Who is Slice'n'Dice?
Mr Horatio "Slice'n'Dice" Beanpot is a Halfling who was born in the Northern Baronies five decades ago. In his early youth he relocated with his uncaring uncle to Seagate, in the Duchy of Carzala, and then the Brastor Holdings [see SPI's Frontiers of Alusia] after his family perished suspiciously whilst negotiating a business venture.
As he grew, and watched the associates of his parents business enterprise thrive, his mind turned inevitably to revenge. When old enough, he joined the Assassins Guild of Brastor and Carzala, and under the tutelage of Gerry Underhand became highly skilled in the dark arts of murder.
Early in his career he also became a skilled merchant and an astrologer. Utilising these skills, and the friendly demeanour which comes naturally to Halflings, he perfected the technique of infiltrating his targets' inner circle and, at a time of his choosing, finding a way to inconspicuously deliver his chosen method of death. This is usually involved use of the essence of bitweed, added to a nightcap [bitweed is a tasteless and difficult to detect poison which slowly stops the lungs from functioning, and which delivers a highly painful and slow death mimicking choking].
Seven years ago, Beanpot attemped to take the life of his mentor Gerry Underhand, but was unsuccessful and disappeared.
As Farlo Fobman he has recently been seen in Landfall, and has been involved in the dealing of the merchant company, Wills, Beachforth and (now) Fobman.
The Premonition
Before returning to the Frontiers, utlising the skill of astrology, Slice'n'Dice witnessed a prophecy, from which he has deduced that he must trust himself, and that others must come to him if they wish to be successful (and not die horribly).
What is Slice'n'Dice doing in Landfall?
Beanpot has decided to take his vengence on the Assassins Guild of Brastor and Carzala, swearing to lay it low and kill all its members unless they agree to serve him.
Having an established relationship with Asmoday, the Infernal King of the seventh plane, after successfully summoning him on two occasions previously, Beanpot is preparing to summon him again to assist him in the ruination of his previous comrades.
The Prisoner
The prisoner is an innocent maiden as required by Asmoday, who has been especially chosen by Slice'n'Dice as he is sure Asmoday will find her particularly appealing.
Laurel is the daughter of the Innkeepers of Beanpot's tavern in Eastrock. While her parents will not be able to offer a reward for her safe return, they will prove unendingly grateful.
[For further background on Slice'n'Dice Beanpot see @drwom/a-certain-mr-beanpot-a]
A special thank you to 
The image of the dagger is provided royalty free by gettyimages.com.au. Many thanks.