Shan moved closer with the others to hear what the man had to say. She had to smile at Dogfish. When he mentioned rewards and deals, he lit up like a kid who was told he could have all the candy he wanted. She herself only needed to provide for a modest lifestyle, and so she didn't need much in the way of any compensation. But there were other things that could be done with rewards, and even other types of rewards than money or gems. Mainly she wanted a challenge to test herself and her skills, to see if her confidence in herself was justified or needed re-evaluation ...

To begin a challenge to oneself with an unknown is a test of the mind. Is not the mind a part of the body? One that also needs testing and training? She listened intently ...

As the man waited for them to react, Dogfish closed in slightly, but not to willingly, just to show the man he couldn't be ordered around like some lap dog. But none the less he still came closer to hear the offer that was made, as did the others, their curiosities peaked by one thing or another. The man smiled a wry smile as they closed in, and he started to speak once more, in a lower, more quieter voice. Harold went into the back room, and tended to his daughter.

" I am grateful that you all saved me. This is one thing that cannot go without rewards. I have something for you, but not in the form of gold, jewels, or even women. I have something much more valuable. Information. I know things that could unravel all of society within PortsView, and rattle the cages all the way up in Neverine City!"

Slowly, the man regained his composure, and settled down.

" I must tell you this, for I fear I might die within the next few days. I will be hunted until killed, and it is the fate of these people that are after me that are now in your hands, if you can handle it. That man that stabbed me, he was no mere commoner. He was apart of some underground crime group that has a good amount of power in the region. All I know is that they hired my troop of mercenaries to guard something very valuable deep in the Jhairn woods. A cave of some sorts, with things inside. Things that I do not know, but something valuable enough to make us guard the only road to it. On the ancient road into the woods, four miles in, you know where it just cuts dead? The other side was found. I have a map for it. Take it."

He reached slowly into his pack, and takes out a small piece of rolled parchment, and leaves it on the table.

" This will tell you how to get to the other section. Follow that and you will find what the group is hiding. I give you this info for who knows what treasure could lay inside it. Tomorrow you should go, soon it would seem that more of the men will come to see what my fate had been. I give you a warm and safe farewell, and hope you find what I think is out there."

He gets off the table and starts to walk away, then turns, and reached into his pocket.

" Oh, and you can use this tonight. Its a room to the Dream Catcher. And if you don't know thats the inn across from here. Theres two beds, enjoy."

He puts the key on a table, and walks out the door into the cold, windy night.

Well, our friend certainly seems to be feeling better Agela commented as the door closed behind the man. I feel with all my heart that he is telling us the truth, and if he is, that means we must do something .. Integrity and conviction pull us in this direction. Agela looked at the others and with certainty in her voice she continued I don't know where this road might take us but I, for one, am willing to find out. As Pelor's mighty outstretched hand guides me, I will follow this lead and bring justice to our friend
Agela picked up the key on the table. The Dream Catcher sounds like as good a place as any to get some rest. It is already late and with this weather, I don't think we should attempt travel. I believe this man has a good heart and Pelor has shown us that we should pursue this. I'll go ahead to bless the room, I hope to see you all there.
Her final act was to pick up the roll of parchment. Once secure in the room, I say we look over this and decide how to proceed further. She tucks it away and opens the door and heads across the street fighting the weather, wrapped up in her woolen cloak.

"It is a fools errand to follow such a map and I fear that he may of doomed us to what his fate nearly was by telling us that information," Ralnalgo says resignedly but continues
"therefor I have nothing to lose by joining you Agela and shall follow you to The Dream Catcher where we shall make plans." and finishes up almost joyfully following him outside, shoulders hunched against the weather.

The night went well for everyone, they going to their respective stays, whether it be at the dream catcher or with a friend, the next morning came none the less.

The sun rose, and a light snow covering the ground. In the town center stood a man with a black cape and hood. He waited, pacing in circles, with a small satchel sitting on the ground. He looked nervous, as if waiting for something or someone to arrive. He gave one long stare at the Dream Catcher, and then went back to pacing. He looked to wear the same outfit the man that they saved last night wore.

Before going to sleep Ralnalgo had a nice hot bath so that he could relax and think over the events of the day.

In the morning Ralnalgo went downstiars to eat breakfast, Fried perch, curds, eggs and a peach, then waited for Agela, having seen the man outside. He was in the same garb as the man they saved last night and Relnalgo knew that Agela had the parchment.

Agela heads downstairs in the morning and encourages the others to join her for breakfast. After noticing the man outside she gets the feeling he might want an audience with them. She asks the others What do you think is up with the nervous guy outside there? She sits down at the table to enjoy her cooked meal

"I don't know, he's in the same robes as the guy we saved last night so maybe he's a companion. Do you think we should ask him about the underground crime group? And do you think we should tell him about his ex-companion?"