With the Key-clue pointing towards Lucan and Ceder, decided we had better go find them before Emsariel did. Guardians were able to provide Gate access to Gates under Telperest. Came out to find city guards on watch - for us. Started catching up on local events of past few months when attacked by babao. Guards joined in - on its side. After annoying weapon-melty battle ending in demon using a pre-diagrammed spell to cause earthquake. Some very ugly damage to caves (and us). Captured surviving guards, including impressive chase/gunpoint march of two by Korenn. Questioned - had been fed lies about us, clearly work of Emsariel. Some fiddling around to avoid provoking more attack - Parna off to local Illendi, Korenn took me as "prisoner" to mayor's office - eventually got things sorted out, guards in mayor's custody, companions introduced to mayor. Exchanged information. Source of lies apparently replacement of recently-dead guardsman. Timing of Feheley's visit to area hopefully coincidence.
[Click on image for larger version. It's worth it.]Went out to keep. Given demon activity, thought possibly occupied. Approached through secret tunnel but retreated when taunted by Emsariel-voiced magic mouth. Made camp nearby to consider options.
