As you approach the main city hall building you will see there are more guards outside than usual. When you ask to enter to see Lady Estari you are told that she is no longer in command and is wanted as a fugitive. One of the guards will step forward and ask what your association with the former guard commander is. The others draw their crossbows and point them in your direction. They are loaded and ready to fire.
"Oh, we just hired ourselves out to her for mercenary work a couple of times," Durgan replies. "Just looking for more work and following up on some stolen jewelry we reclaimed. I would never have guessed she was up to no good. Why is she wanted?"
The guards lower their weapons but keep a eye on you. The one standing before you says, "She has been charged with espionage and an attempt to over throw the ruling council. She disappeared some time last night we do not know if she is in the city or not. If you know of any place she may be let us know. For now there will be no further jobs except the one to hunt her down and bring her in. A sum of 1,000 gold for her return is being offered."
Zork pretends to be interested in the gold and says, "That's an amazing amount of gold! We need to find her so we can collect the reward." He waits for Durgans leave and follows whispering, "So what now?"
Durgan says, "Thank you, good luck," and nods to the guard. He eyes all the guards pointing crossbows before turning around.
Durgan almost whispers back, but Sessativa interrupts, "Talk when we get home."
She acts suspiciously opening the front door just wide enough for only the three of them to slip through. They retreat upstairs to an empty room and Durgan slaps his forehead while Sessativa holds her face in her hands.
He finally replies, "I don't know! I thought something would happen but why so soon? Why are we caught up in this?"
She says, "I can't analyse the situation fully, there are too many unknowns. Lady Estari and her sister were helpful and nice and I can only think of two options, both involving them. We search for them and with their help we make a precise strike against the council, or wage a long war. I dare not suggest we hand her over, nor risk all of us going through the portal to an unknown place."
"I think we will need to use our magic to our fullest advantage. Even if it's risky to don the robe and use the key, we must try them… "
You make it back to the house owned by Durgan. You can see a group of local people hanging out at the alleyway as you enter the house. It looks to be a good dozen or so. They do not say anything but openly watch as you enter the house.
You are upstairs in the room discussing things when you hear what sounds as a door being bashed in. You hear screams from downstairs. Some of the screams die abruptly.