In the depths of the study at Marquis Greiman's Mansion in Lakeheart Town, candlelight quietly burned on the Bronze Branch Lamp Stand, illuminating the northern topographic map hanging on the wall and several military intelligence briefs marked with coded notes.
Paul Greiman sat behind the broad oak desk, his knuckles tapping lightly against its surface. His expression was calm. Outside, the night was deep, and the wind swept through the courtyard, setting the iron bell beneath the eaves ringing.
Intelligence Director Cecil Wien stood before the desk, ramrod straight, holding a file in his hands. His tone was cautious yet clear:
"My lord, regarding the mysterious spellcaster who has recently been active in the north, we have compiled further information."
Paul looked up. "Speak."
"As you already know, the first confirmed record occurred after Wind's Breath Keep was retaken."
Cecil opened the first page of the file. "When Derrick Heller led his troops toward Wind's Breath Keep, he was stopped by an unfamiliar man. The man gave no name. He merely warned in a low voice that the orc prisoners inside Wind's Breath Keep were plotting a riot and would soon make their move!"
He paused, then emphasized his words. "Derrick did not believe him at first, but the man's tone was certain and his details were precise. He therefore hurried his troops back to Wind's Breath Keep. General Harrison and the others made emergency preparations, and only then did they manage to thwart the attempted riot."
"Derrick was absolutely certain at the time," Cecil said in a lowered voice. "That man had used magic—they tried to catch up with him, but he was merely walking normally and still moved away from the cavalry at an astonishing speed."
Paul nodded slightly.
"After that, the Lakeheart Town Intelligence Department began paying