The moon had just rise when a knock came. Triss Merigold stood at the door—her red hair messy under her hood, green eyes tense with urgency. Without waiting, she slipped inside and quickly cast magical runes on the windows and door to hide them from view. Just a few weeks before she needed favor, now she looks like in trouble again.

"We can't speak outside, If they're watching, they must believe I've come here for something ordinary."

Triss removes her cloak, taking a slow breath to steady herself.

"Someone dear to me... the man I think of as my father figure... has been taken. By Dark Elves. I can't go to the king's court, the Lodge, or even my fellow mages. If word spreads, they'll move him before I can find... or worse, use him to draw me into a trap."

She hesitates, lowering her voice even further.

"I need someone they would never suspect... Will you hear me out... again?"