With Farmer Grump in tow, Li Kao and Xer finally enter Sandpoint just as the sun ducks below the horizon.  They are quickly met by a town guardsman.  The willowy young lad sports a black eye and grumbles incessently about having to work a double shift as he escorts the three to the town's garrison.  The building is a low stone fort - probably the first structure built here back when this was all wild frontier about 30 - 40 years ago.

Inside the building they meet Sherrif Belor Hemlock.  He is an imposing Shoanti man but at the momment seems haggard and tired.  He listens to Li Kao's greeting politely, but as Farmer Grump relates his tale, the Sheriff grows stern and thoughtful.  "This is grave news indeed.  Normally I'd be inclined to think old Grump here has been deep into his homebrewed dandelion wine again."  He cuts off  Grump's objection with a wave of his hand.  "But based on what's happened today, well, I think we've got a serious problem."

"Your friend Sasha is staying at the Rusty Dragon"  Hemlock says to Xer and gives her directions to the tavern.  "When you see her, tell her I need to meet with her and the others at first light tomorrow.  And tell her to get some sleep.  She's had a ...trying day, and I expect tomorrow will be worse."

"And to your questions about ancient Thassilon," he says to Li Kao, "yes, the Old Light dates back to that ancient empire.  It a gigantic ruined light house on the coast in the north end of town.  It's the reason the town was built here actually.  You should talk to Brodert Quint about it though, he's made studying the thing his life's work.  Actually, he usually works late into the night, I'm sure he wouldn't mind a visit from another scholar, even at this hour."

The two leave the exhausted Grump with Hemlock and head seperate ways, agreeing to meet at the Rusty Dragon.

Li Kao follows Hemlock's directions to Brodert Quints abode, the last building  on Tower street, so named for the fact that it dead ends at the ruined light house.  Quint's home is actually a straw and log cottage built around some of the ruins themselves.  Li Kao straightens his sari and knocks on the rickety door.  After a momment the door opens, light and pipe smoke issuing forth.  A balding old mn peers out from withing.  "Eh? what?"

"Er, greetings!  Are you the famed scholar Brodert Quint?"  Li Kao askes, smiling.

"Who wants to know?"

"It is I, Li Kao, fellow scholar, who seeks your enlightened wisdom this fair evening."

"Well, go read my book."  Quint makes to slam the door, but Li Kao inserts his foot and continues on.  "Actually I was hoping for an interview.  I seek to solve a puzzle, involving seven pointed stars and ancient Thassilon."  The monk raises his wine gourd and sloshes it from side to side.  "Surely some enlightened discourse isn't asking too much, hmm?"

Quint eyes the wine.  "Oh, fine, come on in."

* * *

Xer makes her way to the shops of the town, and is struck by the hushed, nearly deserted streets.  Hemlock didn't mention a curfew, but it looks as though something has got the folk here spooked, and most have shut themselves inside now that the sun has gone down.  Xer eventually finds "Savah's Armory," just before it closes for the evening.

Savah is a pleasant enough woman whose arms show several old scars that Xer recognizes quickly as knife wounds.  At Xer's request she shows her several servicalbe leather slingshots and a bag of twenty rounded stones.  She looks at Xer appraisingly and says, "you can have these for 2 silvers.  I just keep them around because they sell well with the kids.  I do have something you might be more interested in though."  She reaches under the counter and produces a package wrapped in velvet.  When unwrapped, it reveals a dozen finely made throwing stars, similar to what Xer used to practice with back at the monestary.  "I traded these with a merchant from Tien Xing awhile back.  They are of the highest quality.  You can have all twelve for 85 gold." 

After concluding her business at Savah's, Xer heads to the Rusty Dragon.  The place is aptly named - a large iron ( and quite rusty) dragon sculpture is purch on the large inn's roof.  She enters the main floor tavern and is greeted by warmth and music.  A woman sings a ballad by the fire at the back of the room.  Xer stops at the bar to let her eyes adjust and hears a familiar voice shout her name.  She looks up to see Sasha rise from a crowded table and stride towards her, a huge grin on her face...