ACT I | Part 1 - The Imprisoned

"Ah, so you're just people that Merlin is helping then," Mrs. Cranfoot says as she pours some water into a cup and sips from it. "Its one of the local thieves guild. Thieves with honor, he'd put it. Steal from the wealthier folks to help those poorer. That sort of ideology."
After a bit more of time passes, the front door opens and in comes Merlin, his cowl still drawn up.

"Ah, good morning everyone," he warmly greets. "Get some better rest with a pillow under your head rather than mossy stone?"

"There will be time for that later, friend," Merlin smirks. He drew back his obscuring cowl as it was no longer required inside. "For now, we must lay low; don't want to arouse suspicion quite yet."

He comes over and sits at an empty seat, grabbing a slice of buttered bread and munching on it.
"I've sent Sparrow out to do some reconnaissance and collect word from the street. As far as I've heard, there's just been murmurs of an exceedingly overpowering arrest about what was a 'bar fight.' The fact that the death of Governor Rondelm isn't upon the lips of people has me extremely worried and perplex. For how could the death of such an individual be so utterly hushed up?"
Merlin's face scrunches up in annoyed bewilderment as he continues to eat his bread. After a minute, he shakes his head, as if to cast off a buzzing insect that landed on his pate.
"Well, there will be time to ponder it more later. For now, we've other matters to discus. Such as my interest in springing you three.
Tell me, have you ever wondered if things ever seem seedier than others might view them?"

Merlin seems to chuckle at the first bit of what Scharle remarked upon, seeing as bribery WAS apart of his profession.
"Ah, quite astute, but alas, I refer to something grander than simply ignoring something for a bit of extra coin," he starts. "No, no. What I speak of is corruption, secrecy, betrayals, and other issues of a broader spectrum. Spies are employed to either sniff out such issues at home, or to cause them whilst abroad. Unfortunately, I feel as if the latter is becoming the former."
Merlin takes a moment to clear his throat and take another drink, seeing if the good hostess is nearby.

"You see, the good governor you witnessed perishing was a confederate of mine. Sir Rondelm was not only the Governor of Affairs for the kingdom, but also master of spies. He and I belong to a group known as the Silver Aegis. We seek to root out tyranny before it can take hold, or to save those from its grasp.
Rondelm was on to something - something to do with the missing princess. Normally, we would work behind the scenes to resolve things, but here we are with a few more questions...
Firstly, why would he send for aid outside and call upon your group?
Secondly, how could he have been poisoned?
And thirdly, WHO poisoned him?
The second is quite vexing to myself, as I knew him to be a highly cautious man. He always kept a hip flask on his person as he always feared poison in his cup. So if it was indeed his own flask that had been poisoned, just how did his assailant get close enough to do the job..."

Merlin shakes his head as if he were being shook awake.
"No, no! We kill no one! At least, not unless we are forced to defend ourselves."

"Yes, well, for now, we'll wait and see what Sparrow finds," Merlin sighs. "I've a sinking feeling in my gut should an assassin be involved, or worse yet, someone else from Rondelm's own service..."

---

Hours pass, leading the sun towards its rest as the twin moons begin to bathe the city in their soft glow. Dinner is served - sausages with rolls and mashed potatoes. There has yet to be any word from Sparrow.
Around the hour of 9, a light rapping came at the door, and in they finally came. And, rather than speak to everyone, they instead handed Merlin some parchment with writing on. He could only let out a chuckle and a sigh.
" My apologies for not explaining before, but Sparrow has taken on a bet with another guildmate. To remain silent for a few days, I believe it was. My child is quite the ambitious one, so they're dead set on winning the bet.

Which reminds me, how many more days must you remain speechless? This is important work we have here."
Sparrow raises a pair of fingers, prompting Merlin to nod and chuckle some more. He held up the parchment to some candlelight in order to read it better.
"Ahuh... Sparrow, excellent work indeed. Handwriting needs a touch of work though still." he jested. Sparrow returned with a flipped bird.

"Now then, our kind rogue has made some quick notes of the things the found.
Firstly, the groups of guards that arrested your group were already amassed prior to your arrival at the tavern. Certainly something planned.
Secondly, upon inquiring with the barmaid of that night, she had not seen Sir Rondelm enter the room they supposedly rented. Instead, the figure they had shown back was one of a lean build, short, and of blonde hair. In fact, they had not ordered anything to be brought to the room.
Thirdly, when the body was taken away, the barmaid saw no cadaver being carried away - only the same person they had shown back previously..."
Merlin looks obviously troubled by these notes.