Madrin was thankful, Chaliceton Soldiers log there patrol routes at the end of their shift. It seems that all three dead guards were patrolling the northeastern sector of the warehouse district on the night of their deaths. However, their bodies were all found in different parts of the slums. Well at least the assassin was smart enough not to leave the victims where they died. This proves that the killer doesn't know standard procedure for the guard though. That means that it was all related to the area instead of a calculated vendetta. That narrows it down to about twenty individually owned warehouses not to mention the ten empty ones, at least that's what the official records say.

In order to solve problems he often needs to ignore what he is told and goes with his instincts. The guard captain decided to have two guards on every patrol in the city so that the attacker would think it over before trying to up the body count. Madrin saw it as an opportunity for a baited trap. He couldn't ask for a better partner in his shiny fullplate armor buffed to a mirror finish and his flowing blond hair halfway down his back, meticulously combed and cleaned to the point that it almost glowed in the moonlight. He is actually a decent guy, just a bit vain. They have sparred in practice numerous times, so trust him when he says this guy knows how to use his sword and shield effectively. Madrin did warn him to keep his shield slung on his back for a extra precaution. He must thank the gods for small favors because, Sir Shine is the type that believes once we shed blood together trust is certain. They fought off several pirate raids on their sailing voyage from Eiler.

Madrin had worked out a plan that involved Sir Shine pretending to argue with him at length while they are patrolling the northeastern warehouse district. When they get within a quarter of a mile of the place Madrin was attacked, he would storm off and begin to shadow Sir Shine so that he can catch the assassin in the act and follow them to their hideout. Then Madrin will settle the matter permanently.

Stage one went off seamlessly he was glad his mother didn't limit her skill set to weapons. By the gods, their good Madrin didn't even notice them take action until Sir Shine went down. Good he's okay that's the hand sign for all clear they agreed on. He will admit this person knows how to minimize their presence even when running full speed. However, Madrin was a well condition distance runner with a skill for tracking. He chased this lousy bastard for a good mile all around the warehouse district. Madrin never wanted to know this area so well but, getting lost is no longer a problem. The fool ended up entering the very structure that was nearly his grave marker.

At least the killer keeps his illegal goods well maintained. The stacks of wooden boxes are sealed and neatly arranged. However, the merchandise only filled a small area. Finally Madrin found the assassin in his den he wields a brace of long knives in addition to that cursed crossbow. The fool only got the chance to shoot him once before he had closed the distance between them. Madrin's sword was buried in his gut, then raised thru the joint between his shoulder blade and neck. As the blood began to pool his rage subsided, and the fog began to part in his mind. The crossbow bolt had buried itself about three inches from Madrin's heart and it pained him greatly. Lucky for him the shipping manifest on the killers table indicated his business dealings. It seems that the guard and the dock master have a lot of work to do. However, Madrin should go to see a healer soon or he might die anyway for being stubborn.