It was but a short trip to Lady Arabel's estate. They were just approaching when suddenly Athgar pulled Natalia off to the side of the road.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Something's wrong," he replied.

"Why?" she asked. "What have you seen?"

"The gate's open," said Athgar. "Lady Arabel usually keeps it closed."

"Perhaps she just has a visitor? She is a rather important person, you know. Why does it matter whether or not she has visitors?"

"We can't just go in the way we are," he said, "it would be a little hard to explain why we're burned and smoky. It might raise suspicions."

"Good point," Natalia agreed. "What if we go in through the window? We got out that way."

"An excellent idea," said Athgar, "but I think I should go in and have a quick look around first."

"Why don't we both go?"

"I'm the quiet one, remember? Unless, of course, you've taken up hunting in your spare time?"

"No, I see your point," she agreed.

"You stay here in the alleyway, it's got a good view of the gate. If you see anything, make a run for it."

"What if you don't come back?" Natalia asked, concern written on her face.

"Don't worry," he replied, "I won't leave you. I'll just have a quick look. If it's safe, I'll come back for you."

"And if it's not safe?"

"Then I'll give up trying to gain entry."

"I suppose that makes sense," she said.

Athgar surveyed the gate before moving forward. Once there, he checked to ensure no one was nearby. A moment later, he was through, edging closer towards the house by moving stealthily from tree to tree.

Soon, he was near enough to see the front door, and he paused, noting the presence of two armed guards. At first, he thought they were merely soldiers, perhaps a couple of hired mercenaries, but when he moved closer, he recognized their grey tabards. These were Cunars!

He thought to rush back to Natalia, to warn her, but then decided he needed more information. With the front door now beyond his reach, he made the decision to make his way to the back, to search for an open window he could use.

The approach was easy enough for one with his talents, and soon, he was looking upon the back of the house. Just as he was about to change his position, two people came out of the rear door. One was clearly Lady Arabel, while the other was a Temple Knight, and they were in the middle of a conversation, their words drifting towards him.

"Are you sure?" the knight asked.

"Quite sure, Brother Septimus," the woman responded. "I saw her ring clearly, though I didn't know its significance at the time."

"And what put you onto her?" asked Brother Septimus.

"Her companion mentioned the Sartellians," she replied. "I knew immediately that something wasn't right!"

"This companion," asked the knight, "can you describe him?"