[Four Months Later - Autumn, Coastal Village of Harrow's Bay]
The letter arrived on a grey morning, delivered by a courier in expensive clothing that marked him as someone from Lumeria's merchant district.
Marron was setting up her cart for the morning market when he approached, his boots too fine for the muddy streets of Harrow's Bay.
"Marron Louvel?" he asked, consulting a small notebook.
"That's me."
"I have a letter for you. From Marcus Vell of Lumeria. He requests a reply at your earliest convenience." The courier handed over a sealed envelope—thick paper, expensive wax seal bearing an ornate "V."
Marron took it with flour-dusted hands. "Who is Marcus Vell?"
"A prominent merchant and collector. If that's all, Miss Louvel, I'll be returning to the city." He tipped his hat and left before she could ask more questions.
Aldric appeared from the bakery across the street, carrying the morning's bread delivery. "Who was that?"
