-----As he sets forth the Dread Pirate's rum and Runik's ale, he shoots Gimplefwick a cautious look. He then tells the Dread Pirate, "Aye, Navlot seems a bit peaceful . . . 'course the night be comin' on soon. Been many o' month we been feelin' safe here wit' the village 'mong the trees, that is. Further south, they says the real 'ell's been breakin' loose, it 'as."
-----Standing a bit straighter, the tavern keeper looks Gimplefwick in the eyes and continues, although his eyes seem a bit glazed and starry as if not fully registering the halfling pirate. "Some says the beasties's been takin' to the woods n' ye 'ear their call in the dark o' feel them eyes 'pon ye. That's why we be takin' to our 'omes and 'oldin' our charms when the sun goes down, least the wise 'mong us do." The tavern keeper's hand reaches toward his neck and absentmindedly touches a small sun medallion on a small chain.
-----"We 'ere in Redmarsh don' taken kindly to those o' 'earthorn," the tavern keeper says, seemingly looking through the Dread Pirate. "Lambert's done not'in' to 'elp us wit' the ghosts n' goblins 'bout."
-----Nine other people are in the tavern and as the tavern keeper speaks, the other patrons look darkly toward the rogues' band. "Don' su'pose all o' ye are from 'earthorn?" asks the tavern keeper cryptically.
-----"Nay, my friend," Brandel says suddenly as he stands up. Krord also rises almost imitating the smaller human's actions. "You are speaking with a fellow countryman here," Brandel continues in a calm voice, "My friends and I used to serve in a patrolling troop that was stationed just south of this area. Some of these people have employed us and have agreed to return to Redmarsh to help restore it to its former glory."
-----Brandel's words seem to draw curious whispers among the patrons and a small snicker from the tavern keeper. "Former glory?" the tavern keeper says slowly in a whisper as if analyzing the two words. The tavern keeper then looks directly at Brandel with a blank stare and says, "Then ye n' yer 'ployers let Redmarsh turn over to Sintor o' Raven'old. There be a man what been 'elpin' our countrymen south o' the river!"
-----Brandel holds a concerned confused look on his face as he places one hand on his chin. He seems to think over the barkeep's words carefully.
-----The Dread Pirate looks increasingly confused as the tavern keeper speaks. He replies, "What in hades name are ye talkin about? Who is this Sintor of Ravenhold? Me patience is runnin short here, barkeep. I'm tired, hungry, and I don't appreciate those who laugh at me when I've come to help 'em. Either give us whatever information ye have, or keep yer trap shut. Or I'll stretch those ears o' yers and tie 'em in a knot."
-----The Dread Pirate glares at the half-elf.
-----The half-elven barkeep backs away a bit and raises his eyebrows. "Ye came 'ere to 'ear tales er the truth?" he says, not looking at the Dread Pirate anymore. "Well, I gives ye the truth. Ye wants to go 'untin' the things in the night, ye goes right a'ead. If'n I be shootin' ye tales, that's what they be n' I ain't fer one wantin' to find out if'n the truth be told. All's I knows people fed up'n wit' the troubles in the area n' I's not one fer lookin' fer it."
-----The barkeep returns behind the bar and asks disheartedly, "Ye wants some grub?"
-----"Lord Dartanian Sintor," Brandel tells Gimplefwick and the others, "is the Lord of Ravenhold. He would be equal to Lord Lambert in the Estates of Altoria."
-----Suddenly a loud scooting sound issues from a chair among the other patrons in the place. Up stands a man partly covered by the growing shadows of the place. He walks forth with an angry stride.
-----As he comes into the light, everyone sees the man is tall and thin with a long nose that hangs just above his mouth. An almost demonic fire seems to light his eyes which are black as coal dust. His face is framed with coarse dark hair that rises off his head and bushes around his chin. He looks at the rogues and the bodyguards with a hellish stare.
-----Krord turns his body to face the stranger and returns a stern grimace. Runik eases up off his chair gripping his warhammer. Marast silently crouches and looks as if he could leap up on a table at any moment.
-----The stranger stops and focuses in on the big Krord. His black gaze never stops, but a wide smile crosses his face. This expression does nothing to ease the tension in the room. The man's teeth seem to be especially large with small gaps in between them. He leers at the big guard with the look of a lion stopped by a creature of equal strength.
-----The stranger's body relaxes although the odd smile remains. He nods once as a bit of saliva drips from his teeth. The man then disappears out the door.
-----The Dread Pirate begins to look uneasily about the place, "Shiver me timbers, this place is beginnin to creep me out. Maybe we'd be best served to just ride on outta here. I'm thinkin we can rest outside o' town. Well outside o' town. Let's get outta here." Dread rises to his feet and wearily walks out to his pony to ride out of the town.