Chapter 4 - Cragmaw Castle

*** AT THE SHRINE OF LUCK ***
"You have my thanks, Karma. It is nice to have others who know the importance of maintaining such connections."

The cleric reaches into her robes and produces two small vials of red liquid.

"Please take these and give them to your friends that have done such a great service for Falu. With the Redbrands gone, the citizens have one less thing to fear."

---

*** AT THE ALDERLEAF FARM ***
Kerisha can clearly see Qelinne working the field as she approaches the farm. With her back to the road the halfling does not see her guest arriving. The ever vigilant Carp, on the other hand, has been "shadowing" Kerisha for some time now, oblivious to the fact that he is not nearly as stealthy as he thinks he is.

Any further attempt at stealth is quickly abandoned when the young lad notices the treats being removed from the barbarian's pockets.

"Kreesha!!" the boy yells, running towards the road. "You're back!!"

*** AT THE LIONSHIELD COSTER ***
"Ah! An actual customer and not someone here to just poke around at the goods."

The woman quickly brushes away some of the loose odds and ends on the counter and motions Belanor forward.

"Bring 'em here and let me have a look. Wagons are going out this morning, so your timing couldn't be better... Depending where you're sending them of course."

---

*** AT THE ALDERLEAF FARM ***
With Carp off enjoying his pastries, Kerisha and Qelline work the field together for a few hours before the halfling decides it's time for a break. The two head towards the house where Qelline offers her friend some freshly baked bread, fruit, and tea.

"Sildar stopped by for a visit late last night. He said that you and your friends had rescued Gundren and he's planning on opening the lost mine. Would mean a great deal to Phandalin if that were to happen."

"I just hope he isn't rushing into things."

She goes on to tell the Barbarian of all of the rumors she's heard of the place including an infestation of undead and other dangerous creatures.

---

*** IN THE STREETS OF FALU ***
Wandering about looking for the others, Gerbo overhears a couple of people talking.

"Halia seems almost upset that the Redbrands haven't been around the last few days. They never messed with her anyway, but you'd think she'd be happy that they're gone."

*** AT BARTHEN'S PROVISIONS ***
Elmar smiles back, crossing his arms in front of this chest as he listens to Karma's request.

"The tools I can certainly help you with." he says and yells back to the storage area for Thistle to bring an array of different stone working tools.

"We usually don't carry weapons here, but it just so happens that a desperate traveler was looking for some gold and sold me this just yesterday."

He reaches below the counter and produces a very well maintained war hammer and offers it up for Karma's inspection.

"Looks to be brand new, if you ask me. It's yours for ten if you'd like it."

The hammer is a finely balanced war hammer that looks as though it's seen very little use. That fact that Elmar is willing to let it go for just ten gold most likely means that he is unaware of just what a fine weapon he's in possession of.

As Karma looks over the hammer, Thistle returns with an armful of tools and drops them across the counter.

"Take you pick of the bunch. On the house. Think of it as my thanks for dealing with those Redbrands."

---

*** AT THE LIONSHIELD COSTER ***
"Hmmm... Omega Ale. I'd love to be able to stock some of their goods. Could make a killing!" she says quietly, looking over the two packages and counting up the coins, the woman takes two silver pieces.

"They'll be on the next wagon out. Anything else you need? You don't look like the weapons and armor type, but everyone can use something.

---

*** AT THE ALDERLEAF FARM ***
Unfortunately Qelline has very little more to add as far as details about Wave Echo Cave but she shares what she knows. It's clear after talking to the halfling that she is more than just a mere farmer in a small village. She always seems to know more of what is happening in and around Phandalin.

"Before you leave, take these. One each for you and your friends."

Qelline pulls out a small wooden box and opens the lid. Inside are four rings of differing sizes, each a smooth gold band.

"These will protect you and your friends."

---

*** IN THE STREETS OF FALU ***
Unaware that anyone is listening the two people continue their discussion about Halia.

Gerbo learns that Halia is the guild master at Phandalin Miner's Exchange which was just about the only place in town that the Redbrands kept their distance from. Rumor has it that Halia was considering taking over the leadership of the group of thugs for her own ends. Now that they're gone, she's actively trying to recruit any lowlife she can.