The Land of Grimney - The Illustrated Adventures of Cora Pearl, aged 12

Help! Help! Captain Rosamund! Someone please come and help.

*Rosedrop looks panicked.*

Snatched from my bar in broad daylight! A princess no less! Just gone.... Somebody please....

*Captain Otto Longran steps out of his office*.

Calm down lass. What's this all about?

That beautiful mermaid... you know the one who has been having an affair with a knight. She came in, she always comes in this time of week to have a glass of wine while Shevron Crow makes up her hair potions.

*She sniffs back a sob*

She was just in the corner talking to a gentleman about her hair, he seemed so respectable and normal... Bland you know? Well he asks for a bottle of wine and then well they've gone... and someone saw him dragging her away. There was a carriage that went past very fast, much faster than it should have.... I think she was kidnapped.

*She wails*

This has never happened at the Trumpet before, it isn't the Blue Dragon!

I see. Philomena Aguitaine? I've seen her on the streets of Toraz..... Well we could take a statement, but that would waste time. She was around when there was last trouble in a tavern. We're still investigating that murder at the Blue Dragon....

*He strokes his moustache*.

Which direction did they head out in? Can you remember anything else? Sounds like a wealthy man, that's if he could afford a horse and carriage, not an ordinary citizen. Colour of the horses? Look of the carriage? What can you tell me? Did the man have an accent? Bland maybe, but what exactly did he look like?

*He helps the young lady to a seat*.

Now think about all I've asked, and try to be calm. You're safe here with us.

He was dressed smartly, like a salesman. He was asking her about her hair, I thought he must be trying to sell her beauty products. They were smiling, joking. He was average height, brown hair, about forty... The carriage was glossy and black, very expensive...pulled by chestnut horses.

*She shakes her head*

That's all I know!

Chestnut horses, unusual. Glossy carriages are not seen much around Toraz either, so he maybe from outside of town. Doubt it's a kidnap and ransom, not sounding like a mercenary or the type in need of the tobran.

*He strokes his moustache*.

Four wheeled carriages are heavy and leave tracks that can be followed. And if it was glossy and clean I doubt it travelled far given our environment.

*Otto smiles and pats the young girl on the back*.

You can sleep here if you like, there's a comfy bed in the back. At first light, I'll gather the men and take my best scout with me. If she's out there, we'll find her. So don't you worry lass.

Thank you but I must get back to the tavern.

*She manages a small smile*

I do hope you find her.

Would you like me to escort you?

*He nods and smiles*.

Rest assured lass, we will find her.

Yes please, that is very kind of you. I will feel a little safer if you were there.