Rogue Spies while Bard is Wise

Khal is saved from the increasingly awkward conversation with Nethalia by Saolind. She squirrels him away and introduces him to her somewhat ordinary sister Virien. Belying her plain appearance, Khal soon learns that she has an adventurous spirit and looks forward to spicing up a rather dull event.

Wanting to remained focused on acquiring information, Khal excuses himself to the bathroom and begins to observe the more interesting attendees' conversations by way of lip reading. He first peers in on Hito and a member of his own Restless Hand who the Alderman is evidently friendly with. He discovers that Hito is concerned about an upcoming parade for Baron Imoldo becoming a springboard for a coup of the existing monarch. While most residents despise the Baron, he is in favor with the merchants who benefit from his tactics to keep import prices high. A prior coup of King Thorerd was aided by the merchants. Khal's participation in the conversation is ended when they realize what he's up to.

He moves towards Saolind and sees that she and Virien are talking with a well dressed guard. He turns out to be her uncle Galol -- the one who arranged for her recent release from prison.

Khal then approached Alejandro to bail him out of his discussion with Nethalia. Fortunately the other two sisters walked up as well and the conversation remained light. They went for a tour of the mansion and end up in Hito's masonry workshop. Suddenly, the door bursts open, and a disheveled Etiwin rushes in, barring the door behind him. He is Saolind's brother, sponsored Mouse on his initiation to the Restless Hand, and had helped deliver a potion to Alderman Hito on a prior adventure with Ale. He announces that the Queen's guard are after him because they believe that he has the Amulet of Knoss which he denies. Etiwin suggests a plan to ambush the guards and Khal is all for it, arranging a strategy to surprise them. Alejandro, showing wisdom beyond his years, dissuades his friend from such folly and suggests to Etiwin that he run through the courtyard and exit the mansion through the kitchen which he promptly does. The pair and the sisters then rejoin the party and blend in before the guards force their way through the door.