Location 26 – The Estates

You walk the clean streets of the noble quarter on the opposite side of the bridge. Although still overpopulated, these are less crowded streets than you are used to in Old Town. People here nod slightly with closed eyes when they see your marks. Several bow. The buildings are remarkably well kept. No cracks travel the walls, no broken windows. The faces are less gaunt, and a range of colors fill your view instead of the wash of brown you would expect on the northern side of the river.

Eventually you reach a dark metal gate, and upon bearing your marks you gain admittance, passing through a spacious courtyard into a central hall with a large granite table. Several men gather around the table chattering in concern. They look up as you enter.

"Lord Rhiner," a guard announces, "The Free Company."

A heavyset Lord Rhiner smiles. "Good, good, the Heroes of Bastone. Come, we were just discussing the expedition. As you know a few days ago one of my work crews was slain in the Deepwood. Not one logger came back alive. This was an awful blow, the city needed that wood. I am one of the few with writ to log the Deepwood, and have been charged with a sacred task to see the city does not lose its supply. I must send another group tomorrow to prove to the king that the supply is open." Lord Rhiner straightens up from the table. "I need you to protect this run. One day, in and out and the rate is fair. Will you accept the contract?"