Councilor Ward,

I humbly request a moment of your time.

Earlier today, I received a missive from Councilor Reynolt, in which he asserted that Agent Hectra recently lead the "Golden Doubloon" mercenary company into Lower Sanctuary. He indicated that several people were severely wounded during the fighting that ensued, and has bluntly requested that we reprimand Agent Hectra, threatening cuts to our civil defense budget if we don't comply.

Councilor Reynolt did not mention your presence at all, but I have heard from others that you were present on the scene. I would ordinarily put faith in Councilor Reynolt's account of the events that transpired, as I have great respect for the Council and those who choose to devote their lives to public service, but several factors are forcing me to seek additional perspectives on the matter: firstly, Councilor Reynolt's extensive criminal record, and secondarily, the numerous discrepancies between Reynolt's account of the incident and our extensive internal reports on what happened -- including the ambiguity as to your very presence.

If you were indeed present, I would appreciate a quick summary of the recent events between the "Golden Doubloon" mercenary company and the Tigereye Mercenary Company, particularly regarding Agent Hectra's conduct. Your thoughts on the behavior of the "Golden Doubloon" company are welcome as well.

Your time is appreciated.

-- Officer Barkely Order of the Spellguard

Officer Barkely,

My apologies for the rash reaction of Councilor Reynolt. He can be quite the twit sometimes, and I will speak to him about his ill behavior during a long-overdue chat we will be having soon. His failure to mention my presence is quite peculiar. Perhaps it was my possible testimony to the events that he was concerned about... odd.

I was indeed present, and I will give you full account for what transpired.

I was strolling yestereve after doing my councilor's duties- reviewing the current warrants, following through with cases, inputting my debate, and so on - when Captain Royce caught my attention and asked me to accompany them into the Lowers as passage from the ban. Their reason for going down was to fetch two knucklebones, presumed to be on two seperate individuals. They also said that they were working with an Agent, Agent Hectra.

In response, I told them that I would work it out with the Tigereyes below. I descended, and unlike I had hoped, the mercenaries came down right behind me. As soon as they stepped foot below, a Tigereye sprang forth and stopped the mercenaries and showered Captain Royce in particular with insults. Against his better judgement, Captain Royce responded with harsh words as well, though I must make a note that under his command, nary a single weapon was raised on the part of the Doubloons. Also, the first blow was made by the Tigereye known as Tiny, who is posted by the stairs.

The ensuing fight was rather one sided. Without weapons, the Doubloons were quite outmatched, but the Tigereyes fell upon them nonetheless. About half a dozenpeople were injured, two severely. Of those, two were Tigereyes and four were Doubloons, including the two severely wounded mercenaries.

Following the tussle, Royce was apprehended by the Tigereyes. Agent Hectra entered the Tigereye Fortress with Councilor Reynolt and myself and awaited the conclusion of Bug's (the convicted assailant) trial. During the trial, Agent Hectra also assisted in searching the convicted criminal and identifying some drow items- which I will go ahead and make the assumption that he was rewarded with by turning in the first knucklebone.

Here is where Councilor Reynolt and I find our differences. I believe that the matter of the knucklebones supersecedes the petty squabbles of the mercenaries and even the mandate of the Tigereyes. Regardless, a peaceful way was first attempted. Ivandur on the other hand, maintains that the Doubloons were at fault for being hired and contracted to break the ban and that Agent Hectra was at fault for using them at all, when I see that she has very little option left, aside from going to the Tigereyes.

From what I observed that day, Agent Hectra did her job to the best of her abilities while maintaining a professional attitude even as all hell broke loose upon her plan to recover the knucklebones. The Doubloons were not so professional, and some of the events that occurred place them in some fault for agitating an already tense situation by preceding their welcome and acting as delinquients in the face of a higher authority, the Tigereyes. I will point out that there are some personal issues behind my judgement, as they attempted to use me and my presence as a shield for intrusion, as opposed to letting me seek a diplomatic bypass for a thirty minute lift of their ban.

Lastly: I have one source that also witnessed the transgressions, but he is by no means my most reliable source. He offers a different view on the situation that I was not in the position to observe. I will moniter the situation he has given rise to personally, though Agent Hectra would be of great help in reaching the solution. If you would kindly inform her that I wish a few spare minutes of her time, I would be most thankful.

I hope I have been of some assistance, Officer. If you have any further questions, feel free to send another letter or request my presence through the svifneblin stone system.

Councilor Ward