-----Marast shakes his head, "Dwarf foolish. What humans call buffoon."
-----After a few moments, Brandel and Runik finally do emerge from the tavern with the dwarf wiping foam from his beard. As they approach, Runik belches loudly while the expression on the human's face speaks of bewilderment.
-----"There is no doubt," Brandel begins glumly, "The people of Redmarsh have changed since last we were here. If they were more strongly organized I would not doubt that they would rebel against the Court of Hearthorn."
-----The Dread Pirate glowers at the tavern, saying, "That is unfortunate, but something that we can pass on to Lord Lambert, rather than try to deal with ourselves. Perhaps Sol can manage things more effectively with the local populace. I wouldn't even want to try. Besides, I'm sure things will improve once we get rid of Krondor. Anyway, did you find anything out about the location of the keep, or what critters we might have to deal with?"
-----"I only heard that the closer one goes to the river, the more danger there is," Brandel reports. With a worried look, he continues, "The people seem to think that Lord Lambert has betrayed them and they are hoping that Redmarsh will be secured as part of Ravenhold. Lord Sintor of Ravenhold has sent his troops across the border many times in the last month to help relieve the influx of creatures. There are many who say he can only do so much as Redmarsh belongs to Hearthorn."
-----Dread nods at Brandel's words and replies, "You know, if I were a particularly clever noble I would perhaps use such an opportunity to increase me holdings at the cost of my neighbors. I'm not saying that's what Lord Sintor is doing, of course, but it would be a shrewd move while Lord Lambert is occupied at court. What are the local rumors regarding Lord Sintor? Prior to this outbreak of violence, I mean. Was he regarded as being particularly cunning? And of course, there is always the question of where all these creatures are coming from. Why are Lord Lambert's lands so beset and yet Lord Sintor apparently has troops to spare. We may have to prolong our quest for a bit and at least look into the matter of the origin of all these monsters."
-----The Dread Pirate's paranoid little mind can be seen at work as his face tightens up in suspicion.
-----Brandel frowns at Gimplefwick's words, but his expression shows that the halfling pirate has the human thinking also. "The humanoids," Brandel begins, "have long since been known to have come from the hills to the west. My guess is that a lot of the other creatures may be venturing forth from the swamps just to the east of where we are going."
-----Brandel shrugs and adds, "That would be just beyond the unmarked keep you are looking for." Setting his hand on his chin, Brandel seems to turn his thoughts inward and says aloud, "From what I have always known, Lord Sintor has been a trusted lord as much as Lord Lambert. Sir Zantar, in the Town of Redmarsh, has always held both Lords in the highest esteem although his first allegiance is to the Court of Hearthorn and, of course, that of Altoria. I wonder how much Sir Zantar appreciates the assistance from the Court of Ravenhold."
-----Brandel's eyes clear and he looks at the Dread Pirate and inquires, "I know you are anxious to journey on to Nox, but would it be wise to first visit the Town of Redmarsh? Perhaps we could talk with Sir Zantar."
-----The Dread Pirate chews on his lower lip for a moment, thinking, "I don't know if visiting Zantar would be the wisest idea. Then again, if we're going to pull off our charade of being duped by a Sol look-alike, then there would be no reason not to visit him. It might actually be suspicious if we didn't. Well, we'll see what the others have to say about it. I'm sure since this is Sir Zantar's demesne he would know the location of this keep. He might even be able to provide a guide. That would help immeasurably. Of course we'll have to convince him of who we are, but without that letter of authenticity, it'll be a bit tougher. I should have lifted that from Sol when we had the chance. Oh well, we can't plan for every contingency."
-----Brandel nods and says, "I may actually know a few guards working the town keep if they are still there. They might be able to vouch for me and anyone I present to Sir Zantar. I really don't want to deceive anyone especially Sir Zantar but if this will help restore Redmarsh, I am willing."
-----Just then Runik lets out a loud "Yeow!" Turning, everyone sees the dwarven guard rubbing the back of his neck while glaring at the lanky elf.
-----Marast looks down at the smarting dwarf and quips with his hand held to one side. "Marast kill fly," the elf says with a bemused smirk.
-----The Dread Pirate looks puzzledly at Brandel. "I don't know quite what ye mean by deceiving anyone. We'll simple tell him the truth. We were sent by Lord Lambert to deal with the problems in the area. In the pursuance of our duties we became separated from the members of our party who were carrying Lambert's credentials. Undismayed by such an unfortuitous occurrence, we bravely drove onward, determined to accomplish our assigned mission and defeat the powers of darkness that threaten this region. Not a bit of it is a lie. If pressed we can even say that a Sol look-alike came to our inn and we accompanied him out here. It might not be completely accurate, bit it isn't really a lie either. I should have gone into politics."