"Point the way? Of course! In fact, I will be happy to serve as your guide to our fair city. Follow me."
As you walk, he cheerfully points out different features of the town and remarks how nice it will be to get inside and out of the weather.
The Andares mansion stands at the edge of a beautiful green and has a facade dominated by fine marble pillars. The manor is tall and as imposing.
You can identify the architecture as old Chelish but that the many columns are a recent, largely ornamental addition.
"Here we are!"
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"This is a nice town, friend. Thank you for sharing it with us." Ēoswulf pauses. "Tell me, do you known of anyone who thinks the town is not so nice? Is anyone unhappy with the state of things here; particularly with the mayor here?"
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"Well, these days any town has enemies, but nothing specific comes to mind. I keep trying to hire more guards, but the Mayor really isn't giving me his full support there."
"Andares has generally remained popular in Sauerton. His winery employs much of the town directly or indirectly, and it is rare for any public figure to suggest Andares might be responsible for any problems."
"On the other hand, a few less popular individuals around Sauerton say that the Andares family is rotten, and that anyone who makes trouble for Tercio or his kin is quickly and quietly encouraged to leave town."
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Ēoswulf needles the man a bit more, "Yes, but what do you think? Are they rotten? Have you witnessed people being run off? Do have any ideas why he might not give you the funds for more guards?"
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"Who can say for sure. He must have his reasons, but I will keep presenting my arguments, and I expect to eventually win him over."
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Ēoswulf looks at the guard for a moment before deciding to leave him alone. "Let's go meet the mayor."
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"I'll be near by. Here we are..." he motions to the front door.
A thin, hook-nosed woman with graying brown hair held in a tight bun—answers the door. She politely but firmly insists that the master of the house is not to be disturbed; in fact, Tercio Andares is meeting with fellow consul Sander Bryton and wishes to prevent any member of the public from snooping around the kidnapping case.
Merton Demrick willingly vouches for you and ensures that your visit is suitably important to demand Tercio’s time, which persuades her to admit you.
She leads you into the parlor to wait for the gentlemen.
"I didn't see it, but the nose knows, you know what I mean? Sure, I know what happened - it was those Kyonin elves! Thy must have crossed the border and abducted Thalia to sacrifice to their forest gods!" She seems utterly convinced, but then a moment later, she says, "Of course, it could have been a Chelish spy stole her away and has hidden her body in one of the wine casks. That is certainly what happened."
She goes on to say "A few unpopular individuals around Sauerton say that the Andares family is rotten, and that anyone who makes trouble for Tercio or his kin is quickly and quietly encouraged to leave town. But don't believe such rumors! Master Tercio is a kind and popular elected official. It's just the way things are done 'round here is all!"
Captain Demrick chimes in, sharing that the mayor has received a huge surge in popularity recently, turning what was going to be a rough election into what looks to be a landslide. His rivals in the People’s Council had been criticizing his failure to keep the countryside and town’s perimeter safe from wildlife dangers coming out from the Verduran Forest, but nobody is willing to entertain their criticism of a man whose daughter is missing. “It’s funny. Anytime things seem to go badly for an Andares, there always seems to be a silver lining or convenient turn of events.”
At Ēoswulf's question, Demrick simply smiles.
Tercio Andares—a tall Taldan man who has aged gracefully with curly, graying black hair—opens the drawing room door for Sander Bryton, saying, “I thank you again for your concern, cousin Sander, but the services of the Eagle Knights are not called for here. Surely you would not risk Thalia’s safety in such a bold manner.” He pauses upon noticing you, greets Demrick briefly, and with a hint of quickly suppressed exasperation says to the rest of you, "And you are?"
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Ēoswulf hands over the letter of introduction. "We are Pathfinders, and we are here to offer our aid."
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When he reads the letter of introduction from Venture-Captain Brackett, Tercio Andares say "Ok, then, well - Welcome Pathfinders. It is, of course, much appreciated that you offer your help, but I must, unfortunately, decline. It is for my Thalia's own safety! I received a letter threatening Thalia’s life should I help investigators. I believe the claims in this letter, and so I cannot help you. "
You notice covert messages being passed between Bryton and Andares: Bryton is nonverbally ensuring that Andares is all right with the unusual visitors and Andares is assuring Bryton that there’s nothing to worry about.
You have a hunch that Andares knows more than he lets on, although you don't sense any actual lies.
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Ēoswulf gives Andares a penetrating look and let's the man's answer linger in the air for a moment. "Perhaps we need not let them know that you have given us any direction."
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Andares shakes his head. "The risk is too great. I cannot help you."
For additional information on Sander Bryton, roll either Diplomacy (gather info) or Knowledge, local, and open the spoiler(s) appropriate to your roll.
"Do as you must. But do not endanger my family."
It appears that you have been dismissed.
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"We have a tip about a burned out pre-revolution building. Do you know where that might be?"
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As you are walked out, Sander does note Hinkle's comment and walks out with you. "You sound like you have something to discuss? Or do we truly have a mutual friend?"
Meanwhile, Demrick chats with Eoswulf. "Burned out pre-revolution building? Perhaps you refer to a local vineyard’s villa I know that was burned down in a then-famous fire back about the time of the People’s Revolt?"
Based on your description and his nodding, it seems likely to fit the description given by Wystorn Telfyr.
"Of course." And he does.
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"Well it is no secret that Major Colson Maldris works with the Pathfinders and he took an interest in our mission here to help the Mayor. I'll admit it is a bit perplexing that he would turn down aid from both of us I feel that it might be impossible for us to complete one of our goals here." Hinkle tells the eagle knight. "Now we will find this missing girl without the Mayors help which I believe is something you have an interest in. Perhaps you could help us in what we need when we are successful with our rescue."
"What aid is it that you seek?"
Dorabeth (the housekeeper) takes you aside and informs you that she is terribly worried about Thalia and offers to provide whatever aid she can to help. "Thalia, unlike her father, has always been very excited about books such as those attributed to Lady Liberty. In fact, I recall seeing a fellow with a Galtan accent purchase just such a book in town."
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