Elfsong - Elaine Cunningham [107]
Elaith held out the coin and traced a finger around the circular pattern of runes along the edge. "See these markings? And this shield in the middle of the coin? This is the symbol of the Knights of the Shield, a secret society active mostly in the Southlands-"
"I know who they are," Danilo interrupted.
"Then you also knew they are sworn enemies of the Lords of Waterdeep. These coins are used for several purposes: as payment, as a tribute for work well done, as a warning when given to an uncooperative lord or merchant, as a means of claiming responsibility for certain violent acts. Some coins even give the name of the agent."
"How do you know so much?" Danilo asked.
"Agents of the Knights show up in Waterdeep from time to time, and I've been forced to remove those who get too active," Elaith admitted freely. "Although I bear little love for the Lords of Waterdeep, the present system works well for me, and it's in my own best interest to help sustain it."
"Big o' him," muttered Morgalla.
"You have reason to believe the Knights of the Shield threaten Waterdeep and her Lords?" Danilo asked.
Elaith nodded. "I've spent the night being bombarded with rumors that two new guilds are being organized for thieves and assassins." When the Harper looked skeptical, Elaith added, "This has been verified by one of my best informants: a highly placed agent of the Kraken Society. His organization is not involved, but they do not disapprove."
"It must be nice to have friends in low places," Danilo murmured absently. He claimed Wyn's coin from the rogue elf and studied it In the center of the Knights' distinctive shield was a familiar rune. "I know this symbol!" he exclaimed. "This is the mark of one Lord Hhune of Tethyr. He's master of the shipping guild there, and I managed to annoy him repeatedly during my sojourn in that land."
"That I can well imagine," Elaith said. He looked at the Harper with a touch of amusement "You may be interested to know that Lord Hhune is now in Waterdeep. By all accounts, he is organizing the city's thieves and assassins, but he may have time to spare for you. Is he the persistent type, do you think?"
"I can see that your day is made." Danilo said dryly. He turned to the gold elf. "Who gave you this coin, Wyn?"
"A lady of Tethyr, who came to Blackstaff Tower early this morning seeking the archmage. Her name escapes me, I'm afraid." The minstrel smiled apologetically. "I was contemplating Lady Laeral's smile and did not take notice."
"I won't pass that on to my uncle. What did this visitor look like?"
Wyn considered. "She was small and slender, with olive skin and large dark eyes. Her nose was narrow and slightly aquiline, and her hair was a gleaming dark chestnut hue, elegantly dressed in coils and ringlets. I found her decol-letage a bit extreme, but this is after all Waterdeep."
"Mercy! I'd love to know what you'd see if you were taking notice. Remind me to ask you about the special properties of your elven heat vision at some later time. Was the lady wearing purple?"
"I believe so. If this is any help, she was seeking the archmage and someone else, as well. I believe the name was-"
"Caladorn?"
"Yes, that's it. The Lady Laeral said that he and Khelben had an appointment to meet this morning. Is that important?"
The Harper nodded slowly as he put together the pieces of information, then he buried his head in his hands. He had to warn Caladorn, but in light of their earlier conversation, the situation was extremely delicate. Before he could confront the lovestruck young lord, he would have to confirm his suspicions.
"What is it?" Morgalla demanded, elbowing Danilo sharply.
He raised weary eyes to his dwarven friend. "You can have my portion of eel pie, Morgalla. I must return to Blackstaff Tower."
"That ain't the place to be at mealtime, lessen yer prepared to do the cookin' yerself," the dwarf observed.
"Yes. My sentiments precisely, but it can't be helped. After you eat, Morgalla, why don't you head down to Virgin's Square and see what more you can find out about these proposed guilds.