Phandalin

Rhene appears lost. This is far beyond her experiences of normalcy. Either things are moving too fast for her, or they are too unfamiliar and thus she is taking her cues from you. "Maybe... we should let them go?" she says, but her tone belies uncertainty in whether or not that is the right thing to do.

Qiora seems bored, and not paying any attention.

Both men stand, and willingly cooperate as you take them into custody. The Townmaster's Hall abuts the main square, so it is a very short trip.

The building has sturdy stone walls, a pitched wooden roof, and a bell tower at the back. Posted on a board next to the front door is a notice written in Common. It reads: "REWARD - Orcs near Wyvern Tor! Those of a mind to face the orc menace should inquire within." The notice bears the town's seal and an indecipherable signature.

The interior of the hall comprises a single large room dominated by a long table. A set of stairs to the side leads below. There is a desk at the far end, occupied by an overweight human man dressed in fine clothes: Townmaster Harbin.

You bring the captured criminals before the man and explain the situation. Harbin, however, seems reluctant to do anything. "If the Redbrands retaliate, a lot of people will get hurt!" he says, nervously looking at the main doors as though expecting immediate retribution.

The Townmaster interjects. "The Redbrands are what's keeping the orcs from coming here!" he wails. It's hard to tell whether or not he's truly scared or being extremely loyal. "Look, I don't know who you people are, but you're making a mess of things. Let's just all cooperate and no one else has to get hurt, okay?"

The Townmaster slumps back into his chair and pinches the bridge of his nose. "Yes, there is a reward," he sighs. "If anyone wants to go out there and take care of the orc problem, we are prepared to offer 100 gold pieces.

"However, the Redbrand presence in Phandalin is what's keeping those orcs in the hills! I'm not going to let this town be defenseless!"

"We're too small to afford a town guard," says Townmaster Harbin, "but our bailiff has gone missing about two days' ago. He went to meet up with a shipment of supplies on the Triboar Trail and hasn't returned."

"Uh, hey, I ain't messin' with no orcs, not with you anyways," says Calder. "No offence, but them savages would make mincemeat pie out of you."

"The people much safer living with the Redbrands than getting killed by orcs!" Harbin protests. He does not reply to the comment about the bailiff, though he appears distracted by his own thoughts. "If people would just cooperate, everything would go smoothly! The Redbrands are the only ones strong enough to protect the town."

It would seem that the Townmaster is very anxious about your presence here, with two of the supposed security personnel in custody. However, he seems genuinely afraid of the repercussions in his described danger from the orcs, and less so because he has anything to hide.

I need an emoji that represents "thbbbbt"

Both Bennett and Calder were stripped of their weapons after you captured them in the town square. Qiora was given possession of their shortswords.

The two Redbrands regard you pessimistically. "Look, lady, you might be good with rope and riding a horse, but you ain't got nothing against Glasstaff," says Calder. "If you're looking for your friend, I can tell you where abouts you might start, but I ain't going back in there with you. We promise we won't say a word of this to the others, so you don't have to worry about them looking for revenge, yeah? Just let me and Bennett go and we'll... we'll head off to Neverwinter, see what jobs we can find. Right, Ben?"

Bennett nods enthusiastically. "Yeah, yeah. We'll leave, won't bother you none!"

The Townmaster slumps in his chair, hand massaging his temples. He mumbles something under his breath regarding his impending doom.

Bennett replies, "If they haven't been eat, they's probably at the manor. Not like I keep track of where dinner comes from."

It's difficult to tell if the Redbrands are being deceptive, based on your observations.