"Oh?" said Cyric. "You have me intrigued. Who is this man you seek?"

"I don't know his name," continued Athgar, "but he has black hair and a scar that runs down his left cheek to his jaw, giving his beard a rather lopsided look."

"How do you know he's a Temple Knight?" asked Cyric.

"He and his people wear grey surcoats, with a white sword on them. That's the Cunar symbol, isn't it?"

"It is indeed," replied Cyric. "Tell me, what is this man to you?"

"He and his fellow knights attacked my village and took prisoners, among them, my sister. I was left for dead, and if it hadn't been for the Orcs, I'd have died there like many others."

"These are serious charges," remarked the knight. "How do you plan to proceed?"

"We hadn't thought that part through yet," offered Natalia. "Athgar is all for charging in and demanding answers, but I suspect that will prove fruitless."

"I would have to agree," said Cyric. "If these people are in Corassus, you'll alert them to your presence. I would suggest a subtler approach."

"Such as?" asked Athgar.

"I'd have to give it some thought, but you intrigue me with your story. I should like to offer my assistance if you would take it."

"We would be grateful," said Natalia. "Perhaps, as a member of the Church, you could make some discreet enquiries?"

"I shall do what I can," said Cyric, "though my order has little to do with the Cunars."

"That doesn't sound promising," said Athgar, feeling a gloominess descend on him. It was all so frustrating, these men seemed to be above reproach.

"You must give me time," suggested Cyric. "I have some experience with investigations."

"I thought it was the Temple Knights of Saint Ansgar that did the investigating for the Church?" said Natalia.

Cyric grinned, "Usually it is, but sometimes they are not available, and we must make do with who we have on hand."

"Well," said Natalia, "we would be grateful for any assistance." She squeezed Athgar's hand, causing him to look at her. "It'll be all right, Athgar," she said, "we'll get to the bottom of this."

A smile creased the Therengian's face. It was hard to stay in a sour mood with Natalia's eyes focused on him. "Very well," he finally acquiesced.

The ship heaved, sending Athgar tumbling from the bed. He struck the wooden planking with a groan and Natalia called out, "Athgar, are you all right?"

"Yes," he replied, "I just fell out of bed. The deck's pitching, can't you feel it?"

"I was fast asleep," she explained, "but now that you mention it, it's quite noticeable. I must get above!"

"Don't be foolish!" he said. "Can't you hear the storm raging outside?"

"Precisely why I must be on deck. I can calm the waves, or at least reduce them, but I must see them to work my magic."