With the latest killing, the city has become paranoid. The city guard 
have stepped up patrols.  Several people, quite likely innocents, have 
been dragged away to the citadel dungeons, perhaps never to return 
alive. Kandar and humans seldom venture outside their own parts of the 
city except in large groups, and no noble or powerful guildsman is seen 
in public without a large and conspicuous armed guard.

When Rotemdol arrives at The Dragon, Ayras Ni hands him a sealed letter.

"It's for you", he says, "I don't know who it's from.  Youngish lad I've 
never clapped eyes on before told me to give it to you".

Rotemdol takes the letter to read in private.  He recognises the 
handwriting.

"I need to speak with you urgently concerning recent events in the 
city", it reads, "In present circumstances it is not safe for me to 
enter Calbeyn.  I request that you travel to meet me at the village of 
Ford, half a days ride south of the city.  It is as close as I dare 
travel. If you are not able to leave at once, I am able to remain here 
for another three days.  Can you send me a letter, to be returned by the 
same had that delivered this".