Wherein the troupe saves a lady in distress and becomes embroiled in something larger.

The trio are engaged in duties around the Garmsdale Manor when Lord Bard arrives home. He seems somewhat disturbed, but is unable or unwilling to share.
He asks that the Nephews carry a message to Wayland, place it in the hands of the Lady Mirabel duMeleken, aid her in any way she might require and then return.
Obeying, Darwish, Drake and Drystan ride out immediately, headed for an overnight stop at the Green Dragon.
After an evening of leisure the party heads out early, carrying a second message to Wayland, this one to the innkeeper at the Pig and Whistle Inn. Midday, and contemplating stopping in Broadwell for the day, Drake notes the fine weather might not last and the troupe agrees to a long day and a late arrival at Mosstone.
Pressing on into the early evening, a rest stop two leagues north of the holding is interrupted by the sounds of battle.
The troupe spies a woman defended by guards, hard pressed by men in nondescript clothing. Even as they observe another of the guards falls. They intervene, routing the attackers with arrows but not before the last of the guards fall. One escapes.
While Darwish tends to the woman, Drake fetches the horses and Drystan examines the attackers. The woman is alive but hurt badly. Three of four guards survive; two only barely. The third survivor is recognized from Hartwood: Rannen, a common caravan guard and mercenary from the Hartwood area. The marauders seemed intent on stealing a satchel borne by the woman.
A surprise is waiting when they examine the attackers: they bear tokens identifying them as Mosstone Verderers: agents of the Baron Tulath Kaphin!