Maddux hadn't been gone for long, but Eowyna missed him already. She
began to unwrap the package that the delinquent pirate, Bob had
dropped off earlier in the morning. Her eyes widened. It was a small
blade, but exquisitely sharp and the jeweled handle glinted in the
sunlight--Oblivion's Needle. The aquisition of this treasure had been
a long arduous process, but it was in their possession at last. She
smiled as she held it up--a perfectly balanced little weapon. She'd
always preferred magic to weaponry, but this little gem just might
change her mind. Actually, she told herself, she shouldn't use it at
all--it was far too valuable--but maybe just this once.

The Elf with the red flash to his eyes bothered her. Had anyone else
noticed this almost demonic glint? She was going to make it her
business to find out about him. Tucking the pretty little weapon into
her sash, she left Vend 'en She Sul to find him. She'd start at the
tavern where she'd last spotted the Crimson elf.

As luck would have it he was standing on the Skara docks when she
arrived, but he wasn't alone. Eowyna quickly stepped behind the prow
of a docked vessel and cast invisibility. She watched the others
gathered--a human, a succubus, and.....a vampire. Eowyna caught
herself before casting dispel upon the vile undead creature and
listened. She didn't know these beings, and she had no idea what they
were talking about--something concerning the rule of Skara Brae and a
stolen human child. Alistor, in spite of admitting that he was
influenced by the succubus (ah, ha!), seemed to be championing the
lost child. Very praiseworthy, but Eowyna still wasn't sure that he
wasn't a threat to Eldador. Another human female approached, and for
some reason the others threatening Alistor departed rather quickly.
She stepped forward to question Alistor, but learned nothing further.
He would bear further watching, especially if he showed signs of being
in any way controlled by the succubus and vampire.

She returned home, still pondering the threat to Eldador. She hadn't
seen the walking dead brigands in a day or two...but that didn't mean
they weren't there. A scratch at the door, and she whirled around to
check. The being standing on the doorstep was tall, face shadowed by
a hooded cloak. "Yes? What is your business?"

A hissing voice issued from the hood. "Business is why I come. I
wish to buy. I wish to see what artifacts you have for sale."

Eowyna showed him several pieces that were for sale. "Do any of these
interest you? Tell me, who are you and whom do you serve?"

A scaley hand pushed back the hood. "I serve myself. And the piece
that interests me is that trinket at your belt."

Eowyna touched Oblivion's Needle. "This piece is not for sale. And
you," she said, staring into the dark hooded eyes, "are Jukan. Your
kind threaten my people. We will not be doing business today."

"As you wish, Lady." And he turned with a swirl of his cloak and left.
Eowyna watched his departing back, thinking that that had been
surprisingly easy--too easy. What did he really want?