Murder, Mystery and missing children

This morning, when I came to start my shift at Ta’alaq, there were no guests. That’s never happened before on my watch. At least Steam is settling in well as our new worker. After some time, we heard heavy footsteps approaching. We were told we had killed two small families! Apparently, we were seen near the crime scene yesterday, when we fled from the Market of Melodies. Golden Light – yes, the Golden Light – gave us three days to prove our innocence.
 
We decided to visit the crime scene and look for clues. There we met the other group from the Market, the ones we had to leave behind. I was truly glad they all survived, but unfortunately, they were tasked with investigating us. We met some of them – Nehria Briel, a half-elf bard who thinks he’s a hero. As if you can just decide to be a hero. And why would you want that? Too much pressure for me. And a young halfling named Cravien.
 
What we found there troubled me a lot. The men of the families had died from muscle wasting, like all their strength had been stolen. The children were kidnapped. Oro was clearly upset when he heard this. Steam and I found with the help of Frederick strange sand – thousands of years old, from before the Cataclysm. The trail led to strange symbols on the ground, apparently connected to one of the cursed pillars at the edge of the city. Oro tried to teleport through the symbols but could only open a portal for Aurelie. She returned after a few seconds and described a stone hall with four stone guards. She also heard, in a strange language, a deep voice speaking about building a new kingdom. I suspect this voice belonged to the lost prince from the Blind Storyteller’s tale, and the language was from the Allaena. If I’m right, he will kidnap more children – and he has dark powers with him. The children were four or five years old. I keep wondering why that age in particular.
 
And now, the part I truly dislike. The strength-draining thing seemed to disturb Oro – maybe he knows these creatures. I, on the other hand, recognized the weapons used on the women: soul-knife-like tools that take the soul and either bind it somewhere, or worse, devour it. If the same creature did both things, that’s disastrous. I never thought I’d face soul knives again so soon. Our armies use them, and I know exactly why they do. That’s why I never wanted to wield one. Steam asked if I’d ever used such a weapon. I was able to truthfully say no… but I’ve had enough contact with them already. One more question remains: why were only the women’s souls stolen?
 
We were lucky that Steam’s uncle knows so much about stones. Thanks to him, we learned a lot – I should talk to him more, maybe earn some bonus points with Master Seji. Steam’s aunt is wonderful too. She has so many plants and even a rooftop garden full of grass and flowers. I touched some of them. While I admired the flowers, Steam and Oro explored what was left of the Market of Melodies, but they found nothing. Alizée went to her family. I don’t understand why we couldn’t come. She’s treated with respect everywhere, even called by the name Tamasha, first daughter – probably because she’s so arrogant, and people go along with it.
 
Oh, and I almost forgot! Alizée woke up today with a small ice dragon. I hope it becomes friends with Te’sarim. I’m also trying to get on her good side for that. Her beds are incredible – she makes her own mattresses, and they feel like warm clouds wrapping around you. I felt warm inside again; it’s been a long time since I felt that. Her workshop is huge, but we weren’t allowed to look inside.
 
Anyway, we stayed with Steam’s family overnight. I really need the sleep – last night was short. Tomorrow Alizée wants to go to the library. I know, knowledge is power, and books can help. But this is about kidnapped children! We should head for that cursed stone right now and save them. They’ve suffered enough.
 
Note: I made a deal with Aurelie. She gave me one gold to ride a dragonfly. In return, I must spend at least one gold in her shop once I have the money.