Oh yeah, sure. Heard ya the f-f-first time.

Wha?

Do I know an anonymous writer? No comment.

Here's what I've heard. I've heard that the guy who writes 'The Common Tongue' is someone named Trels Varis.... Oh. This person is dead? How unfortunate. Then you know more about him than I do.

Here's what I've heard. I've heard that the guy who writes 'The Common Tongue' is someone named Trels Varis.... Oh. This person is dead? How unfortunate. Then you know more about him than I do.

Here's what I've heard. I've heard that the guy who writes 'The Common Tongue' is someone named Trels Varis. Now, this is not a name known to me personally. I make it a habit to know the names of people in Mournhold personally. And this guy I do not know. And other people I talk to also do not know. Which is noteworthy in itself. I make the guess that this guy is well-hid, and wants to stay well-hid. But where do I first hear about this guy? In the Craftsmen's Hall. So maybe that is a one place to look.

I might know something. And when I really like someone, I can go a long way out of my way to help that someone.

I might know something. I find it pays to know things.

We are quite satisfied with your service in this matter.

So Trels Varis is the anonymous writer of 'The Common Tongue'. And Trels Varis is dead? Your solution is simple and elegant. We are very satisfied with your service. You have earned our generous reward, and our most sincere expressions of gratitude. There's one more official matter. Go to Lady Barenziah. She's asked to speak with you.

I give you a 'King's Oath' blade -- exactly like those used by the Royal Guard. Only those sworn to the king's service and tested by great trials may use them. They bear deadly curses that kill thieves and traitors. I salute you, and welcome you into our brotherhood. And there's one last official matter. Go to Lady Barenziah. She's asked to speak with you.

So Trels Varis is the anonymous writer of 'The Common Tongue'. And you threatened the lives of his aged parents. And Trels Varis gave you his word that he would not discuss King Helseth in 'The Common Tongue'. You show fine judgement, and a light touch. We are very satisfied with your service, and are pleased to give you a rich reward, and great honor besides.

We place great trust in your judgement, and we are very satisfied with your service and sentiments. You shall have 3000 gold to cover your expenses, and a rich reward and great honor besides. I give you a 'King's Oath' blade -- exactly like those used by the Royal Guard. Only those sworn to the king's service and tested by great trials may use them. They bear deadly curses that kill thieves and traitors. And there's one last official matter. Go to Lady Barenziah. She's asked to speak with you.

We place great trust in your judgement. We are very satisfied with your service. You shall have your expenses, and a rich reward and great honor besides. I give you a 'King's Oath' blade -- exactly like those used by the Royal Guard. Only those sworn to the king's service and tested by great trials may use them. They bear deadly curses that kill thieves and traitors. I welcome you into our brotherhood. And there's one last official matter. Go to Lady Barenziah. She's asked to speak with you.

Yes. So you give me your word that Trels Varis will keep HIS word? Well. We have placed our trust in your judgement, and I'm sure you will stand guarantee for it. And you shall have your expenses, and rich reward besides. Thank you. There's just one more official matter. Go to Lady Barenziah. She's asked to speak with you.

So. Trels Varis is the anonymous writer of 'The Common Tongue'. And Trels Varis gave you his word that he would not discuss King Helseth in 'The Common Tongue'. And you gave him 3000 gold to contribute to the Widows and Orphans Fund.

Have you found the anonymous writer of 'The Common Tongue' and made sure that he will never print lies about King Helseth again?

Good. Report to me when you've found this anonymous writer and made sure that he will never print lies about King Helseth again.

I take your point. King Helseth IS a skilled alchemist and student of bodily processes. But it won't do to have people referring to our sovereign as a common poisoner, will it?

What do YOU know about it? Do not let our close association confuse you into thinking I will tolerate disrespectful speech concerning our sovereign.

You pretend that this mission is not to your taste -- perhaps to encourage me to raise the value of my rewards. Such pretenses are foolish. I know you will change your mind and accept this mission. And I'll be here waiting.

First we want you to ask around and discover who is writing these lies. Then we want you to find him and persuade him to stop printing lies. The manner of the persuasion is left to your discretion. You WILL be discreet, of course. We don't want to appear to be threatening the time-honored Imperial traditions of encouraging free speech.

We'd like you to find the anonymous writer of 'The Common Tongue' and persuade him to stop printing such lies about King Helseth. When we make official inquiries, people just look stupid and assure us they have no idea what we are talking about. We think you may have better luck -- particularly if you approach less-reputable citizens -- persons who place profit above honor.

This person, this writer, is hiding from you? Right? Then he will keep his name hidden, and so will his friends, and his enemies will not know to tell it to you.

Go on! You expect me to know all the names of people in this city? Be reasonable. And besides, if a person does not want to be known, then you should leave him alone.

This is an interesting problem. You wish to know the name of a writer. And this writer does not wish his name to be known. %Name hopes you are patient and clever to solve this problem. But, alas, %Name cannot offer you assistance in this matter.

Don't know anything about it. It's just one of life's little mysteries, I guess.

Excuse me. Be logical. If this writer is anonymous, he does not want to be known. In respect of his privacy, it would be wrong to tell you his name, even if I knew it.

If I were looking around for an anonymous writer, I'd talk to someone who deals in writing -- books and scrolls, for example. Perhaps a person with a shady reputation -- like a pawnbroker.

Do I look like the sort of person who would reveal the name of a writer who wished to keep his name hidden?

No. I have no idea who the writer of 'The Common Tongue' is. What are you asking me for? Do I look like someone who knows a lot about books and writers? Or like I would know a lot about people who try to keep their identities a secret?

No. I have no idea who the writer of 'The Common Tongue' is. Stands to reason, doesn't it? He's anonymous, right? And I never read 'The Common Tongue', anyway.

No. I'm sorry. I can't help you.

This anonymous writer you are looking for, does he have a name? Ho-ho. I am joking, of course. No, I am sorry. I cannot help you.

I know no anonymous writers. I know this broadsheet thing -- this 'The Common Tongue'. Ask some other.

Don't know anyone named 'Anonymous'.... OH! You mean a guy who writes but doesn't sign his own name. For 'The Common Tongue'? Well, how am I supposed to know who he is if I don't know his real name? Sheesh.

Don't know anyone named 'Anonymous'.... OH! You mean a guy who writes but doesn't sign his own name. For 'The Common Tongue'? Well, how am I supposed to know who he is if I don't know his real name? Sheesh.

[Yggulf the Mute shrugs.]

I have no idea. The writer is probably in Almalexia rather than in Ashamul, isn't he? You should ask my cousin Veros instead of me. I heard he moved to Mournhold.

I have no idea. Never heard of "The Common Tongue". If it's a Mournhold broadsheet, it stands to reason you would have to ask about it in the great city of Almalexia, far south of here.