Swamped

"Petty grudges," you say to yourself. "Would those be what brought you here?"

"I suppose, in a manner of speaking," he mutters. "Perhaps if not for my predecessor's failures, that damned smith would have been willing to listen. Though I can't say Mortimer's recklessness helped matters any."

Mortimer. Another of the Flames staying here.

"It may already be too late, in any event. I may still bear the Oak Crest, but if no one obeys my orders, what does that matter? A few swords won't change that."

You aren't actually sure why he's talking to you so freely. Does he think you already know this? Does he no longer care?

Or did he actually get a sign from his god?

He suddenly lowers his head, and glances at the bedside table. There's a wooden symbol of some sort hanging by a string.

"Well. Elaine can do what she will to me. All I hope for now is that Jonathan and Mona grow up without having to deal with any of this unpleasant business. Perhaps that is why Brume sent you to me."

And without another word, he lies down again and shuts his eyes. He's still not actually asleep.

Brume, though. That's another name for Nual. Not in common use, but he does seem to be responsible for your presence here. And as best as you can tell, he instructed Leonard to let you have the crest, whatever its importance.

You pick it up. And as soon as you do, you see a strange vision.