Gerrard:

Looking at the boots with some alarm, Gerrard asks, “Do you remember where you got those boots, Master Fenwader?  It wasn’t the Quartermasters in Saltmarsh, was it?”

Peri:

Peri had largely lost interest in the latest bizarre conversation, ready to go and search for Kei as they'd delivered their warning. Then the thing with his slippers. "What?! No, I don't have an owner, or an employer either unless you count those cheap weasels in Saltmarsh. Are you sayin' someone is watchin' my feet? I've heard people make their livin' that way..."

"Yeah, it was that Xondros, the Quartermaster of Iuz. I bought 'em from her right before..." His face falls as he remembers. "Right before the Emperor! Son of a *****, that's how they tracked us!"

"I would dispose of those shoes, unless you want your business known by entities unseen." 

"In fact, I will purchase them from you for 500 platinum, and try to trace their silvery connections, if you will also perform a task for the Styes."

Peri:

Peri is about to kick the ugly slippers off -- much as he likes them, 500 platinum is a good portion of the price of a ship -- when the condition catches him. "What sorta task do you want done?"

Thwack 

Seeing but not understanding Peri's anger at his choice of footwear, Thwack reaches into his pack and produces a mismatched pair of boots - one looks like a sandal and the other a knee-high leather boot. He hands them to Peri with a toothy grin "Here Kerry. Thwack have boots for you. Look better looking than those".

"Find the real 'Lantern Ghost' murderer and bring them to justice," answers Thornwell. "Follow the facts wherever they lead, even if that includes the halls of power.” She holds her open hands out to Peri, ready to take his footwear. "50 platinum now, plus those shoes. 450 platinum upon resolving the case to my satisfaction."

Peri:

Peri considers the offer for a long moment, studying Thornwell's face. His profit would be in the hundreds of gold, not the thousands, since this had nothing to do with selling the slippers, and was really another scumbag politician's way of getting his group to do their job for them. Of course, a few weeks ago 100 platinum would have seemed like a fortune, and it's still a sizable payout. Still, he really despised being used to prop up worthless people like these councilors. "100 up front, and you tell us who's spying on those slippers. Then we go after your Ghost."

Gerrard:

”And perhaps while we are waiting on the identification of the scrier we could assist with investigating the Tammaraut,” suggests Gerrard.

A flash of annoyance crosses Thornwell's face but quickly dissolves. "I'm not accustomed to bargaining outside the market. Keep in mind that if any of you were to steal my money without delivering on my job, you would be swiftly tracked and executed," she adds, cooly. "Forgive me if I'm being direct."

"You may have one hundred up front. I cannot guarantee I can trace these slippers. In any event, it will take one day. Come back this time tomorrow. Do you have lodging?"

"Likewise, while I will send word to the coastal guard and an initial scouting ship to Uskarn, it will take another day until we have the diver ready to depart."

Qivys watches the exchange but says little, deeming it better to allow the others sort out the details and vent a little. 

Gerrard:

Gerrard waits for Peri’s response for the disposition of his slippers.  He has questions to ask and suggestions to make, but this is Master Fenwader’s call to make for the moment.

With a nod from Thornwell, her servant produces a delicate black coin purse and hands it to Gerrard. 

"100 platinum," confirms Thornwell. "You have a job. Keep my name out of it. Come back tomorrow and tell me what you have learned. I will take care of the sea coast defense and look into these slippers, if you'll surrender them. If you won't, I suggest removing and storing them."

Qivys with a puzzled look asks:
"We have a day ta solve a set of murders that you an' the entire people of this city have not been able ta solve for months, as I am led ta believe an' hung a scapegoat fer it ta bring calm and' ya want us not ta say we're lookin' inta it fer ya?" he shockingly asks. 
"Are there any other constraints ya wish ta place on us before we get started?" he asks, sarcasm creeping into his voice.

Gerrard:

Bowing, Gerrard says, "Merrik's ship is bound back to Uskarn at noon tomorrow, with or without us on it--perhaps he might be useful for communicating a message to the council as it seems we will be staying for at least one more day.  We could also use a writ or some other local symbol of authority that would give us access to sensitive areas for our investigations--though that may be difficult if you wish to remain unnamed in the process.  I know we will want to start with Hopene’er Asylum where Jarme was held, and perhaps the District Garrison, where the constable who spoke with him is headquartered, if that helps with your choice of emblem of authority."

"And a reasonable accommodation for this evening would be most appreciated, as well as mortuary services for our recently departed priest...You are most kind," adds Gerrard, concluding, "I certainly would like to join the foray to the Tammaraut as well once we return tomorrow."

Thwack 

Fidgeting whilst the tall folk settle the plans, Thwack's ears prick up at Qivys' deep grumble. "Where was goat? Thwack only see, and smell" his nostrils flare at the thought before he continues with his question "fish and gunk. Me no see hanging goat." As if on cue his stomach rumbles loud enough to to echo through the parlour. "Sorry. I hungry. "

"You may take as long as you need," replies Thornwell coolly to Qivys. "But I don't give out a hundred platinum without conditions. I expect daily updates, at least to start. I will also update you if I learn anything about those slippers, should you entrust me with them."

"It's best if I do not write any letters of authority to provide you access," she adds to Gerrard. "Until and unless we know more about who we are dealing with, it's best if I keep my part quiet. But I don't think Hopene’er Asylum will give you too much pushback. Dr. Trantor runs the show, and she is reasonable, if a bit shortstaffed. As to the District Garrison, it's probably best not to state your business outright. They believe that the case to be solved, and would not appreciate you trying to reopen it."

"And I will know more about the diving mission in the morning. Again, come see me then."

"I do not have rooms here, but I may recommend the Steaming Hog I suppose. It's close by. Watch your belongings there, of course."

She turns to Thwack. "And they have good goat, I'm told." She smiles at him.

She concludes, "As to the deceased, leave her with me, and I will deliver her remains to the appropriate temple. Procan is it?" 

Peri: 

Peri removes the ugly slippers and hands them over. He puts on the fancy captain's boots and nods to Gerrard to indicate that he's satisfied. 

Gerrard:

Bowing, Gerrard says, "Thank you for your indulgence, Councilor.  We should get to work."  Looking to the others, Gerrard hands the purse without comment to Peri and suggests, "Shall we get started?"

Notes:

(Blue Boil Zombies at the Tammaraut)     

(Refrum priest of Procan concerted about Jarme scapegoated for Lantern killings...possible cult behind the scenes) 

(Councilor Thornwell daily reports at Thornwell Tower)

(Rooms at the Steaming Hog)

(Doctor Trantor at Hopene’er Asylum)

(Constable Jute at the District Garrison)

Qivys nods but says nothing. 

"You wanted to know our names," Boko says after a time of listening and watching. "I am Boko Alcor, a druid. What kind of primordial horrors did you mention? There was something else back in... well, it may be related."