"Well, something about Barusi," Claire begins.  "Remember that strange hunchbacked figure we met in Zaneth who knew too much about us?  He told me to go to Barusi to find out more about this broken glaive of Karim's.  He must be right, because even Aaron knew about Kastor the mastersmith, though I don't think he knew the man by name.  But what's more interesting is that Barusi is under Baroness Ilsa's control.  Apparently she assumed that role when Baron Arbek's agents killed her husband.

So I suppose what I'm saying, is that despite the good case Lucius made for his Overseer Titus, it sounds like his master Baron Arbek might be scummier than even our Varnell here.  I was right about one thing at least... politics are are always messy," she sighs.

Vaclav let's out a small laugh. "If there's one thing I've learned about politics it's that every noble lord and lady, no matter how minor,has designs for how they could benefit themselves and only themselves. It's part of being a noble." 

Nos Heliwr will soft-shoe it to the trapdoor and listen for sounds of the prisoners.

Perception. 14

All is quiet in the office around you.  You can hear nothing coming from below the thick, heavy trap door.

Louis and Nos Heliwr are inside the office of the warehouse where the prisoners are being held.  All is quiet and still in and around there.

Meanwhile, Claire and Vaclav make their way back to the Torrent which is mostly quiet but still has a couple of late-night drinkers sat by the fire, talking into their cups.

Yawning, Claire rubs her belly, pleasantly full.  “I‘m tired, but it feels like we should wait up and see that the others get back safely,“ she says to Vaclav.  “Care for a game of cards to pass the time?“ she asks, pulling out her card set.

Vaclav shrugs. "Alright. I don't know any card games though. They weren't allowed to be part of my learning as a child. My father called them wasted time."

Louis will take a peek the trap door to see if anyone is down there. 
perception 18 

The trap door is currently padlocked shut from your side.  Louis can hear muffled sounds of conversation coming from below the trapdoor but it is impossible to make out words.

In a very low whisper Nos Heliwr will say, looking at Louis, I don’t think there is much to learn here, everything’s seemingly on the up-and-up. We might be better served with a good nights sleep.” He montions towards the door and heads out.

Claire laughs and beckons to table near the fire, seating herself and beginning to shuffle the cards.  "Doesn't sound much different from my parents, to be honest.  All the more reason to learn how to play," she snickers, getting ready to deal the cards out.  "So what's your poison?  Gambit of Ord or First to Twenty-One?"

Louis and Nos, content that there are definitely people still trapped under the warehouse, sneak quietly back out, locking the office door behind them.  They take a circuitous route back to the Torrent and slip in to find Claire and Vaclav sitting in a small, secluded booth, supping on a last drink and discussing cards.

The hour is late and you're now the last patrons in the bar.

Vaclav just gives her very confused looks. "I have no idea what any of those words mean. But if you're trying to get money out of me forget it. I don't play games for money." 

Finally, you all retire for the night.  Beds in the Torrent are decent and the night passes seemingly without event.

The morning dawns bright and crisp.  You come down for breakfast a little tardy after your late night and Varnell is already seated, just finishing his up.  He stands and comes over to you as you approach.  "The baron wants to see ya.  Go and report to Nevil once you're fed and watered.  I've got work to do."   With that, he slings on a cloak and is out the door into the town before you have a chance to say much.

OOC: If there was anything you want to say or ask him you can do so as he is leaving the inn.

"Good," Claire murmurs, watching Varnell leave.  "I'd much rather talk to Nevil than Varnell anyway.  Besides, we have a little gossip to recount that we gathered from the taverns last night.  And I'd like to hear how your little expedition went," she adds to Nos and Louis.

Over breakfast, Claire will recount the rumors she heard of Baroness Ilsa and her late husband, who was possibly murdered by Baron Arbek's hand.

OOC:  Having returned from Hillsend successfully, and had a proper night's sleep you can all benefit from a Long Rest and Level up to 3rd level!   Congratulations!

Louis ponders these things but shakes his head. 
“We learnt diddly squat last night. I’m thinkin‘ it’s just a bunch o’ nerves actin’ up for nothin’. Now, I’m remembering: none of this matters. I don’t want to do no wrong by good people, but I’m looking to get out of this place. Not tie myself into it tighter.”

"I hold no particular allegiance to, or fondness for, any of the minor lords of this area. What I would like to hear though, is what happens next. Perhaps it is something we could use to benefit ourselves. If not then we go on our merry way. It rarely hurts to listen." 

"Yes... and if they're offering another bath before we hit the road again, I certainly won't say no," Claire says with a note of faint hope and longing in her voice.

"You absolutely shouldn't turn them away.  They're fantastic.  Not quite the royal treatment we got at the manor house, but it was fantastic nonetheless."

Salazar walks up to the group, looking much better and healthier.  His clothes, a decently tailored grey vest and slacks over a pale blue shirt with a collar are in pristine condition, not a speck of dirt on them.  He looks around at the group.  "Hey folks.  Good to see you all.  Sorry about disappearing.  I... I've been having some issues for the past couple days.  I've gotten better I think.  You all look like crap, though.  How's it been?"