The Lord's Aide provides a task

Dante strolled into the large room, expecting to see the Lord of Neverwinter. Instead, he saw a man, wearing glasses, sitting at a large table. The man had inkstains on his hands and nodded to Dante in greeting. He stood and closed a book and, setting down a quill on the table, approached Dante. He wiped his hand on his shirt and then offered it to Dante. "Good day, I'm James, the Lord's Aide."

Dante nodded and shook hands, gracefully bowing. "As you are probably already aware, I am Dante, a performer and jack of all trades."

James nodded. "Given your reputation, I was hoping you might be able to aid the city in a certain matter. If you do so, of course, you would receive a position in the court." Dante smiled and nodded. "So what task have you in mind for me?"

James sighed. "Well, it involves a certain bandit. He calls himself the 'Bandit King' and he has been hitting merchant caravans and travelers of late, on their ways to and from town. He strikes without warning and at seemingly random times."

Dante nodded. "And you want me to catch him?" James glanced around and then lowered his voice. "Actually, something he took from one of the travelers was of... grave importance... to the Lord of Neverwinter. He would very much like it recovered." Dante smiled. "And what is this... item of importance?"

James said "It is a box... mystical, small and golden. Three rubies are set into each side. It is magically sealed, so we hope that the Bandit King has not yet managed to open it." Dante grinned. "Should be easy enough, I think. So, where can I find this King and what else can you tell me about him?"

James sighed. "Well, our reports indicate he is a large man, about 7 feet tall, and is most likely somewhere in the woods or hills outside of town. Our one agent who managed to make contact with a man from his camp has been slain, but before he was, he did send word that the King enjoys wine and song and has an eye for fine jewelry and busty lasses. The King is also an expert at wielding a pair of blades and is quite surprisingly agile given his size and strength." James shrugged. "Not sure how that will help you, but it might."

Dante smiled, as the beginnings of a plan came to him. "Oh, it has helped immensely. I think perhaps I shall need some bait to lure the King out, so I can follow him back to his lair. Perhaps you can loan me a necklace and some fine bracelets?"

James looked at him curiously. "I didn't think you one for such baubles." Dante laughed. "Oh, my good man, they are not for me to wear." Dante smiled. "Trust me, I have a plan." Dante smiled and was soon given the bracelets and necklace. Now it was time to see if he could gain the cooperation of a certain lass to put his plan into action the next day.