Saltmarsh

Bran had remained quiet through the entire story and its attendant questions. When it seemed he wouldn't be interrupting he said,"I think we've heard about all we can expect to hear. I believe our next move should be to make our way out to the house and look for ourselves. Shouldn't take but a little over an hour to get there on foot."

"I think, you're right as far as Bedford is concerned," agreed Venemar, "but remember the innkeeper nextdoor said that if we wanted to do anything official we might want to speak to the council. I heard they were looking for people to deal with this 'haunting'. They must know something, in order to have put the word out seeking help. I heard when I entered town that the council is run by Hiram Faulkner and he can be found at the council hall. We could go and see him this afternoon. I don't think it can do any harm and we might learn something else useful." He took a sip of some more beer and looked across at the bar to see if his meal was ready any time soon.

Having finished his meal and tired of bidding his time. The halfling climbed down from his stool and made his way over to where the others are. Speaking in a low tone that only those there could hear. "You might be wise to not speak so loud that most anyone here at this fine establishment could over hear what is being said without even really trying. I would suggest that those who wish to learn more concerning the place in question, join me this evening. As I plan on traveling out there as so to arrive a hour or so after dark. Once we got close enough. Being such a small chap, it would be fairly easy for me to go in alone and have a look around and see what's what. Then come back and report what I find. Then we can decide what to do from there. What say you all, who among you wants to come with me?"

The halfling's interruption and proposal made Albionus scoff.

"What? You would want us to sneak around as thieves, under the cover of darkness? The house is abandoned, as I understand it. Whoever lives," and here he stopped for a moment, coughed lightly, and continued "whatever inhabits that place is living in darkness already. It grants us no advantage to go there under cover of darkness... And I say we try to speak to the authorities before breaking in without their writ. This uh... Faulkner fellow," the long-fingered man waved towards Venemar, who had just mentioned the local councilman, "We should most definitely speak to him first. And, by the way, who are you?".

"Well, when we've finished our meals we could go to the council hall and hopefully speak to Hiram Faulkner," suggested Venemar and took another mouthful of his pan seared fish and vegetables. "It shouldn't take long and leaves us free to decide what to do later. I wonder if there are any other sources of information about this Selgore place," he added, taking another sip of his beer and looking round at the others who had gathered when Bedford was in full flow.

"I guess trying to get more information about this place from this Faulkner fellow won't hurt. It still leaves plenty of time to head out there this evening." Said the halfling, going with the others to the council hall.

"Thank you Mr. Faulkner," said Venemar, "may I ask if you have any information about what has been happening there? Something must have come to the council's attention for you to be offering a reward to people to investigate."

"Well, that leaves us with only one thing to determine," says Bran. "Do we go out there today or wait til tomorrow. I prefer tomorrow."

""I'd prefer tomorrow too, " agreed Venemar. He regarded Bran's scars, he had tried not to stare at these and thought Bran must be a very experienced fighter. Turning to the council leader he said, "Thank you Mr Faulkner. We are strangers to your town. Could you give us directions to the Selgore Mansion?" He could think of no more useful questions but looked around at the rest of the group in case anyone could think of anything further.