The Contract on Ciodoru:
40 years ago there was an assassin named Elui who was a part of the Red Mantis. Dominia put a contract on a boy, Ciodoru of House Porphyria and his father (Chadris of house Porphyria) so that she could wipe out the house and claim the throne for herself. Elui met the boy and felt regret about extinguishing the house so she helped smuggle him our of Korvosa. The boy was hidden in the Jagarre family home, in the secret basement by Irolynn's grandmother (Kyrrina Vendnar) and her friend Keppira d'Bear (The current Bishop).
They hired a pirate crew to smuggle the boy to Cheliax, the ship was run by Stanris and his girlfriend Machina. Elui went on with her life, like she had done her job and concealing the lie. Ciodoru lived in Cheliax the rest of his days until 5 years ago at the age of 51. It's possible he had a heir in Cheliax who has a claim to the Korvosan throne (Ciodoru's Heir?).
5 years ago leader of the red mantis, Kayltanya, finally caught up to (now 51 yr old) Coidoru, killed him and brought back his head. Elouise left the red mantis and went on the run. Her best friend Rynros, also decided to leave with her claiming to the group that 'he was a follower, and where she went he went'. They joined Stanris' crew some 5 years ago which kept them safe from the assassins guild. Stanris drowned a year ago and died, he became a horrible aquatic creature and lost all sense of humanity. He recently killed many of his own crew, including Elui, to gain (power?). Disgusted, Rynros left the crew and joined with the party.