Chapter 2 - Phandalin

Taking leave of Barthen's Provisions the group heads past the Stonehill Inn and into the town square. It's still fairly early in the morning but there are quite a few people out getting on with their business. The young elf at the Shrine of Luck wishes all passer-bys a good morning and "the blessings of Tymora" as they pass, while she busies herself tidying up the old shrine the best she can.

A man standing in front of the Lionshield Coster calls out to no one in particular in an attempt to draw people into the large building. From his well rehearsed spiel, it's obvious this is the "premier place along the whole Tri-Boar trail for weapons and armor."

Approaching the sturdy stone walled building used as the Townmaster's Hall you see a notice posted on a board next to the front door:
The notice bears the town's seal and an indecipherable signature.

Entering the building you are greeted by an older male elf sitting behind a desk. Without looking up from his work he says in an unusually monotone voice.

"Good morning. Both the Townmaster and Lord's Alliance representative are in their respective offices. Which have you came to see?"

"Ah, the Lord's Alliance it is then."

Finally looking away from his work on the desk, the old elf gets up out of his seat. Tall, thin, and finely dressed the man moves so fluidly it's hard to tell of he's walking or gliding as he leads you to a door to the right, just down a short hall.

With a quick knock, he opens the door while announcing, "Lord Hallwinter, the group I believe you were expecting is here." He glances down at Karma and adds, "Plus one other." The elf ushers you into the room where Sildar is seated at a large round table, before returning to his work.

"Come in, friends, come in. Please, have a seat, I have a couple of things I'd like to discuss with you all."

Once everyone is settled in, Sildar stands from his chair and places a bag on the table. "Without your intervention, I certainly would have perished in that gods forsaken cave. This is just token of my gratitude. I wish it could be more, but..." he trails off before returning to his seat.

"While I have you all here, there are few things I'd like to discuss. Firstly, my contact Iarno Albrek has disappeared, last seen exploring the area around Tresendar Manor, just outside of town about a month ago. He is the man who would have possibly had knowledge that would have helped us locate the castle where Gundren is apparently being held. A dark bearded wizard, in his thirties, fairly short. I would like you to poke around the area, see if you can find him... or what remains of him."

"Secondly is the possibility of finding this castle on your own. Ambush some of the other raiding parties along the trail, and see what you can find out. The location of this castle and Gundren is not just important to me, but for the long term plans of this village. I can offer 500GP of my own coin for the location of this castle and the return of my friend."

Letting out a long sigh, "Meanwhile I must continue to persuade the village idiot Harbin to do something about this gang of ruffians that he is letting run lose in streets. Man has no backbone at all!"

"There is no guard in Phandalin" Sildar responds sharply. "And you can thank Townmaster Harbin for that. As part of the Lord's Alliance I want to ensure that the people of this village are safe, but he's blocked my attempts to organize a guard at every step."

"No bounty, as such, but I’m sure I could round up a few hundred gold from the local businesses who have been constantly harassed by the buggers."

Sildar raises an eyebrow when told of Karma's relation to Gundren, but doesn't pursue the matter.

"Iarno would be our best bet, but there may be others in town here that might know something. I will snoop around, see what I can figure out if you five will check the manor for my friend. The pad is hard to miss, just follow the road past the Sleeping Giant, it will take you there. It's not too far out at all, just north of a little farm run by a halfling women and her young child."

"Excellent!" Sildar exclaims.

"Iarno is sure to have some helpful insight into this Castle's location."