Large squares of parchment flutter quietly in the wind. They are of thick vellum, and posted in all the major cities of Tharel; the same pictures and message stare out at the world from various notice boards and market squares. They all read as follows:
[ W A N T E D ]
Gateo Izzu?ri, last seen seven months ago; Aliel Izzu?ri, seen eight months ago. Should either be sighted or heard from, immediately report their whereabouts to any member of House Izzu?ri or any trusted follower of the Lord Ytrewtsu. They are to be apprehended if possible ? but taken ALIVE. If an attempt to capture them does not succeed, notify the above authorities at once; all information is still considered useful, and as such will be rewarded.
Below the notice are two images, one beside the other. On the left is a man, tall and angular, clad in hunting leathers and wrapped in a wind-tossed cloak. His hair is dark and unruly, and tosses more shadows across the hollows of his somber features. He appears to be in his mid-twenties by human standards, though the grayish cast of his skin suggests that he may well be older. Beneath the picture, there are a few short lines:
Lord Gateo Izzu?ri
Reward: 400,000 gold
The other picture is that of a young woman, slightly shorter and more lithe than her companion, though her hair is likewise dark. It falls smoothly to her shoulders, framing a thin, pale face; she wears an elegant dress, though somewhat uneasily, as if not used to such attire. Resting just above the dress?s hem is the mark of Barbades, strung on a thin chain around her neck. Written just below the picture are the words:
Aliel Izzu?ri, Rha?sion of Barbades
Reward: 300,000 gold
Centered at the bottom of the parchment is a large seal. The image of a stylized dagger, blade downwards, is embedded in the wax. The wax itself is so deep a red that it almost appears black.
