After getting the plates in, convince the hunters to help. Offer coin if necessary. begin the search for the Iron Hound. Best to know the location beforehand. Return to the palace, eyes open for anyone suspicious
[1] The huntsmen flat out refuse to help in any way, shape or form, even for coin. You learn that they are two of three brothers, and the third died when they foolishly went after a troll themselves. The brothers, Mendelev and Dongalev, inform you that a troll's hide is as tough as steel, their tusks as hard as bronze and their brute strength alone matches what years of training might accomplish in a mere man.
The Iron Hound is about three streets from the central square by the Palace and easy to get directions to. It seems quite popular, though apparently the taverness is away on business and her assistants are running the bar.
Order the Town Watch to search the town for a man armed with a rapier or similar weapon trying to hide his identity, and search suspiscious individuals trying to leave or enter the city for the following few weeks.
Karas[4 vs 2+1] You are stopped upon entering the palace by the guards, who are on the lookout for a crazed murderer. You assure them you are from the palace and say that the head of the king's personal guard, Aveline, can vouch for your presence. They seem uncertain but detain you anyway, without chains. [1 vs 1+1] As you are being led away you notice the king's secretary passing by. You wave to him and ask him to confirm for these guards that 'Lee Blackstar' has an appointment with the king. The secretary affirms this, putting some doubt into the guards' minds. You are charismatic enough to convince them based on this to let you go, and they promise not to hassle you further, Saer Blackstar.
Tiakath[1] Although you easily make it out of town before the guards clamp down on strangers leaving the city, the disappearance of a notable taverner immediately after such events comes to the news of the guard - especially when witnesses saw her buying armour and weaponry in the market.
Richard[2] The guards have little luck finding the man they seek, even as obscure a weapon as a Ralkarian rapier is. Either he has already left town, or he has gone to ground. They report that the proprietor of the Iron Hound has left town the day after the slaughter, having made a purchase of armour and weaponry before her departure. They report another man leaving town the same day, apparently off to hunt a troll, marking him as a potential suspect as well. Mostly this just makes you chuckle.
Invite the Count's daughter to the palace to discuss with the Marshal, once she feels ready. Until then, warn her that anyone trying to marry her may have bad intents.
[6] The count's daughter responds within a few days, very eager to meet the prince. A little too eager, perhaps. You discover by rumour that she is apparently smitten by your reputation and owns several portraits of you. [5] She agrees to hold off any offers to marry and decline male visitors - except, of course, the prince. Should he ever wish to visit. Ahem.
Countess Whitehaven arrives a week later to have dinner with the Prince, wearing a slightly out of fashion but absurdly ornate dress and bringing several foot-slaves to carry her baggage. When you meet her, she has a slight look in her eyes, as if she wants to eat you.