[Mithadan]

It was quite a distance to the main gate of the city. Mithadan covered the ground as quickly as possible without running. Even if his ribs were up to the task, racing up to the gate might attract unwanted attention.

He entered the first circle of the city and made his way through the daily traffic of merchants, guards and citizens, pausing now and again to peek into various taverns and common houses. He passed The Green Apple, The Rusty Scupper and The Sailors Retreat without spotting his friends. Continuing on, he began to curse creatively under his breath. The Black Sail, The Crusty Barnacle and The Sinking Corsair brought no better results. Given the denizens of some of these establishments, he was almost pleased to not find his friends.

Rounding a corner he came across a more pleasant tavern with outdoor seating shaded by trees. He almost choked as he read the placard. 'The Sign of the Mischievous Merman' it read. At a table under a tree was a pony cart and several familiar faces as well as a tall, bearded man with an apron. Fixing a smile on his face, he approached with such semblance of calm as he could muster. To his astonishment, the tavern keeper was speaking to Levanto. Even Piosenniel and Birdland appeared uncomfortable with this turn of events.

"The tavern's name?" said the barkeep. "Well, no doubt you have heard legends and rumours of man-like creatures dwelling beneath the sea? Now, these tales are true, and I've seen them myself and others here besides." He turned to two sailors sitting at a nearby table. "Angrim, Durmir! These fine people be asking about mermen. You've seen such creatures haven't you?"

One turned and drained his pint before speaking. "Aye! And right evil slimies they be too! If yer fool enough to post no watch, they creep aboard in the dark of night and steal yer cargo. Partial to drink they are. And if ye wake and try and stop 'em well they slash at ye with claws and they're not beyond takin a bite from one's leg." With that, he heaved up a leg and rolled up his breeches to show a thin scar on his calf. "One near got me one night," he said.

Levanto's face became dark and he made as if to rear himself up on the cart. "Bite..." he began.

Mithadan placed a firm hand on Levanto's shoulder and pushed him back down. "Do tell," said Mithadan. "Barkeep could you fetch these fine men two more pints for their tale? A fine tale, but we don't want to scare the children..." He motioned towards Kali then searched about for Rose. But she wasn't there.

"Where's Rose, Pio?" he said with a smile of gritted teeth.