The clock was ticking away the seconds as Garrett sat in the study of Elissa's practice. He had four or five books on the laws and precedents of Sturreland open and he knew he’d need to get another one. Well, Elissa would have to; he was not allowed entry to the Lodge's library.

He had had little sleep those past few days. Nannade could start her travel back home any day now and neither he nor Elissa felt even remotely ready to defend her in court, but they’d have to do it, no one else would, not even Herlewin, that cowardly pencil-pusher.

He heard Elissa come up the stairs and for the study. Her steps had become heavy and slow. The court had forbidden both of them any contact to Louissos or anyone else involved in the trials or reports about them. The separation had weighed heavy on Elissa.

They came on the door and Garrett called her in. Her face was even more depressed than usual. Garret would have been quick to dismiss it as her usual morning mood, had he not taken a second look. Something had happened.

“What is it?”

She had difficulties looking for the right words. “There had been an accident, concerning Nannade.”

He sat down and she told him what had happened.

His head immediately began to work. He knew he had a list with some helpful and indebted people. He stormed off to find the ledger with his documents. He had to write letters. To people in Northbridge, Havnarsund, Prirdam, Kalonitz, Elveskatt, Undaemopolis. He’d have to open his coin purse wide for them to keep their eyes open for him, but now was not the time to be stingy.