Quests:Dun Barethsol:To Hunt a Thief

There are several ways of tracking down Alek Endhelm. Once she has founnd him, she will have to deal with him.

Pralines and Sweetmeats

When Marcella returns to Waste’s Edge, she might spot a boat at the docks that has just arrived. If she does not notice the boat, Oliver is almost certain to mention the amazing Master Cerfus and his unending parade of pralines, sweetmeats, and biscuits (by which he means shortbread cookies or spritzgeback). He comes into Waste's Edge every other week or so. Oliver, along with the other children, awaits his coming eagerly. Alternately, if Marcella asks Lucia, she might mention Cerfus as a wine merchant who brings her a few bottles of Cirda Rose every month. Few of her patrons drink it, but sometimes a wandering Syulvan will want som.

Aboard the boat or beside it at the docks waits Tinuv Cerfus, who will approach her if she gets near. He will ask her to deliver a package of finest pralines to Albrecht’s hunting castle. He has tried himself before, but was waylaid by robbers twice so far. He suspects that they know him, but hopes that Marcella may pass unharmed.

If Marcella accepts the job, the guards will allow her to enter the castle without much hassle. They’ll ask her to bring the pralines to Albrecht’s guest, who turns out to be Alek Endhelm.

A Vine Around an Axehaft Winding

As a witch, Ella of the Green has her own means of discovering Alek’s location. When Marcella asks her, she is willing to help, but not without something in return. Ella will ask Marcella to tell her some of her own past - life with the Gardners and what she has learned - or to learn songs Ella does not know and sing them to her, or even to help her golem and the spirits of the cemetery find rest. Marcella can accept any or all of these options.

Once Marcella completed Ella’s errand, the witch will reveal that Alek is staying at Albrecht’s Hunting castle. Ella might make the remark that Albrecht seems to have something bad going on. She will also show Marcella a hidden way into the valley where the castle lies. That way, she can approach the castle from the backside and can sneak in without the guards (and Alek’s thugs) noticing. Once inside, finding Alek shouldn’t be too difficult.

Spear in Earth

Fighting some bandits outside the main bandit camp and questioning the survivors will reveal Alek’s whereabouts to Marcella. Reaching him will probably require more fighting though, as the entrance to the castle is guarded and Marcella will not be allowed to enter without reason. The nameless brigands will likely fight to the death, but one or more of the unnamed brigands may surrender once they have been reduced to one hit point and offer information in exchange for their lives. If Marcella takes the deal, she will take their marks and listen to what they have to say and will also have the option to take their equipment.