Alruna spoke the following words to her gathered friends:

"Some moons ago, Barrett and I met in Freeport. There was a feast in one of the taverns of that city, and the mood was merry. Understand that this was before I became a good friend of Jicks'. I heard many tales that night and drank from the cellar of the good tavern keeper. Before I knew it, I was taking a quiet stroll with Barrett in the gardens of Marr."
"I remember that his arm around my waist was strong and that his eyes were kind and intense. My mind was wandering as it often does, and it was filled of tales of heroic deeds that day. Such tales always bring back memories from the days when my father, Alkiran Moongazer, was a hero himself. Alas, those tales are as sad as they are glorious."

"I... started to speak of my father's deeds to Barrett... He listened to me intently. I told him of my father's adventures with his companions, and how many of them met their end against the Wight-Lord. Grumli's father was among those who fell before that vile Lord's onslaught."

Alruna and Grumli shared a long look, filled with painful memories, and Grumli at last averted his eyes and lowered his head in grief.

"Needless to say, my words brought gloom upon the otherwise romantic moment. Though the magic of the evening had been broken by my clumsy tongue, Barrett showed much kindness toward me, and seemed genuinely concerned for my grief and my father's."

"For some weeks, then, I heard nothing about Barrett. I had to leave Freeport on some business for the Council, and I guessed he did the same. I must admit that recently, my life has been filled with my love for Jicks and the deeds that I must do, to help the heroes of Norrath in their fight against evil. I've traveled many leagues to heal the wounded and the sick. Today I spent in peace with you, my friends. I was secretly thinking that Barrett would come here and share my joy. But... I surely... Did not expect him to make such a tragic appearance."

Tears appeared on the corner of her eyes, and Alruna stopped a moment to compose herself.

"I sensed that what we beheld today was not Barrett himself... But... A projection... He is, however, in great danger. I do not know the meaning of the words he uttered. He spoke of a key, and a prison. We must learn more."

"My friend Farynd O'Tempus, a Shaman of Halas, has told me that some of his kindred specialize in visions and their interpretation. They are called Rune Casters, and use bones, among other things, to make their readings."

"We shall go gather some bones at the ruins in the hills near Qeynos. This is near the place where my father's band of adventurers met their tragic end; though my father himself lived. I fear this place will have strong powers for omens, since Grumli and I, the offspring of the heroes that went there some decades ago, are present."

So they went to the ruins and battled some undead. The heroes were mighty and well-armed, and so they easily destroyed all opposition. Once they had gathered enough bones, Alruna asked Rhyannia to guide the rest of the group to Halas to meet the rune-caster. Go seek a man called Waldamir, who often hangs out at Dok's Cigars. He is related to our Farynd and will lead you to the Rune Caster.

"But why do you not come with us?" asked Rhyannia
"The young girl's appearance troubles me. She appears to be Barrett's sister. I must try to find her," replied Alruna.
Jicks, who had been inspecting the ground near the entrance of Surefall Glade, returned at his wife's side. "Love," he said, "I believe I've located her tracks. They head toward Qeynos."
Alruna nodded, pondering the events to come. "Very well... I shall go into Qeynos with my beloved in hopes of finding Barrett's sister. Rhyannia, please bring the others to Halas and seek the help of the Rune Caster."

And so it was that the friends parted, for a time.