Chapter 2: Local Heroes

"We're good, but I doubt that even we can prevail against a hundred-strong goblin force. We need to seek out where the goblins are based and perhaps a direct assault is in order, before they can gather their strength."

"Yes, yes... Don't be afraid to admit it, Master Quink: you missed our experiments in the lab together." Li allowed himself to make a gentle joke - while taking a seat in one of the chairs still visible between piles of books - feeling that their shared interests could indeed foretell a long-lasting friendship between them.

"Please meet my trusty companion, and already a friend too: Master Khel Turbane. Also a man of science, but leaning more into the science of unknown and weird: magic." - Li introduced Khel with generous gesture. "He may be even more interested in the ruins than I, what is not an easy achievement. We are working together on getting a permit to enter them."

After listening to what old scholar had to say, Li stands up from the chair and says:
"Smuggler's tunnels!? That's even more interesting and probable! That's what city guards should know something about too. And that was our plan to talk with them. Thank you a lot Master Quink again! Your knowledge is invaluable!" - saying the last words almost in the main door's frame of Quinks house, Li is storming once again out of alchemist's dwelling, heading towards sheriff and town guards office, being too excited that their investigation was finally moving forward, to realizing that he left Khel inside and didn't made a proper farewell with gathered.

Khel bowed to Master Quink, when the introduction was done. "It is my honour and pleasure to meet such a talented mind with invaluable knowledge on alchemical arts and by extension transmutation magic."

Khel was listening to Master Quink's observation about the smugglers tunnel, "It is indeed an interesting fact if the sewer system was utilized for entering the town unnoticed. Such unsavoury fellows exist in all cities and....(Khel noticed how Li responded and stormed out of the building)....I...ah...apologize for Master Li's excitement, Master Quink. He and I have been investigating the town without any good leads. It seems like with your help and knowledge, we have finally found one. So, I will be returning back and talking to the sheriff and town guards regarding the entrance of the sewers. Once again, we are greatly indebted to you." Khel finally exited and rushed after Li who has already ran ahead of him.

Chigaru is patrolling the city, making small talk with the villagers, enjoying the weather and getting some exercise. He's chatting with Maver Kesk, town jeweler, when Chakra gives an excited yip and wags her tail. Chigaru looks at what has Chakra so excited and sees her looking at the remaining Heroes of Sandpoint walking towards the jail. He waves at them and booms in his deep voice, "The Heroes have returned! How was the hunt? Did you win? What about the elder Kaijitsu?"

"Aye, you could say we got a raise even," pointing at the elf, "While the rest of us were busy working, how was your stroll about town?"

Khel nodded at the Jailor Vachedi, "Thank you good sir. Do you perhaps know who was patrolling the gates of Sandpoint? We need to ask something about yesterday night patrol."

"Thankfully quiet. I think Chakra knows the whole town inside and out now and has all of her favorite spots marked. She also has convinced several residents to slip her some snacks during our patrol." Chakra yips in agreement. "Where are you headed?"

"Lord Kaijitsu was apparently kidnapped! And we established that most probably he was taken into the town area. We have also found out and confirmed it with Master Quink that there is not only a possibility of ruins under the city, but some smuggler tunnels were build and used here too. Their entrance may be on the beach or under some homes, but we don't know which one. We are going to talk about this with Mayor and want to get a permit for accessing the ruins also. Will you join us?" - Li answered Chigaru.

Seeing the hunters returning:
"Thats admirable catch I must admit! We have one small business to attend and we can meet in one of the inns to plan next steps. Will it be the Dragon's one?" - he planed to set up a group gathering before leaving to Mayor Office.

Chigaru nods. "If this abduction of Lord Kaijitsu is related to the raid on Sandpoint, we are obligated to investigate. Any tunnels that lead into homes could be used to invade the town again."

Khel nodded at Mayor Deverin, "Unfortunately not. You are correct in your assumption, respected Mayor. We have some bad news. Lets start with the worst. It seems Lord Kaijitsu is kidnapped. We have a suspect and we think its his son Tsuto. A recent incident involved someone sneaking into the cemetery and stealing father Tobyn's bones. We found residual necromantic magic. And Now we think that Tsuto is using the old sewers of the town previously used by smugglers to infiltrate Sandpoint and escape with Lord Kaijitsu. If the goblin gets access to the sewers they can sneak and attack from anywhere. So, we need to know where the sewer entrance is in order to save Lord Kaijitsu."