Aftermath

Riordan informed me about his talk with Jalynfein, the self proclaimed "Spider Mage", right after I returned from the meeting with Baron Dragonsbane in Bloodstone Village, which was necessary to answer his questions.

"What do you think?" I asked cousin Riordan. "Can we believe him?"

"I'm not sure." was Riordan's response. "He seems to know much about the internals of House Vandree. And if he tells the truth about himself, he not only knows House Vandree's recent surface operations in Neverwinter but also the dealings of the great Houses in Menzoberranzan."

"On the other hand:" Riordan added after a short pause "I doubt that he really tells us the truth about himself. And if he is lying about his own person, why should we believe his information about House Vandree?"

"Good point." I answered, "But this is a pretty normal situation in our business. I mean, name me a spy of renown that tells the truth about himself! Anyway, we cannot trust this old drow mage, but we should try to get as much out of this connection, as we can."

"Agreed." said Riordan, who knows the rules of our business as well as I do. "And indeed, I can confirm every single statement, he made in my last meeting with him."

"Good to have you back here in Waterdeep, Celedon," continued Riordan "how was the meeting with Gareth?"

"Good news and bad news!" I had to respond "My report ..." (I could tell from Riordan's face that he was about to make a remark, so I corrected my wording) "Our detailed report on the ramifications of the change in House Vandree's alliances, especially about Moredryss Vrinn, was convincing. Baron Dragonsbane has approved that we stay here in Waterdeep and continue our mission."

"However, he cut our budget!" I had do add.

"How much did we get for the next quarter? 50%" Riordan asked.

"Nothing! 0%. Nada!" I could not disguise my disappointment. "We have to find another source of funding."