[a small bloodstain dots one of the letter's corners]

To whomever it might concern.

There is a gnome thrall of the illithids in the city. His name is Merropi and he seeks to return to his former masters with the help of the Society's and Seekers' maps, possibly to reveal our position. He attempted to murder me in an attempt to get the maps. He is hiding in the Tigereye fortress. I trust you will handle the matter well and prevent him from doing as he was compelled. I cannot do so since your laws prohibit casting on the streets.

Durthag Brighthammer Initiate of the Ordered Mind

A reply is sent back very quickly.

Durthag Brighthammer,

We appreciate your alert and are acting with haste to bring this situation under control. Thank you for behaving in a lawful fashion and respecting our city's institutions rather than pursuing dangerous vigilantee action and potentially causing a panic. One of our Agents may be sent to meet with you shortly to get a description of this criminal and any other pertinent details.

Spellguard Officer Barkely

*another letter is sent to Durthag*

I would like to meet with you on this matter.

-Agt. Archibald

[the very same letter is sent back with several scribbled words under Alexander's signature]

You will find me at the Chapterhouse.

[a new letter comes from the same person to Officer Barkely]

In addition to the information Alistra Marwolaeth has already shared with you, I stress the importance of the three elementals that attacked us again in the same area where the elemental control stones Strife gave you had been found, blocking the way the thrall used to escape. Either:

1. They must have appeared only after the thrall passed, or 2. They were commanded not to harm him

In addition to suspecting someone trying to control the area I also suspect this someone to be working in joint interest with the illithids of Ysinode.

With the increased danger to our security and the need to rethink our stratagems, disposing of this unknown threat relatively close to the city would be highly advisable.

Durthag Brighthammer Initiate of the Ordered Mind