Al-Sayf Al-Mal'un

The hall of Voss Keep is cold even in summer. Lord Malachar receives you by candlelight. Never in daylight, a habit you have grown used to. He is a lean man of indeterminate age, with pale hands and a voice like water over stone. He smiles rarely, and when he does, the smile does not reach his eyes. Tonight he summons you alone. The other servants have been sent away. The candles burn low and strange, their light seeming to gather toward him rather than away. "I have a task," he says. "It requires discretion, courage, and the willingness to travel alone into the Thornwood. A traveler was reported on the north road yesterday. He collapsed in the village square. He is delirious and will not survive the night. Before he dies, I need you to learn what he saw. Then go into that forest and confirm it." He slides a small pouch across the table. Coin enough for a month's expenses. He does not explain why he is interested. He never does. Perception: He is lying about not knowing what is in the forest. Whatever is out there, he put it there, or knows exactly what it is. His…