The Water Gate is a bustling inn and boarding establishment located in the capital city of Dalreoch. It serves as a vital hub for visitors, traders, and noble entourages, particularly during major events like royal weddings.

They are in the story

• First appears - “Arrivals,” a narrative set five days prior to the wedding of King Alasdair V.
• Function: The establishment acts as a center for intelligence gathering and a base of operations for Aodh MacAodh, who uses his staff to collect information on city happenings and noble movements for his clients. It also provides a “safe house” for holding individuals away from the City Watch.

The Water Gate is situated on the banks of the River Reoch, near the North Bridge and adjacent to the Berenician Embassy. Its most notable feature is a private jetty that sees significant action, as it allows for the transport of goods and people from upstream while bypassing the formal customs checks located in the Merchant City. The establishment is large enough to feature an Earl's suite, capable of housing a noble's entire family and household staff. It includes several distinct areas:

• The Main Inn: Known for being “mobbed” during peak times, with every bed filled and extra ones frequently knocked together to meet demand.
• Side Rooms: Used for private or clandestine business, such as holding the unconscious Iain Black.
• Side Door: Provides a discreet entrance for those wishing to avoid the main thoroughfares.

The inn operates on a transactional basis, meaning the strict Daelian rules of hospitality do not apply as they would in a private home; guests pay for their stay, and the proprietor is known to charge double the usual rate during periods of high scarcity.

Notable people

• Aodh MacAodh: The shrewd proprietor who manages the inn and runs an extensive informer network.
• Fast Earsaid: A staff member and enforcer who assists Aodh with building maintenance and “security” tasks.
• Mairi and Helena: Workers at the inn who, during the royal wedding preparations, assist noble guests with dressmaking and tailoring.
• The Earl's Steward: An unnamed official who receives gathered intelligence from Aodh regarding who is in town and what they are up to.
• Iain Black: The bastard son of the King's Steward, who was held at the Water Gate after being drugged with “distilled dragonmouth”.

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