Chapter 3 - Into the Wilds

Back at the Townmaster's Hall you're once again greeted by the elderly elf behind the desk in the main hall. His tone as boring and monotone as the last time.

"Well done eradicating the threat posed by those cloaked hoodlums. I must admit my surprise seeing Iarno brought before us bound and gagged. It has come as quite a shock to Lord Hallwinter to learn of his dear friend's betrayal."

In one fluid motion the man effortlessly rises from his seat and then leads you down the short hall to Sildar's office. He pauses just outside the closed door and gives a slight bow to the group.

"Lord Hallwinter will see you now."

The elf opens the door, revealing Sildar seated at a large round table littered with maps and some of the items that Karma had grabbed from the wizard's desk. Seated on either side is Qeliine, who greets all of you with a large smile, and a fit looking, silver-haired half elf, who is dressed in old leather armor.

"Have a seat, my friends." Sildar says, motioning to remaining open seats about the table. "We have much to discuss."

"Until we can convince Harbin that there is an actual need for a town guard I'm afraid that is a battle not worth fighting at this time. While it is much to the benefit of the town that the Redbrands have been dealt with, Harbin will see their removal as yet another reason a town guard is not needed."

Sildar slowly shakes his head in disgust "The man is just thick in the head."

The half-elf to Sildar's left lets out a slight chuckle at the comment. "Harbin is what he is. A fine administrator for the town but as spineless as a jellyfish. We'll build a guard without him!"

Nodding in agreement Sildar turns his attention to the group gathered before him.

"Friends, while you were dealing with the traitor Iarno I have been talking to the townsfolks for any leads to Gundren's whereabouts. While I was unable to find anything concrete, I do believe these two might have some information that can send us in the right direction."

Sildar takes a seat and motions towards Qelline, "I believe you all know Miss Alderleaf."

Qelline stands on her chair and smiles before telling everyone what she knows.

"Your friend Orel had come to my farmhouse badly injured and while I did what I could, I thought it best that we visit Sister Garele at the Shrine of Luck. As we were about to leave we were joined by Mirna and her children. Mirna told me that you had rescued her and mentioned that she felt bad about having nothing to reward you with other than an heirloom of hers still at Thundertree."

"That's when I remembered an old friend of mine named Reidoth of mine who said that he was going to station himself in the ruins out there to continue some of his druidic studies. The man knows every inch of the wilds from here up to Neverwinter... and probably more. Find him and I'm sure he can tell you how to get to that castle Sir Hallwinter said you're all looking for! Then all yo...."

"Certainly worth investigating... the half-elf interrupts, abruptly standing from his chair. Qelline shoots the man a quick glare before resigning herself to her seat.

"...if your willing to rely on finding a traveling druid who will more than likely be off in the woods sniffing tree bark. I think the more reasonable approach would be to find the banshee Agatha at her lair near Conyberry and ask her. She's easy to find and all you'd need to do is present her with a reasonable gift in exchange to the answer for a single question. Visit the good Sister, as I believe she has a gift that would be perfect for this."

The man then takes his seat and Sildar chimes in.

"What I'd like for you to do, highly skilled Guild Salesmen included, is to choose one of the leads to chase down and see what you can find out. I can outfit you with needed equipment for time on the march if needed."

"Of course" Qelline responds, once again standing on her chair.

"The druid Reidoth is an old friend of mine who spends much of his time in the Neverwinter Wood exploring and communing with nature. He's a good man - with good mojo as you say. Friendly as they come but he don't talk much. If anyone would know the location of a hidden castle or temple or whatever in those woods it would be Reidoth. Last time he was at the farm he told me he was heading to Thundertree to spend some time in the ruins - and that was just a single tenday ago, I'm sure he's still there."

The half-elf mutters to himself as everyone expresses their opinion as to the next course of action.

"That's enough, Daran." Sildar says to the man. "Given those two choices I would have made the same decision as they have."

"Very well, my friends. Please ready yourselves for the trip and head out as soon as you can. I fear the longer that Gundren is held, the worse off his fate may be."

"Unfortunately Phandalin, as of yet, does not have a stable. I'm afraid your trip will have to be made on foot." Sildar responds to Belanor's query.

---

Qelline happily returns Karma's thumbs up, while Sildar smiles and nods. Daran, however, simply glares and crosses his arms in front of his chest.

---

At Barthen's Provisions, Elmar explains that while he can't pay much for the used equipment, that any new items that anyone in the group wishes to purchase will come at a 30% discount for "Finally taking care of those bastard Redbrands!"