When Arannis and Camilla made their way outside of Mantor's Library, they found Nalos and Hana waiting for them along with the pond. Arannis placed his hat back on but the sun was setting so he wouldn't need it for long. By the time the two made it to the pond, they heard Pallas call out to them. The monk had found Nordak and caught up with the rest of the group. Now that everyone was together, they could catch up on what they found and decide on the best course of action for investigating. The more ground that the group can cover, the more likely they would be able to find a lead to find Spernik.

After catching Pallas and Nordak on what the Lord Sage told the group, Arannis revealed that they had found robes in Spernik's room that showed he was a member of the Cult of the Dragon. Most of the group was shocked by the news as they expected this to be a simple bounty. Now, they knew that the quest they've taken was a serious matter. They could speculate on what Spernik would be up to now that he was on the run and capturing him alive was a priority. Once they had him as a prisoner, they could learn about what the Cult of the Dragon is planning in the Moonsea.

Unfortunately, Nalos and Hana weren't able to find out much from the workstations. The only item of note they found at the desks was a pillar folding compass on Tibeem's desk which Nalos thought showed that the two were interested in cartography. Hana was able to talk to some of the scribes nearby, relying on her previous visits to Mantor's Library to get them to open up. She learned from the scribes that Spernik and Tibeem kept to themselves and didn't meet with the others. Spernik and Tibeem even went out to one of the inns for their meals instead of dining with the other scribes.

"So, I believe we have three leads," Arannis said after learning what he could. "We can meet with the Black Fist at Stojanow Gate to meet with Tibeem, check the inns to see if anyone overheard them during their meals, and check with the grocers to see if they mentioned where they were going when buying supplies."

"Those last two leads aren't much," Nordak noted with a frown.

"And Tibeem might not open up either," Arannis nodded in agreement. "I'll take Pallas and see if we can get him to open up."

"Seriously?" Camilla asked, crossing her arms. "You want to take him to see the Black Fist? They'll throw him into a cell at the first sign of disrespect."

"You know, I should be insulted, but I don't care to see the Black Fist to begin with," Pallas shrugged. "They'd have me killed because they're corrupted."

Arannis ignored Pallas and turned to Camilla. "We've established pairs before you joined us. Pallas and I work well together since I keep him in line and he offers insights into people that I might not consider."

"After what I've seen from you, I doubt you can keep anyone in line," Camilla said sharply. "If you wish to work with him, the two of you can take a less important task such as speaking with the grocers."

"I don't see what I can contribute to the Black Fist," Nordak pointed out. "I don't deal much with the government."

"Look, if I can get a say, but I think I'd be better off looking into the inns," Pallas suggested. "There's no one here who knows the inns of Phlan better than me."

"Pallas does have a point," Hana nodded in agreement.

"That's right," Nalos said with a grin. "I can come along with him since I've been to several of the inns with him."

"Not a chance," Camilla shook her head. "You two will drink the night away if we let you go to the inns together."

"In that case, perhaps you should go with Pallas to keep him in check," Hana suggested with a smirk. "I believe that he'll listen to you."

"Now, let's not be so quick to make a decision…" Pallas started, raising his hands defensively.

"No, Hana's right," Camilla told him. "I'll be coming with you."

"Wonderful," Pallas sighed.

"I'll still go to Stojanow Gate," Arannis offered. "I have connections with the Black Fist that may be able to help us."

"I'd like to come with you," Hana said. "Nordak and Nalos can look into the grocers."

"I like the sound of that!" Nalos nodded with a grin. "We don't get a lot of chances to work together, do we, Nordak?"

"Aye," Nordak said. "Where should we meet after we're done looking into our leads?"

"This pond seems to be a good spot," Arannis suggested, beckoning to the pond with a wave of his hand. "Let's meet here first thing tomorrow morning. We're going to have to leave Phlan to track down Spernik and it's late enough already. There's no point in setting out tonight when we'll have to rest early on in our journey."

With no one objecting to the plan, the adventurers split up into groups of two. Arannis and Hana walked side-by-side toward Stojanow Gate. The Black Fist would be active at all times but it was best that they made it to Stojanow Gate before the sun set. The knights may be less likely to take visitors or requests if it was too late and it was important that they meet with Tibeem as soon as they could. Arannis kept his mind focused on the objective, and for several minutes, he walked in silence. It was only when Hana spoke up that he snapped out of his intense focus.

"Is everything alright, Arannis?"

"Of course," Arannis shook his head, keeping his eyes down on the ground. "I don't see why you think otherwise."

"I'm not a fool, Arannis," Hana said sternly. "I can see there's something going on between you and Camilla. There's been a lot of disagreements between the two of you since I arrived at the Laughing Goblin."

"I don't see why that's important," Arannis frowned. "I disagree with Pallas a lot and you've never brought that up before."

"There's something more to what I saw tonight," Hana said. "You two keep stumbling over each other with ideas on how best to proceed."

"Camilla's new to the group so it's only natural that there would be a period of time to adjust to her and how we work together," Arannis said sharply. "Give it time, Hana. Everything will be alright."

"Are you sure?" Hana questioned.

After a moment of hesitation, Arannis glanced toward the sorceress. "Maybe. Hana, when we first decided that we needed a leader, why did you support me to lead?"

"It's because I thought you were the best choice to lead," Hana answered with a shrug. "I will admit that I did pick you because I didn't think anyone else could do the job, aside from Nordak maybe, but you have proven yourself capable. You listen to everyone, come up with plans quickly, and never hesitate to put yourself in danger with us."

"But now we have Camilla," Arannis pointed out. "She seems just as capable to lead our group if not more."

"She's new to our group though," Hana reminded Arannis. "She just can't take your spot as leader."

"I would like to think you're right, but so far, I've done very little to stop her," Arannis shook his head and sighed. "Perhaps I am not fit to lead."

"Now is not the time to have any doubts," Hana told Arannis sternly. "I promise that if you stand strong and hold your ground, she will listen to the commands you have to give."

Arannis wanted to believe Hana but he wasn't sure. Camilla was confident in her own right, and if she wanted to lead, he didn't think that she would listen to what he had to say as a leader. He didn't think that she would make for a terrible leader either. She wouldn't tolerate the nonsense Pallas and Nalos brought to the group and could do what she could to turn them into competent adventurers. As for Arannis, he didn't have true leadership training or experience. He simply saw what needed to be done in a fight and told the others what needed to be done. It didn't matter how they acted as long as they could get the job done.

After some thought, Arannis wondered if the reason he wanted to hold onto his role as leader despite Camilla wanting to step up was because he never had the opportunity to lead before. Society for dark elves in the Underdark was matriarchal and he always followed the lead of his sister even after leaving for the surface. It was only through her deal with the Zhentarim that Arannis found the independence to act on his own, and becoming leader of the group of adventurers was an unexpected turn. If he gave up his spot as leader, he was giving up the part of him that wanted to stand out on his own and show what he could do. Arannis wasn't sure if he was ready to give that up, but even with his reasoning, it wouldn't be enough to stop Camilla.

Arannis' thoughts faded away as the shadows of Valjevo Castle covered him. He looked up to find that he and Hana had made it to Stojanow Gate. The massive iron gates were open even as the sun was finally setting to give in to the darkness of night. Even now, there was a long line of citizens to meet with a bored member of the Black Fist sitting by himself at a wooden table, taking in various reports and complaints. Arannis glanced up briefly, taking note of the bodies hanging from the top of the wall with thick rope tied around their necks. The bodies shifted with a light breeze and the ravens pecked at them for morsels. It was far from a pleasant sight but Arannis understood that the Black Fist didn't tolerate those that broke the law.

Hana yawned, and after some thought, Arannis decided to take initiative. Camilla wouldn't bother to wait in line when Spernik was on the run and he wasn't going to either. Arannis walked forward, ignoring the line and walking right to the table. Hana gasped in shock and ran up to catch up with the warrior. Several people from the line called out in protest but Arannis pressed on. He had a good working relationship with the Black Fist and was convinced that he could use that to his advantage. The knight looked up to him with a frown and shook his head.

"Back of the line," the knight told him.

Arannis shook his head. "I have business with the Black Fist."

"So do a lot of other people," the knight shrugged. "Back of the line."

"I've worked with one of the Black Fist before regarding a threat to Phlan," Arannis told the knight, frowning. "Her name's Aleyd. She can vouch for me."

"Aleyd Burral?" the knight questioned. "She mentioned that she met a dark elf not long ago. I guess you're him."

"Indeed I am."

"I guess I can spare some time. I'm Knight-Lieutenant Bolver. What is it you need?"

"We're wanting to meet with a prisoner," Hana said, stepping up to stand next to Arannis. "His name's Tibeem. Do you know of him?"

"Oh, I remember Tibeem," Bolver chuckled. "I hate to break it to you but he's not going to talk."

"I'll get him to talk," Arannis said, crossing his arms.

"If you can, I'll eat my own sword," Bolver said and shook his head. "He's over there if you want to try talking to him."

Bolver pointed past the pair, and when Arannis looked over his shoulder, he frowned when he realized why Bolver was so confident. The knight-lieutenant pointed at one of the corpses hanging from a noose from the wall. Hana cursed under her breath at the sight as the one solid lead they had was no more. Arannis shook his head in disappointment, knowing that it would be difficult to find out where Spernik went now that Tibeem was dead. If Camilla was able to find a lead with Pallas, it would give her more reason to take leadership of the group over him.

Arannis turned back to face Bolver. "Did Tibeem say anything before he was killed?"

"Believe me, we interrogated him for an entire day and night, but he didn't budge," Bolver told Arannis, chuckling over the memory.

"Did he have anything on his person when you caught him?" Hana asked.

"Just a shopping list," Bolver answered with a shrug. "Why are you so interested about a dead man?"

"It's his accomplice we're interested in," Arannis corrected Bolver with a frown. "Do you know anything about Spernik?"

"Not much other than he got away while we caught Tibeem," Bolver said and tapped his chin in thought. "But now that I think about it, I did receive a report of a man matching his appearance traveling north alongside the Stojanow River."

"And you haven't sent anyone after him?" Hana questioned.

"It's out of my jurisdiction," Bolver waved his hand dismissively. "Although if you manage to capture him, do me a favor and bring him back here. We have a spot on the wall right next to Tibeem waiting for him."

Arannis didn't bother speaking to Bolver and walked away, hearing the knight-lieutenant laugh behind him. Hana ran to catch up with Arannis but there was very little left to investigate. All the Black Fist had to offer was that someone who might have been Spernik was seen traveling north, which wasn't a great lead. If only they had held off on executing Tibeem. With little else to do, all Arannis could do was prepare for the next day. He hoped that the others wouldn't find a good lead but shook his head. Even if Arannis was worried about losing his role as the group's leader, he wouldn't want his companions to fail in their investigation.

"Seriously? Of all the places in Phlan, you chose to go somewhere we were just at as our first visit?"

Pallas shrugged at Camilla's criticism. "The Laughing Goblin's a popular place. If there's any place we're going to find anything on Spernik, this is the place."

"Fine," Camilla sighed. "No drinking. It's too late for that."

"And tomorrow, it'll be too early," Pallas rolled his eyes. "Just my luck that I ended up stuck with you…"

Pallas had a good system with Arannis when the group had to split up. They had their differences, with Arannis respectful of the tyrannical authority of Phlan while Pallas was critical of the government, especially the Black Fist. However, they learned to work together despite the different opinions they had, and more importantly, they were open to each other's suggestions. Arannis considered Pallas' ideas when it came to working around the law while Pallas recognized that Arannis' connections with the Black Fist were beneficial for the group.

When it came to working with Camilla, she expected to be in charge and for Pallas to fall in line with her plan. Camilla didn't care for his suggestions, believing that he was a useless drunk that needed to be kept in line. She was only half right, and given that Pallas was drinking less, he would say that she was one fourth right instead. Pallas knew that she wouldn't have listened to him if he suggested going to the Laughing Goblin directly and had to trick her by saying he knew another place to go to. Camilla recognized that she wasn't familiar with the taverns of Phlan and was willing to give Pallas a chance to help albeit on a tight leash. When they arrived at the Laughing Goblin, which was more crowded and rowdy than when they left as business picked up, Camilla was disappointed by the deception but it was too late to go elsewhere.

"Let's stay focused, Pallas," Camilla said firmly. "Where's the tavern keeper?"

"That would be Imizael," Pallas gestured towards a human woman manning the bar. "She's good at what she does, but if it's information, we need to find Fat Mar. He's the gossip around the Laughing Goblin."

"Do you seriously call him that?" Camilla asked, clearly disapproving of the nickname.

"Everyone who knows him does," Pallas shrugged. "It's shorter to say than Markoth."

"By a second," Camilla pointed out. "You find Markoth while I have a talk with Imizael. Stay out of trouble."

"I know, I know," Pallas sighed. "I'm not that bad of a guy."

"That remains to be seen."

Camilla pushed her way through the crowd with Pallas noticing several familiar faces looking at him and her. As much as he would have preferred to be with Arannis for the investigation, a small part of him did like being around Camilla. She was abrasive at times but that just came with her high-class background. Once Camilla loosened up as an adventurer, Pallas was sure that they would be able to get along. Until then, Pallas focused on the task at hand and spotted Markoth by a table, taking orders from a couple. He walked toward the overweight waiter and caught his attention before he could make it to the next table.

"Back so soon, Pallas?" Markoth chuckled. "I'll get your usual."

"Not tonight," Pallas shook his head with a sigh. "I'm on the 'job' right now and my partner doesn't want me to drink."

"That does sound like Arannis," Markoth nodded.

"It's someone new but never mind that. I need information on two men named Spernik and Tibeem. They went out for lunch at the taverns around Phlan. Have you heard about them?"

"I sure have," Markoth nodded. "I talked to them a bit too even if they kept to themselves. From what I've heard, they arrived with a caravan four months ago and have lived in Phlan ever since."

"That doesn't really help me find them," Pallas said and shook his head.

"Well, they did eat with a third man sometimes, but I never caught his name," Markoth suggested. "He looked like a scribe to me but I haven't seen him in weeks. They ate lunch together at the same table every time they came here."

Markoth pointed at the table in question, and while a trio of dwarves sat there after a hard way of work, something stuck out to Pallas. He stroked his scraggly beard and fell into a deep thought, trying to recall a memory. Unfortunately, a lot of the times he visited the Laughing Goblin was to drink a lot and his memory wasn't reliable. Still, Markoth wasn't providing any serious leads so the only chance he had was to remember whatever was bothering him. He was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn't realize Camilla had joined him and Markoth until she spoke up.

"All Imizael had to say was that Spernik and Tibeem didn't pay their tab," Camilla said with a disappointed sigh. "Have you found out anything on your end?"

"You're Pallas' friend," Markoth asked, looking over Camilla. "He never said that he was traveling with someone as…"

Markoth grew silent when he noticed Camilla glare at him and cross her arms, knowing what he was about to say. Pallas snapped his fingers, realizing what it was he was trying to remember.

"They were here during the big brawl a few weeks ago, right?" Pallas asked, turning to Markoth. "You remember that one, right?"

"I do and they were," Markoth nodded with a gasp. "I saw them make their way to the door as you started the fight."

"You started a bar fight," Camilla rolled her eyes. "I'm not surprised."

"It's how we met," Pallas told Camilla with a chuckle. "All of us were at the Laughing Goblin that day. I knocked out Hana and Arannis with help from Nalos. It was a good fight."

"You were all involved in that fight?" Camilla asked. "I would have thought that some of you would be above random violence."

"Nordak was," Pallas admitted with a shrug.

"Then it's as I suspected," Camilla said. "Arannis isn't fit to lead if he can't keep himself above your kind of rabble."

"Now, hold on a moment," Pallas frowned, pointing an accusing finger at Camilla. "Don't think I don't see what you're trying to do with Arannis. We don't need you in charge."

"You clearly do," Camilla shook her head. "I wondered if Arannis was a professional, but between the pit fighting and how he was involved in a chaotic brawl, I know that he isn't fit to lead."

"I should get going…" Mar said, stepping away, although Pallas could see that he stayed in eavesdropping distance.

"You don't know anything about Arannis," Pallas said, jabbing his finger at Camilla. "You're new so I'll cut you some slack but Arannis is our leader for a reason."

"And what reason would that be?"

"We voted for him!"

"Under what qualifications?"

Pallas paused. "He… it was either him or Nordak, and Nordak didn't want to bother with being an adventurer at the time."

"How inspiring," Camilla said mockingly.

"Arannis is a good fighter at least," Pallas said meekly. "I don't mind following him into battle. That's something."

"He can't be that good of a fighter if you can beat him," Camilla shot back, grinning. "Meanwhile, I'm a paladin. Not only can I hold my own in battle, I can call upon divine power to smite down anyone who gets in my way."

It was difficult to defend Arannis. Pallas liked the warrior enough, but when it came to his qualities, it was difficult to describe what made him a good leader. Arannis just was when it came down to it. Meanwhile, with Camilla's upbringing, she was expected to lead. It was no surprise that she would have wanted to lead the adventuring group as she was raised to take charge. While Arannis was good in a fight, Pallas couldn't help but wonder if he could defeat Camilla in a duel if it came down to it.

There was only one other option Pallas had to get Camilla to concede her point.

"If you're so confident then you'll agree to a little wager," Pallas said, smirking.

"What did you have in mind?" Camilla asked and raised an eyebrow, confused.

"If everyone considers you the leader of our band of adventurers by the time we return from capturing Spernik, I'll stop drinking completely," Pallas said and raised a finger. "However, if Arannis is still the leader, you get to join me for one day and one night where all we do is drink."

"Just drink?" Camilla asked harshly.

Pallas raised his hands defensively. "Look, I like a good drink and I like being around attractive women, but I don't take advantage of anyone like that."

"You didn't object when Nalos and Jerica," Camilla pointed out.

"They didn't sleep together though," Pallas said.

"Fair enough," Camilla nodded. "Very well. I agree with your bet."

"That's what I-" Pallas paused. "You do?"

"Of course I do. There's no doubt in my mind that I will be in charge by the time this is over. I should get back home. If you want to investigate the other taverns, feel free to do so. You might want to enjoy your final night of drinking."

Camilla turned and went to the door with a victorious smirk. Pallas stood there with his jaw dropped. He wanted to believe that Arannis had what it took to stand his ground but he was soft-spoken while Camilla was confident and assertive. There was no telling what would happen between the two and he wasn't sure what the others in the group would do. His gamble had backfired against him.

Markoth silently handed Pallas a mug and the monk started to chug the beer held within. If this was going to be his last night of drinking, he was going to get all he could out of it.

Nordak wasn't a native to Phlan but he spent enough time working as an attendant at Valhingen Graveyard to know some of the places. The Kelemvorites bought food in stock from Cockburn's Grocery, the largest provider of supplies in Phlan. Nordak had been to the grocer a few times to collect deliveries for the clergy, and he figured that if there was a place Spernik went to for supplies, it would be Cockburn's Grocery. Of course, it was possible that the grocer wouldn't remember Spernik, and even if he did, there might not be a lot he could tell. It wasn't much of a lead but it was all Nordak and Nalos had to work with.

"Do you think that the grocer will still be open?" Nalos asked, walking alongside Nordak.

"Aye," Nordak nodded. "There's always someone at night, even if business is slow. You never know when someone needs to buy something important."

"That's a good point," Nalos nodded. "I couldn't see myself working somewhere like that. It sounds too boring."

"You're an adventurer," Nordak pointed out. "Why would you want to work at a grocer to begin with."

"It's just something Camilla told me earlier in the evening," Nalos said. "She thinks that it would be good for me to find more respectful work and that Jerica would appreciate it."

"She would," Nordak nodded again. "Adventuring is dangerous work. It's why I prefer working at the chapel."

"Is that exciting?" Nalos asked, intrigued. "Do you think I would be a good fit?"

"Well, I'm sure a druid of your talents could be of excellent help tending to the grounds," Nordak nodded. "You might not be a follower of Kelemvor, but if you're willing to help clean up around the graveyard, I'm sure…"

"Cleaning?" Nalos shook his head. "That's not exciting."

"I never said it was," Nordak said.

"Never mind," Nalos sighed. "I'll think of something else."

Nordak nodded along with Nalos and kept quiet. The triton was young and new to the surface with much left to learn. It took Nordak time to realize that while Nalos had the potential to become a great druid if he focused, but unfortunately, traditional learning didn't appeal to him. There was little Nordak could do as a mentor to Nalos but he wasn't too worried for his young friend. Nalos would be able to learn from the examples of his companions and it was only fitting that a druid learned about the world from seeing it for himself.

The dwarf and the triton arrived at Cockburn's Grocery, a large building with a simple sign. Nalos opened the door and followed Nordak inside to see the exposed framing above in the ceiling along with crates of goods lined up against the walls. Nordak recognized the employee at the counter as Tad Staslep, having met him during his few visits to the grocer. He was a pleasant enough man in the middle years of his life. His gray hair was thinning and he was portly with broad shoulders. Tad leaned over his counter to see the new visitors and smiled.

"Welcome to Cockburn's Grocery," Tad greeted. "Are you here to place an order for the temple, Master Durthane?"

"Not this time," Nordak shook his head. "My friend and I were wondering if you could help us with something important."

"We're looking for information on a man named Spernik," Nalos said and pulled a piece of parchment from his pockets. "This is what he looks like."

Tad took the bounty from Nalos and looked it over. "He looks familiar. If I remember correctly, he placed several orders over the past few months."

"Is that so?" Nordak asked.

"Let me check," Tad handed the bounty back to Nalos and took a ledger from the counter, flipping through the pages. "Ah, here we go. He ordered vellum, chalk dust, and a waterproof scroll case during his last visit."

"That is strange," Nalos nodded. "I can't see what connection these items would have."

"When was his last visit?" Nordak questioned.

"Two days ago," Tad answered and closed the ledger. "Speaking of, he left his journal by mistake. I was hoping to return it to him during his next visit but I don't think he'll come back."

"Could we have his journal?" Nalos asked, his tone eager. "It could really help us find him."

"I don't have much use for it myself. I wish there was more I could do to help but the journal's all I have."

"You've done plenty," Nordak assured Tad. "Now, about that journal."

Tad slid his ledger away and reached back under the counter to take out a small journal. Nordak held his hands out for the journal and opened it. Nalos looked over the dwarf's shoulder as he flipped through the pages while leaving Cockburn's Grocery. Unfortunately, most of the pages were ripped out but there was a single page in the back of the journal that had a crudely drawn map on it. Nordak couldn't help but smirk at some of the markings on the map, including a bold circle drawn.

"This is great," Nalos said cheerfully. "That's where Spernik went, right?"

"It's as good of a lead as any," Nordak nodded and closed the journal. "I'm honestly surprised that we were able to find something like this from a grocer."

"As am I," Nalos nodded. "What now?"

"Spernik wasn't much of a cartographer so we'll need to do a little bit of investigation with other maps of the area around Phlan to narrow down where Spernik went," Nordak explained. "Care to join me? It shouldn't take more than an hour once we get what we need."

"It's better we find out tonight so that we can leave bright and early in the morning," Nalos said. "Count me in. I know a fair bit about maps."

"Good," Nordak pocketed the journal. "Let's find a quiet place to figure out where Spernik went then."

A/N: Terribly sorry that it's taken me this long to post the next chapter. August has been a busy month and I had to decide on which projects to focus on with my free time. I should be back to updating The Courting of Fire since it's going to be one of my shorter stories.

Until next time.