'You see before you a woman cursed, ${PLAYER}! In the Autumn my husband Pendrad was slain by Orcs while riding near to the Pillars of the Kings astride the Great River. He had requested that the Reeve send him more riders for that sojourn, but Athelward refused. O cruel fate! Even worse what happened then!'

Mildrith turns and gazes at nothing, overcome by sorrow and anger.

'My son Pendulf argued that Athelward was complicit in his father's death. Had the Reeve sent the riders he should have, Pendrad would not have been overcome by the Orcs! My son was correct, but... Athelward is proud, and would not allow this stain on his honour. He challenged my son to a sword-trial to first blood, if he did not recant his words. Pendulf sustained a slight wound, just a cut, really, but the wound festered and not long afterward he was dead.

'The cruelest cut of all: Athelward adopted my daughter Siflád as his ward, saying she would be safer and better cared-for at Cliving than with me and our grief. All I ask of you is this: go to Cliving and keep your eyes open. I want to learn if Siflád is being treated well. I cannot put my suspicions of Athelward to rest.'

Reeve Athelward is in the Mead Hall of Cliving.

Thane Mildrith wants you to ensure that her daughter Siflád is not being mistreated. The first step is to introduce yourself to Athelward.

Objectives

• Talk to Athelward

Siflád is somewhere in Cliving.

Athelward has given you permission to speak to Siflád, his ward.

Objectives

• Talk to Siflád

Cuthred, the captain of the guard, is by a guard tower in Cliving, west of the Mead Hall.

Reeve Athelward wanted you to help the captain of his guard once you had spoken with Siflád.

Objectives

• Talk to Cuthred