The town of Knightport, visited by merchants from across the realm, boasted many fine taverns and inn. This, alas, was not one of them. The air stank of mildew, and the only patrons were four villainous-looking men at the plank table.And Mazael himself, of course. "Deal," said the leader of the men. He was gaunt, with ragged gray hair, cold black eyes, and a black robe adorned with a gleaming badge of office. Men called him Reccard the Fist, and he presented a public face as one of the Lord of Knightport's customs collectors. He also controlled several gangs of robbers that lurked in the hills outside Knightport, attacking wealthy merchants traveling to and from the town. Reccard read the ships’ manifests, noted the wares of caravans leaving the town…and sent his men to steal the choicer items."Very well," said Mazael, passing cards to the other men. "So," said Reccard. "You are the youngest son of the late Lord Adalon Cravenlock, yes? Your brother Mitor is Lord of Castle Cravenlock?"Mazael smirked.
