"I learned from the best," she quipped.

"It's a sound idea, but that still leaves us with the problem of where to begin?"

"That's easy," she said.

"It is?"

"Yes, we must visit the Great Archives."

The Archives

Autumn 1103 SR

The Great Archives were considered to be the most extensive collection of knowledge in the southern kingdoms. Initially housed in a small building, it had grown over the years to become an immense sprawling complex that encompassed over three city blocks. It took the two of them quite some time to decide where to make their enquiries, for there seemed to be little thought put into its growth, and with no apparent central offices in which to make requests, they were at a loss where to start. They eventually settled on the oldest looking entrance, a stone structure with the date 134 SR inscribed over its doors.

They entered into an expansive foyer. Old frescoes decorated the walls while men sat around at tables, each examining a book, scroll, or map. A clerk made himself known as they entered, quickly crossing the distance to greet them.

"May I help you?" he asked.

"Yes," said Natalia, "we are here seeking information."

The man gave her a look of exasperation. "Of course you are," he sullenly replied. "Might you be more specific?"

"My husband has a fascination for pirates," she added. "Have you an expert in such things?"

"Madame," he said, "we have experts on many topics. Yes, as it happens, we do have an expert in your topic of interest, though I must warn you he tends to be difficult to work with."

"And who, precisely, is 'he'?" she asked.

"Tonfer Garul," the man replied.

"A strange name," remarked Natalia.

"For a strange person," the man said, cryptically. "Shall I show you to his area of study?"

"If you would be so kind," she said, opening her purse, "but I believe there's a deposit required?"

The man glanced at her in surprise, and Athgar noted the attention he paid to Natalia's ring.

"For one such as yourself, it is unnecessary," he simply said. "Now, will you follow me, please?"

"Of course," she said, then turned briefly to Athgar. "Ready?"

"Lead on," he added, "I can't wait to meet this Tonfer Garul."

To say that the office was some distance removed from the entrance would be an understatement. They traversed almost the entire length of the structure, then descended stairs to a lower level, continuing on in a most labyrinthine path to reach their destination, a rather old looking door with peeling paint.

"He's directly through there," their guide indicated. "Will that be all?"

"Yes," said Natalia, "thank you."

The man left in a hurry, leaving them to contemplate the door in front of them.

"What do you make of this?" asked Athgar.

"I would say this expert has very few visitors unless I miss my guess."

"I wonder why that is?"

"Well," she mused, "we'll never know if we don't enter."