DoT: Searches and Seizures

"Where do we stand?" asked Mad Hettie.

They were sitting in the dark around a central fire; Hettie considered it the best spot for deliberations, and always held their meetings on a mid-sized ledge just off to the side of lower spoke south. There was an established firepit here, and sometimes their arrival chased other people away. 

"I've contacted a team of sea elves down at the docks," Gorak said. "They usually work for the Stevedores or the Gleaners, but they're willing to work for us. If his body went into the water, they should be able to find it."

"The Mist Eyes," said Storm, and Malice -- sitting beside him -- nodded. Those two acted as a unit, leading their portion of the Red Blades together. They might squabble with each other, but they closed ranks immediately against any threat from outside. "We know the Stevedores and the Gleaners wouldn't have been involved with this, and the upper-level gangs think us beneath their notice."

Verity braced herself, but Mad Hettie said, "Later for that. If Varna was killed, I want this specific group. Hound them, hunt them, harry them. Let them know no rest. We'll wring the truth from them, sing it free from the marrow of their bones."

"One of my people came to me, a personal confession," Verity said, looking at the flames so as to avoid having to meet Hettie's red-eyed gaze. "She believes she met one of the attackers, but he charmed her and sent her on to investigate that mist that they left. She says he was likely a half-elf, possibly an elf, and handsome enough."

"She let him leave?" asked Gorak, then shook himself. "No, if she was charmed, of course she did. I should be more surprised that a professional would be caught at all."

Verity nodded. She liked Gorak, despite herself. He was more quick to anger than Varna, but he caught himself quickly too. He needed time and tempering, but he wouldn't be a bad replacement. He was doing his best to step up, and he seemed to have the support of Varna's people. 

"I want to send the Mist Eyes a warning," Malice said quietly, rubbing her scarred hands together. "Just a little thing."

Mad Hettie considered that, then shook her head. "Not yet. Not unless it becomes widely known that Varna is missing. Better if we can bring him back without notice."

Gorak nodded immediately. "If you can think of any other ways to find him, let me know."