Spring, 1224

The magi reach the covenant of Nocte Flamma without further incident. As reported by the Redcap Sachsenross it is empty of occupants, and except for a couple of splashes of blood, there is no sign of any violence. Even the Aegis of the Hearth is still functioning, though it is only about third magnitude. The kitchen is prepared ready for breakfast, but the food has gone stale in the weeks that have passed since it was prepared.

There are books in the library, and the Quaesitor Columbanus gives permission for the sanctums of the resident magi to be entered. Apart from a cleaned area of floor in the library, and some discarded suits of mail outside, there is nothing unusual other than the fact that the magi and covenfolk have vanished.

Investigating the local village, Umbriel and Drogo find out from the priest that no activity has been seen up at the covenant for the last few weeks. Several of the villagers had kinfolk working there, but have been too afraid to go up and investigate. The last activity was that some Gilbertine Nuns left the place with a number of carts, heading in the direction of the convent at Bullington.

Close examination of the (quite precise) covenant records by Vladimir shows that the last entries in the seneschal's records reported a greater than normal consumption of food that evening, suggesting that they had visitors.

Columbanus traces the few definite arcane connections they can identify to bodies seemingly buried in coffins.

Corva ex Bjornaer from Voluntas covenant turns up, also here to investigate Nocte Flamma, having heard the news from the Redcap a bit later than Cruentis Petram. She is able to determine that the arcane connections are to the two Flambeau and some coven folk.

With the help of the covenant's two Criamon, they are able to move the books and other unusual materials back to Cruentis Petram (for safe keeping, until it is decided what to do with it), and locate the bodies of the Flambeau in the graveyard of the Priory at Bullington.