"Nope, never seen anything like it. Have you tried speaking to the court wizard? Or maybe Calixto Corrium. One of them would be sure to know where that thing came from."

Kedi sighed. The steward had said the same thing, but the wizard was just an old man, becoming senile while practising spells in his room at the Rebel King's palace. The steward hadn't been able to point her in Calixto's direction either, since he never seemed to leave the safety of that damned cold palace, but perhaps the boy could help her.

"This Calixto – where can I find him? Who is he? What's his history?"

"I think his house is at the very end of this street, by the right wall near the front gate. You should be able to tell which one it is – there's usually a sign outside welcoming you to Calixto's House of Curiosities."

"So he collects rare things? Like what?"

"Oh, um, all things. Books, ingredients, gems…" Aventus gestured towards Kedi. "Amulets, and other enchanted items. If anyone, he will have seen something similar to that."

"When did he come here? Does he live with anyone?"

"Fairly recently, actually, to set up his shop. I don't think he lives with anyone, but I've heard he talks about his sister a lot – Lucilla, or something. He's from Cyrodiil, but he doesn't seem to care about the war either –it's like he doesn't notice it at all."

"Hmm…" Kedi stared at the amulet in her hand, rubbing it with her thumb as she thought. Perhaps Calixto should be on her list of suspects. She sighed, the whole town was probably mad enough to be on her list. Half of them hated elves and the other half were elves.

Aventus stifled a yawn and ran a hand over his face. It was late – Kedi had gone straight to his home after searching the abandoned house, and it was now well after sunset. She slipped the amulet back into her satchel and stood.

"I won't intrude any longer, Aventus. Thank you for your help." She smiled at the boy, while worrying that she was beginning to grow fond of him. She liked the way he always made sure to maintain eye contact, and never stared at her scars or tried to peer beneath the strip of black linen she wore as a blindfold. He assured her it was no problem at all, and she left to make her way back to the inn.

On her way, she noticed the building Aventus had thought belonged to Calixto, and her golden yellow eye studied it underneath her dark hood. It seemed rather nondescript, however, and she continued to make her way back.

She kept her hood up and her cloak wrapped tight as she entered the inn, but one of the barmaids caught her halfway up the stairs. The woman touched Kedi's arm briefly before recoiling.

"Uh, there's mail for you, Miss." She reached within the folds of her apron and produced a sealed letter. "Arrived an hour or so ago." The barmaid began to try looking beneath the cloak, but the trademark tunic was concealed.

Kedi thanked her gruffly and proceeded up the stairs, eager to read the letter. She hoped it was from Veezara, for she missed him dearly already.