Part 2: Phandalin

"No one knows the area better than Reidoth! If there's a castle out there, he would know. I'd love to get you in touch with him, but he's just recently gone on a trip. He left for Thundertree, an abandoned village just along the western edge of the Neverwinter Wood. You can try to catch up if you'd like, it's easy enough to get there; just head north 'til you hit the woods and follow them northwest, you can't miss the place!"

Carp is having much fun playing and wrestling with Kama.

Map shows Thundertree is about 50 miles northwest of Phandalin

"No problem, always happy to help out. I may take you up on that offer of work later though, there's a lot that needs doing around here!" she says, bowing to the party, "Come Carp, back to work, the big man has probably had enough by now."

Carp straightens up and snaps off a mock salute, "Yes, sir!

You can purchase horses from Barthen's Provisions for the stated price in the PHB

The townmaster's hall has sturdy stone walls, a pitched wooden roof, and a bell tower at the back. Posted on a board next to the front door is a notice written in Common. It reads: "REWARD - Orcs near Wyvern Tor! Those of a mind to face the orc menace should inquire within." The notice bears the town's seal and an indecipherable signature.

You enter to see a fat old man sitting behind a desk, reading some sort of document. He looks up and greets you as you enter, "Hello, adventurers, I was hoping you'd have a chance to stop by. I'm Harbin Wester, current townmaster of Phandalin. I heard all about your daring rescue of Sildar. I take it you are here to help take care of the orcs that have taken up nearby?"

He doesn't bat an eye at your strange appearance. He must have already heard about your diverse backgrounds.

Harbin is taken aback by Xora's forwardness, he looks angry but is obviously terrified by her, and responds meekly, "I think you've come to the wrong place then, perhaps you should speak to Elmar at Barthen's Provisions, I heard he had a few horses for sale."

"I don't have any horses to give, but if you can take care of the orc threat I can give you 100 gold pieces with which to buy some horses," he says, sweat beading on his brow.