into the circle he saw Kern crouched down next to a metal basket-like object.

"By the gods," Kern said. "Shamus... I'm going to need you more than ever..."

Confused, Shamus slowly stepped forward to get a better look at the basket. Within was a horrible, disgusting, revolting sight. Severed heads of at least two men, a woman, and a young girl. "Of all that is holy," Shamus said, shaking in his very boots. "That's the Vierdell's! They own the cabin int he far north! What foul-"

"Shamus! Keep your voice down, we can't let anyone know." Locke picked up the basket and handed it to one of the guards, "Cover the basket up, then bury these remains behind Slouch Hill, no one goes over there anymore. Take two others with you, don't let anyone follow you and don't let anyone see you." With a quick 'yes sir' the guard and two others began to haul the basket behind a building. Then looking at another guard, Locke continued, "Larrus, you why don't you head to The Faintly Gallows, see if you can't form a small party to head up north and investigate what happened. If you find the rest of the remains, give them a proper burial at their home."

"Aye, suh!" Larrus hurried off to the inn to announce a search-and-rescue party.

"Shamus," Locke continued, "I need you to keep the folks feeling safe. Do not let word of this get out. If anyone asks, tell them Larrus is simply investigating a... a bear problem or something." Locke shook his head and walked away, patting a shocked Shamus on the shoulder as he passed. The guards dispersed, back to their duties.

"By all that is holy," he repeated. And then one name echoed in his head: [i]Valunn[/i].