Chapter 1: Nightstone

"I checked down the right path, and didn't see anything," Qavez says. "Let's head down the left." He readies a torch to light the way.

"Alright.." Chanler replies, still unsure. With one last glance back at the rest of the party, he nods to Qavez, pushes the worrisome thoughts about where Xed might be to the back of his mind, and begins to lead the way down the left tunnel with his hands held up away from his weapons in an effort not to look threatening.

Chanler slows his movement and whispers back to Qavez, "Are you sure you checked the right path? Sounds like there's whispering down it."

"Perhaps the king's men are approaching that way," Qavez suggests.

Qavez says, "Shall we continue?" and heads down the left tunnel. He tries his best to inspect the ground, wary of falling into another pit.

"Yeah." Chanler replies. "Keep an eye on the other tunnel." he calls back to the others in what is essentially a stage whisper, as he follows Qavez, reassuming his previous pose.

"Do you think we should find the girl? Maru?"

Xed goes up to the pool of water and tests it out. As long as it doesn’t taste funny, she helps herself to a few handfuls.

"Did I read that goblin's map wrong?" Qavez says, almost to himself. "Maybe we ought to head back."

"Yeah." Chanler mumbles in reply. "Is anyone here? We've come to talk." He says as he scans the room and continues to hold his hands up.

Chanler glances back at Qavez, still slightly unsure, but gestures in the direction of the tunnel and begins to lead the way.

Xed takes out her waterskin to wash out the disgusting floor water from her mouth. While rummaging through her pack, she finds her pan flute. Perfect! She hurries after the others, quiet-like.

Qavez holds his torch high, and keeps his free hand clear of any weapons. He says nothing, sparing a brief glance at the goblin before scanning the area.