A Deadly Summer Solstice Celebration

By Gorm's beard, what a night this has been. The summer solstice should have been a time of celebration and joy in the Enclave, but instead it became a night of blood and fear that I fear will haunt my dreams for many nights to come.
 
I had put aside my usual patrol duties for once, something I rarely do, to join in the festivities at the Hearth & Hall. The common room was alive with laughter and song, Nora was pouring drinks with her usual good cheer, and even Freya had set aside her worries to celebrate with our people. For a brief moment, all seemed right in our little corner of Neverwinter.
 
Then those damned rats burst through the doors like demons from the Nine Hells.
 
My heart nearly stopped when I saw that bandit's blade aimed at Freya. My sister - wounded, bleeding, targeted by assassins in our own sanctuary. The rage that filled me was unlike anything I've felt since taking my vows to Gorm. I should have been there sooner, should have been watching, should have been protecting her as I've always sworn to do.
 
Thank the gods for our new companions. Fordare's fury with that greatsword was a sight to behold - she carved through a bandit like he was made of parchment. Jilliean's magic turned one of them to ice before he could draw another breath. Josette's arrows found their marks true, and Valtair... well, that warlock certainly knows how to make an impression, leaping onto Nora's bar like some tavern brawler and unleashing eldritch fire.
 
But it was too close. Far too close. That poisoned dagger nearly found its mark, and the purple gem in its hilt... Jilliean says it's magical. This wasn't some random attack by desperate thieves. Someone wanted my sister dead, and they sent the Rats Thieves Guild to do their dirty work.
 
The Rats hired killers from the Docks. Someone paid good coin to have Freya murdered in front of her own people. The thought makes my blood boil even now as I write these words.
 
Freya mentioned threats against unguilded smiths. I should have pressed her for details months ago, should have insisted she tell me everything. Instead, I let her pride, and my own duties keep me at arm's length from her troubles. What kind of brother am I? What kind of protector?
 
I followed her back to Heroes & Hammers after she left with that bottle of mead. She was shaken, more than I've seen her since we were children and the older boys would tease her about her hammer work. It took some convincing, but she's agreed to meet me at Legends & Lattes in the morning. We'll talk properly then, without the weight of blood and broken glass between us.
 
Gorm grant me wisdom in the morning. My sister is in danger, and I fear this attack was only the beginning. These new companions seem capable, more than capable, but I cannot rely on strangers to protect my family, no matter how skilled they prove in battle.
 
Tomorrow, we learn more. Tomorrow, we plan. Tonight, I pray to Gorm for strength and guidance, and I oil my warhammer.
 
The summer solstice was meant to be a celebration of light conquering darkness. Instead, it has shown me just how much darkness threatens those I hold dear.
 
May The Sentinel, forever keep watch over Freya and may he guide me in the trials ahead.