Rellek enters the house to find Mardrick helping Dardus out of his restraints. His face is bloodied, and while he has clearly seen better days, he doesn't appear to have suffered any permanent damage.
"Mardrick, by the gods, I never thought I'd see you again." He grasps Mardrick's shoulder while trying to stand up. "I have much to tell you, much of it bad, I'm afraid."
He eyes Rellek. "And you! You found him. Gods bless you. Did I hear your compatriots fighting outside? Come, let's get out of this house - after the treatment I received here over the last day, it doesn't feel quite as inviting as it used to."
Mardrick, Dardus, and Rellek emerge from the house to join the rest of the party, which has surrounded the now unconscious mage.
"So is he dead, then?" Dardus asks. A bit of unconscious tossing and turning on the part of the mage answers his question. "Treacherous bastard."
Mardrick turns to face Dardus, a sense of urgency on his face. "Dardus, where is Elloen? I thought I heard her shout out during the battle. Did you see her?"
"I cannot say, friend," Dardus answers. "The last time I saw her was before I got knocked out by this one's cronies," he says, indicating the mage on the ground. "Perhaps your rescuers can convince him to talk, eh?" He steps over to the tied-up mage and gives him a swift kick, waking him. Dardus loses his balance, and joins the mage on the ground, wincing and grabbing his side.
"Take it easy, old friend," Mardrick says, pulling Dardus away from the mage. "You're in no condition for an interrogation. Let's leave this to our new friends, shall we?"
[sblock=Skill challenge!]
Find out what you can.
Some obvious (potentially) relevant skills - Diplomacy, Insight, Intimidate, Arcana, Bluff, Perception...
[/sblock]
[sblock=Karis]
You find a ceremonial dagger tucked inside the mage's robe. While clearly not intended for battle, you can't help but appreciate the woodwork on the hilt. Depicted there in minute detail is a human(?) sacrifice. You also find a purse with some gold in it (25gp).
[/sblock]