Shortly before lauds this morning, a minor fire broke out in Hearthgate’s merchant quarter. According to Sergeant Willoin of the guard, two bodies – believed to be human – were burned in an “offensive and deliberate way” in the middle of Peetly Row, outside the Sleepy Sorcerer tavern. The fire started as quickly as it ended, with eyewitness testimony describing a bright flash of orange that filled the entire street for but a moment, before subsiding. Although the fire lasted for but a second, numerous items in the area were set ablaze by the initial burst – including the clothing of two victims. Damage to surrounding buildings seems to be minimal, with paint melting off two merchants shingles. The guard notes that a small figure in robes was seen lurking in an alley shortly before the fire, but neither of the victims were clothed in robes. The guard is investigating this as arcane arson.
Diviners believe this may be related to the destruction of the Hobbling Ogre inn two nights ago. That fire saw an entire building instantly engulfed in flames, which banished fourteen souls from this mortal coil. The intense heat from that inferno burned down multiple neighboring buildings and left at least six families homeless. Two witnesses from that night describe an attractive but waifish elfin man throwing a small flame into the common room seconds before the entire structure burst into flames. This unknown elf is currently being sought for questioning.
The Hobbling Ogre was the frequent watering hole of Leif the Naysayer, who was seemingly connected with the rise of the cult of Fillithannavi, which has recently infected the city. This mysterious cult to the dark elfin god of vermin and decay was all but unknown to residents here a fortnight ago. However, according to reports from local parishes, there are already dozens of converts, despite the numerous screeds shouted and written against the goddess by Leif the Naysayer. The Hobbling Ogre was also a frequent resting area for the so-called “adventuring parties” that have begun to infest the city in ever greater numbers since the rediscovery of the entrance to the ancient dwarfin road running under the Perculas Mountains. This recent fire will no doubt increase pressure on the council to ban or license these foreign mercenary troops.