The ancient man's brows furrow, and his mouth works, as if trying to say something but nothing comes out. Eventually, in a gravelly voice and speaking very slowly, "The...Academy? Why...yes...I remember such fond times..."
"Horidal," a new voice says, as a younger man, mid thirties perhaps, steps up to the door, hand on the ancient man's face. "It's ok, Horidal. I'll get the door. Why don't you go and set the table for breakfast."
Horidal, as the old man seems to be called, blinks a few times, looking at this newcomer. Again, not with forgetfulness or stupidity. Just as if reacting very, very slowly.
"Yes, milord," he says at last, turning and moving into the house. "Must prepare...for breakfast."
The younger man turns to the group. He is very finely dressed, with short cropped dark hair and an air of authority about him.
"I heard you were from the Academy. So the Headmaster actually sent someone. Please, please, come in. I didn't expect so many of you. I am Araque Hercule. My wife is Kerowyn Hurcule, the one who requested your aid."
You are ushered into the house, which is very finely decorated. It is nice and warm, as well. He takes you to a sitting room.
"I must apologize for Horidal," Araque said. "He was once a great Knight, back in his youth. Graduated top of his class at the Academy. Went on many adventures with my great grandfather, but on their last one, he got hit with a spell that sapped his intelligence to nearly nothing. He never truly recovered. Took him twenty years to start speaking again. By now, he can run the household well enough, if we give him the time. He's not stupid, mind. He's just...slow."
He offers you a drink as you sit. "My wife will be down soon. Then we can talk business."