Tastes Like Chicken

The fight against the Kresh raged in the woods north of Merylsward. The group held its own against the wolves but matters took a serious turn when another monster rejoined the fray. As it gathered itself for a leap at Lomea, the wolf crashed right into a human who materialized out of thin air. Beast and human sprawled into the forest growth and the battle resumed.
After the party finally dispatched the kresh and introductions were made, the mage Timothy Smith joined the group on the final leg of its trip into the city of Merylsward.
Arriving in the city, the group split to investigate several leads. Lomea, Alton, Alice and Timothy headed to the liveliest tavern in the market district, The Purple Ostrich, while Felton headed to make contact with his House.
In the Ostrich, Alton recognized a halfling barmaid as a member of his House. When the woman saw him she started a tavern brawl as a distraction to escape the tavern unnoticed. Alton followed while Timothy created a distraction of his own, using his face to upend a server's drink tray.
Alton caught up to the woman in a nearby alley. She expressed surprise over seeing the warlock alive as the House had received word that he had been killed. A service had been held with biscuits and singing. Alton remembered the warning he had received awhile back of a contract on the lives of he and his companions. The two halflings wished each other well and Alton rejoined his friends.
Felton found the chapter house, a small indistinct wooden building crammed between a jeweler's shop and a general store. Felton grew nervous finding the house dark and empty. The dwarf snuck in and after searching around, realized the chapter agents had left in a hurry, reminiscent of Grass's and Greta's flight from Oaks Sweep. Before leaving the house, Felton found a secret compartment in the ceiling. Within he found Grass's black bow with a note wrapped around the wood. 
The note, not addressed and unsigned, read, "Find the Painted Man."