Chapter 2: Birdsong in Hollow Valley

"Yes, Mimi, it is us. We would not leave the both of you to suffer the dark." Kalam extends his hand. "I am truly sorry for any distress our departure may have caused. If you could give me a chance to make amends? he says as he bows before Mimi and Wei.

You gather everyone together, leave the crypt through the monster's burrow, and take the boat upriver back to the city. It is nearing the Hour of the Pig when the Opal City's walls come into view, your crab-man's silent paddle stirring up the lanterns reflected in the Tiger's waters.

At the gate, the sentries look on lazily at Jimseung and half a dozen of his hunters in a stand-off against Sungyeol and five other guild members loyal to Tamchim. You cannot hear what is being said, but you can guess it has to do with Jimseung's pet, the monster you just slew. Another one of the beastmaster's pets, a massive, black-haired mastiff, stands at its master's feet with hackles raised and teeth bared.

What do you do?

*bump*

As you arrive, the argument breaks off but the tension remains high. Jimseug and his men glare at you. Sungyeol nods at you in recognition. There is relief in his eyes, but his tone is measured when he responds. "Well done. The Guildmaster will be pleased. You have done the city a great service."

"The creature was my property," Jimseung growls, soft enough so the guards don't hear, before continuing in his regular, booming voice, "The creature was mine to capture and kill! I made that clear to Tamchim. You stole my contract!" The scarred beastmaster points a meaty finger at the sack containing your trophy. "Hand that over, and we can all go our separate ways, no hard feelings."

What do you do?

Kalam remains calm and let's Meng handle the discussion. Mainly because he is unaware of the details of the contract or the situation between the two groups. So trying to avoid putting our group in a precarious situation.