Mr. Drell's story is not new, and even to the so-called well-traveled Outlanders, it could be said to be somewhat cliché.
The tale involves the ocean, strange statues, greedy hearts, and a curse; it was probably very suitable as writing material for Miss Luisa.
The origin of the incident dates back to a year ago, in the spring of the Common Era Calendar year 1852.
As a cargo dispatcher in the Dock Area, Mr. Drell routinely checked confiscated contraband and, very responsibly, took the smaller valuable items home for safekeeping. This was considered an unspoken source of income for the position, and as long as it wasn't discovered, there was no problem.
In a pile of messy boxes, Mr. Drell found a collection of small stone statues. They were about as thick as an adult man's arm and as long as a forearm. The statue depicted a mermaid with her head thrown back.
