Aristoblis listened intently to Anduil as he spoke, paying careful attention to his mannerisms and body language. Bronen had obviously become bored with the whole thing and leaned his chair back against the wall. He stretched lazily and yawned like a grizzly bear waking from a long winter nap. Lacing his fingers together behind his head he let his eyes drift closed. Raltar too seemed to become disinterested in the questioning. He drew a small piece of wood from his pack along with a sharp knife and started to carve the wood into a new creation.

When Anduil had finished speaking, Aristoblis was silent for a few moments. He lifted his goblet from the table and said, “Well, if it is help you offer, you’ve come to the right place. Stormreach needs all of it that can be mustered. I expect we’ll see many great things out of you, young ranger.” Aristoblis lifted his goblet towards Anduil in a toast, took a slow sip, and then replaced the goblet on the table. “Should you need anything while you venture here in Stormreach,” Aristoblis continued, “you need only but ask and the guild will be at your side.”

Aristoblis laughed at Anduil’s comment. “Don’t mind them,” he said, “they prefer the action and excitement of battle to all this ‘sitting around’ as they call it.”

Like a ghost coming through the wall, Anduil sees a small figure emerge from the shadows. The figure seemed to be a living part of the shadow itself; it had blended in so perfectly that it had gone completely unnoticed. Its size and features hinted that it might be, or might have been at one time, a halfling, although its skin, hair, and eye tones were perfectly blended to match the shadows. This must be the fourth that Aristoblis had spoken of.

Shadow leaned in and whispered something to Aristoblis. Aristoblis nodded and stood. The ghostly figure melted back into the shadows and once more was completely obscured from view. Sensing a change in the air, Bronen and Raltar suddenly snapped to the present and took to their feet.

“Please forgive the abrupt end to our conversation,” Aristoblis’ voice was kind but final. “I must take my leave for now, but I look forward to our next meting.” With a bow Aristoblis stepped away from the table, but instead of walking to the door of the tavern he moved to the staircase leading to the rooms above. Raltar and Bronen scooped up their belongings, gave a nod to Anduil, and left to follow the mage upstairs.