It had been a month since Tess had arrived at Riddleport and the blot still eluded any investigators. At the same time, the Gold Goblin had become one of the most popular gambling halls in the city. The exotic liquor had a part to play but the druid and her friends were doing their part as well. Tess only caught glimpses of the casino when it was active but she could tell the success with Saul raising the amount of gold his partners received. Keya and Belar were excited when he announced that he was raising their weekly pay to fifty gold. The next day, most of the group left the Gold Goblin to celebrate before the gambling hall opened for the night.

Tess was hopeful for a chance to talk with Sarek while the group was out celebrating. He wouldn't have any work to use as an excuse to avoid the discussion. However, when Tess made her way to the group's quarters, Ryland caught up with her before she could step inside.

"I have leads on Saul," Ryland stated. "I'll need your help tomorrow."

Tess nodded quietly and the matter was settled. While helping Ryland was a distraction to getting back to the blot, she did give her word to help investigate Saul's shady past. The druid was hopeful that the investigation wouldn't take the entire day and that she would have time to find Sarek before he got back to his responsibilities at the Gold Goblin.

The next day, Tess joined her friends for breakfast in the dining room but was silent throughout the conversation, caught in her thoughts of how the day will go. She watched Sarek leave with Keya, Madia, and Belar to visit one of the taverns of Riddleport. Although she was invited to go, the druid followed Ryland to the group's quarters.

When Tess closed the door and turned around, she was surprised to see Ryland unclip his holstered sword from his belt and put it under his bed. It had been the first time she had seen him without his weapon. Ryland was always insistent on keeping his sword at his side and it came as a surprise to see him put his weapon away without anyone telling him to do so. At the very least, Tess took it as a sign that there wouldn't be any violence in their investigation.

"It's good that we won't have to fight anyone," Tess commented with a smile. "I was worried that the two of us would get badly hurt."

"I do not expect any violence at least," Ryland stated and adjusted his hat. "I intend to visit the House of the Silken Veil."

"Sarek told me about that place," Tess said, her smile fading away. "He told me that it was a brothel. What business could you have there?"

"That may be one of its purposes but the House of the Silken Veil is also the temple of Calistria in Riddleport," Ryland informed Tess. "If I recall, Calistria is part of the elven pantheon, isn't she?"

"She is but I imagine that you know more about her than I do," Tess admitted. "I never paid much attention to religion. Still, why would you want to visit the temple?"

"I've been asking whoever I can, and from what I've heard, the House of the Silken Veil has someone under their protection," Ryland explained. "This woman, Lil I believe her name to be, had some involvement in the events that led Clegg Zincher and Saul Vancaskerkin to become enemies. This may be the only way to find out the truth of what has happened since everyone else I've questioned is afraid of Zincher's wrath."

"I understand," Tess nodded. "So we're trying to earn an audience with her."

"I am trying to earn an audience with her," Ryland corrected Tess. "I am hoping that my status as an agent of Iomedae will make the temple accept my request but I won't risk bringing someone else. Instead, I need you to find Thuvalia Barabbio."

Tess blinked in confusion. "And why is she important?"

"She was part of the heist during the night of the tournament. She was the Varisian woman with an eyepatch."

"I remember but what does she have to do with our investigation into Saul?"

"A few days ago, I visited the gendarmes so I could talk to the leader of the heist, Angvar. I wanted to know if there was any reason behind choosing to rob Saul other than profit."

"Do you think that one of Saul's enemies hired that crew?" Tess asked, nodding along. "Does this go back to Zincher?"

"It could but I don't think so," Ryland shook his head. "I learned that Angvar was released from custody, but when I tracked him down, my search took me to the city mortuary. He had been killed."

Tess gasped. "Really?"

"Indeed so. It could be that Zincher killed him for his failure but he didn't strike me as that kind of man. There's something shady behind that heist, and fortunately for us, there was no sign of Thuvalia among the dead. I asked around and found out that she and Angvar were lovers. I imagine she may know more."

"How do you expect me to find her?" Tess asked with a shake of her head. "It seems to me that you're much better when it comes to investigations than I am. What could I possibly do?"

"My best advice would be to ask around the ways out of Riddleport," Ryland advised, making his way to the door. "Then rely on your training. I imagine that you know about tracking from your training as a druid. If so, it's time to put it to good use."

Tess wanted to object but she had seen first hand how difficult it was to change Ryland's mind. However, she knew that he was right. Part of her training revolved around silently following the animals of the wilderness without them knowing. Tess was a capable tracker, and although she was uncertain about the environment, she pushed those thoughts out of her mind. She had spent a month in Riddleport and it was time to stop believing she was out of place.

There was a conspiracy behind the heist during the tournament and Tess was determined to find answers. She wasn't afraid of whoever was behind Angvar's murder but hoped that it wasn't too late to save Thuvalia.

Before arriving at the Gold Goblin, Ryland was aware that there were three temples in Riddleport dedicated to Cayden Cailean, Besmara, and Calistria respectively. If he found himself hunted and in need of shelter, he thought that the followers of Cayden Cailean would help him but never visited the temple. He had never considered visiting the temple of Besmara due to her evil and wicked ways. There were some that thought Calistria was an evil goddess but Ryland knew better.

The truth of the matter was that revenge wasn't too different from justice. Those who had been wronged by someone may seek out revenge, but depending on the crime, hunting down the culprit could be a form of justice. The difference boiled down to the emotions. Revenge was raw emotion, whether it was anger, envy, or shame that drove it. Justice required for one to put their emotion aside to do what was right. It was a careful balance to maintain but one Ryland considered. Whereas other followers of Iomedae would believe they were above visiting a temple of Calistria, he knew that such an act wasn't serious, even if he hadn't considered it before.

The House of the Silken Veil, an octagonal pyramid with a blood-red top, appeared unhealthy with its marble walls stained with grime from the salty air and the pollutants of the Gas Forges. The silk veils covering the entrances into the temple and the alluring incense from within contrasted heavily with its physical appearances. Before Ryland passed through the veil and entered the temple, he removed his hat and held it at his side. Although Calistria wasn't the goddess he served, he would still show her respect while within her temple. The interior of the temple was dimly lit but Ryland could make out several scantily-clad workers.

As Tess explained, the House of the Silken Veil served as both a temple and a brothel. Ryland had to ask a group of prostitutes where he could meet with the high priestess before he was pointed in the right direction. The high priestess was a pale tiefling with red eyes and two small horns that poked above her long dark hair. She was dressed in leather that left little to imagination. Her right shoulder bore a tattoo of a rose and her other shoulder had a whip coiled around it. The high priestess curled her red lips upward as Ryland bowed his head out of respect.

"You are the high priestess of this temple, yes?"

"Among other roles," the woman nodded. "There's no need for formal titles. Please, call me Shorafa. Is there anything in particular a man such as yourself seeks here?"

"I am Ryland Merdosk, follower of the Inheritor. I seek an audience with a woman under your protection named Lil. She has information that I believe may help in my current task."

"You seek Lavender Lil," Shorafa nodded. "While she has made her enemies, that hasn't stopped her from working here, and I believe you might be her type. Perhaps we can work something out."

Ryland shook his head. "You misunderstand me. I do not seek to bed her. I seek to talk with her."

Shorafa's grin widened. "Do what you wish with her as long as you don't harm her but you will have to pay fifty gold to see her."

Ryland narrowed his gaze at the high priestess, and seeing that she wouldn't consider his religious duty, reached for his pouch. He counted the gold with Shorafa carefully watching him before handing the payment over.

"It's been a pleasure doing business with you, Ryland," Shorafa told him. "I'll have someone show you the way to her room. You'll have an hour alone to do whatever it is you want to do."

Ryland followed the woman Shorafa assigned to lead him deeper into the temple. He didn't enjoy that anyone who saw him would believe that he was here for pleasure. Although he had no vows preventing him from enjoying himself in such a manner, he had his own task that took priority over any feelings he had. Regardless, Ryland wouldn't dwell on what strangers think of him. The strangers and the thoughts they had were meaningless to him.

Eventually, Ryland stepped into a room with his guide closing the door behind him. A tiefling woman looked up at him from the bed she was seated on with attractive purple eyes. Like Shorafa, her skin was pale, but her curly, coal-colored hair was cut short. She wore a purple dress and black leggins with Ryland quick to note the lavender tucked behind her left ear. She tilted her head curiously at him, waiting for him to make the next move.

"Should I call you Lavender or Lil?" Ryland asked.

"I prefer Lavender, but as long as you're paying, I don't mind what you call me," she explained, reaching for the top of her dress.

"I'm not here to have sex, Lavender," Ryland said, holding up his free hand to get her to stop from undressing. "I have questions regarding your history with Saul and Zincher."

Lavender dropped her hand to her lap and regarded Ryland coldly. "Is that so?"

"I mean you no harm," Ryland assured her. "I serve Iomedae and it is my duty to bring her justice where it's needed, even if it puts me against Riddleport's crime lords. To do so, I need to know what I can about them."

For a moment, Lavender was silent, and then she nodded. "Very well. If you think that you can get Clegg Zincher to back off, I'll share what I know. The truth is that I don't know much about those two but I met parts of their families. Clegg's brother, Falk, was a good friend of mine while Orik, one of Saul's sons, was a client of mine."

"Saul told me that his children were exiled from Riddleport," Ryland thought out loud.

"That's one way to describe what happened," Lavender laughed without joy. "Orik was infatuated with me and wanted more from me than my body. He sought out an alchemist to provide him with a love potion. However, Falk was the alchemist he found, and he was able to warn me of Orik's intentions."

"And what did you do with that knowledge?"

"Falk and I came up with a plan to make Orik regret his actions by robbing him," Lavender continued. "For a week, I played my part, giving Falk a chance to rob Orik of his savings. We succeeded but we hadn't considered how Orik would react. I don't know the details of how it happened but Orik killed Falk before running away from Riddleport."

"I think I see where this story is going," Ryland said with a nod.

"Clegg wanted someone to pay for his brother's death but Orik was long gone. Instead, he went after Saul. Zincher had the gendarmes burn Saul's home down and took his left hand. Then, he turned his attention toward me for the part I played in Falk's death. I barely survived when his men attacked me and was fortunate enough to take shelter here."

"And when did all of this happen?" Ryland questioned.

"It's been over a year by now," Lavender answered. "I miss being able to walk the streets of Riddleport, but as long as Clegg Zincher draws breath, I'll never be safe."

Ryland nodded again, taking into account Lavender's words. He was disappointed that this lead wasn't as lucrative as he thought it to be. While he wanted to learn more of Saul's criminal past, he instead learned that Saul was unfairly punished for his son's crimes. Clegg Zincher sought revenge instead of justice when his brother was murdered, and in turn, incited undeserved violence.

Although some would think Lavender was responsible for the incident, Ryland thought otherwise. She defended herself from a man who wanted to take advantage of her, and while he wouldn't have taken the actions she did, he saw the purpose. Although she found shelter in the House of the Silken Veil, it was as much a prison as it was a haven for the tiefling.

"I will see to it that Saul is dealt with soon," Ryland said, turning toward the door. "Thank you for answering my questions."

"You do know that you still have the rest of the hour with me," Lavender reminded Ryland, shifting up on the bed.

"So I do."

With that said, Ryland opened the door, stepped out of the room, and closed the way into the room. His task was finished and he found himself with a new goal for the future.

It was only a matter of time to wait for an opening to take out Clegg Zincher.

It took Tess several hours, but eventually, she was able to track down Thuvalia. She spent most of her time patrolling the two ways in and out of Riddleport with no success. Eventually, the druid came to the conclusion that Thuvalia might not risk taking the roads. If someone was after the criminal, they would be able to catch her if she fled on foot or even on horseback. If Thuvalia wanted to flee from Riddleport, she would need a better plan.

It was that thought that brought Tess to Riddleport's harbor. There were plenty of ships that could take her away from the city and she had seen first hand how some of the captains would be willing to take such risks for the right price. Once she arrived, Tess was on the lookout for someone that didn't want to be seen. There were a few awkward conversations with several women wearing hoods that weren't who she was looking for, but eventually, the druid found who she was looking for.

However, when she approached Thuvalia, the one-eyed woman was quick to pull out a dagger. Tess threw her hands up to show she meant no harm.

"Wait!" Tess exclaimed before lowering her voice to a whisper. "I'm not out to get you, Thuvalia."

Thuvalia glared at Tess. "You're familiar though."

"I was at the Gold Goblin that night."

Thuvalia chuckled dryly. "Of course you were. I'm starting to realize how bad of an idea that heist was."

Tess thought better than pointing out that crime was a bad idea in general. "I know about Angvar and I'm truly sorry for your loss. There was a reason why he was killed though, wasn't he?"

"I suppose so," Thuvalia softened at the mention of her late lover. "You're not with whoever hired us."

"I'm not," Tess shook her head. "I want to help but you need to tell me who's after you."

Thuvalia sighed. "I wish I knew. We were hired from a fence who was paid by another fence to hire us. The first fence is dead and I don't know how high this goes up."

"I see," Tess nodded, hiding her disappointment. "You're leaving today, right?"

"My ship leaves within the hour. I'm just worried that whoever's after me is close by."

"I'll do what I can to help," Tess told Thuvalia. "Get out of Riddleport and make a new life for yourself."

There was a faint smile on Thuvalia's face before she turned away and sheathed her dagger. It was another distraction keeping her away from the blot or learning Saul's background but it was the right thing to do. Much like when she stood to protect Saul from Ryland, she would keep Thuvalia safe from those who would want to harm her. Tess kept an eye out for trouble but no one attacked the two.

Tess kept watching the ship Thuvalia left on until she was sure that the woman was safe before she returned to the Gold Goblin.

By the time Tess made it back to the Gold Goblin, she could see that some of the employees were preparing to open the gambling hall. She spent her time working upstairs and wasn't too concerned about making it to her job on time. Tess spotted Sarek directing Keya and Lixy on the games they were running when he spotted her. When the sorcerer made his way over to her, the druid was hopeful that they would be able to talk about the blot.

"Did you have a good day, Tess?" Sarek said as a greeting.

"Well enough," Tess noted, not wanting to go into detail over her meeting with Thuvalia. "How about you?"

"We had fun," Sarek said and then sighed. "There's no easy way to break this to you. Tess, I know you've been wanting to get back to researching the blot, but I have to focus on the Gold Goblin."

"But what about what my teacher told me?" Tess brought up, her eyes widening. "The blot could bring disaster to Riddleport."

"It's been a month and the blot hasn't changed," Sarek argued and shook his head. "Your mentor might be wrong."

Tess frowned, fighting back the intense emotions. "You invited me to Riddleport so we could learn about the blot! The only reason I came was because of that!"

"I'm sorry, Tess. I truly am. If you want to leave, I won't stop you, but my mind's made up. I need to focus on something that gets results, not speculate on some shadow above Riddleport."

Tess figured that Sarek had moved on long ago but she hoped that he would go back to their research if they talked about it. She came to Riddleport because of the blot but because the sorcerer had asked her to come. Tess was always willing to help a friend but she was wrong to believe that everyone shared the same kindness. Sarek had done what he could to keep her away from those who would take advantage of her but he was hardly better than the criminals. He took her away from home with what turned out to be a lie.

Unable to change Sarek's mind, Tess ran off to the backrooms. She heard both him and Keya call out to her but she pushed on to the stairs. It was only when she made it up to the second floor that she stopped holding back her tears. Tess had lost a good friend and wasn't sure what to do next. Not wanting anyone to see her, she pushed her way to her quarters. With the Gold Goblin about to open, she didn't think anyone would bother her there.

It was only after Tess slammed the door shut that she found Ryland was waiting for her in the room with his sword holstered at his side once more. His face was still without emotion despite seeing the state the druid was in. Tess wanted to believe Ryland had news about Saul's past and that they would be able to take action, but given how the rest of the day went, she didn't have high hopes.

"Thuvalia didn't know who hired her and Angvar," Tess informed Ryland as she quietly wiped her eyes with her sleeve. "Someone's after them but that's all I found out."

"I see," Ryland nodded. "I learned the reason behind Zincher's vendetta against Saul but nothing that incriminates him."

"Of course," Tess shook her head. "The Gold Goblin's about to open. I won't keep you any longer."

Without another word, Ryland made his way out of the room to assume his position at the entrance of the Gold Goblin. With no one else to interrupt her, Tess threw herself at her bed and pressed her face against her pillow. The sooner that the day came to an end, the better. Even then, she wasn't sure what she would do now that she was alone.

A/N: And with that, I believe that most of the personal plotlines have wrapped up. Next time, we get back to the action as we make our way to the climax of our story. Until next time.