Автор

Вступ

"Me and Hrolf, we go back a long way. We used to hang out together as kids, getting into scraps, the usual. We fell out over something right about the time the Keepers found me, and I kind of lost track of him. Seems he fell in with a better crowd than me, and kept himself on the right side of the law.

"Somehow he's become quite the respected businessman, selling carpets to the rich. Even disposes of the old carpets as well, all part of the service. Then he cleans them, and selling them to the not-quite-so-rich. Got a wife and daughter too; I guess that's one benefit of going legit.

"We keep on nodding acquaintance for old time's sake, but I think Hrolf is a little embarrassed about being associated with a crook - not the sort of thing you want Lord High-and-mighty to see. Then, I received a letter from him..."

Garrett

A grave misfortune has befallen me and, although we have not spoken much in recent years, I hope you will find it in your heart to help me. I understand you would appreciate a more tangible reward, and though I am not a wealthy man, I can offer you 500 gold coins if you will find me darling daughter Jemola for me with all urgency.

She disappeared from her apartment last night, and Otis, a metalwright who has taken her as an apprentice, is convinced of foul play. Otis is, I think, an honest man, but you must of course use your judgement as you see fit.

Otis reported her disappearance to the watch, but I need not tell you how effective they are.

His workshop is the last on the left as you walk down the Shamblings in the Templehill District. Jemola has a room on the ground floor; perhaps that would be a good place to start. I have drawn a rough map of the district, I hope it is useful - and accurate. I have enclosed a locket too, that you might recognise her - please return it.

Templehill is one of the more secure districts, and I think it most likely she is still there - somewhere. But this makes getting into it difficult. It is bounded to the North by the estuary, to the East and South by the river and to the west by the Electro-Mule Railroute, beyond which is the naval dockyard, which I imagine would tax even your skills to pass through. The only bridge over the river is secured, the gate operated from the guard station inside the district. I am afraid you will have to swim to the quayside to get in, and hope you can get Jemola out through the Bridge Street gate.

Please - find my daughter.

Hrolf

"I figure he can afford a little more than 500 gold if I can save his daughter, but he's an old friend, right? And he must know the interior of more mansions in this city than anyone else. Except me, perhaps."