Sometime before we see Skellor’s antics in the tree.
“Alexis, we have bested the lizard folks, broken our pact with the smooth faced Orcs. We have explored much of these caves. We are hidden. We are safe. But we have no treasure, yet.
Yet much we have seen that would be worth more investigation, more probing.. and possibly pilfering.
The Dark Hand is out there probing for something of power, for artifacts and items. What is to say what we have found is not what they are looking for?
If you know what we are looking for, then speak it so that we all may aid in finding it. But if we are just searching, hoping to find ‘it’ before the Dark Hand.. then let us start with what we have already seen in these caves.
I have ideas on some experiments we could do to safely get the axe, and what else lurks under the foul mold.
What say you?”
“I do not believe the Dark Hand is stabbing in the dark. Given their resources, I feel confident they are after something specific… and surely for some goal of enslaving.”
“But you make a good point about some artifact buried in the deadly mold. Perhaps this is where Grim Drormir lost his axe.” Alexis doesn’t seem very hopeful.
“This is a bone you haven’t lost interest in, so we can take a little time to see what you can dig up.” Alexis gives Ethelred a wink and a clap on the shoulder.
A small smile breaks out across Red’s face. You can almost hear the gears grinding.
“Excellent. I will need Gustav to help build and place some traps for field mice. He will need to get some tasty meat bits for me as a bait.
I will consult with Inkham about some other technical issues as well.
Before I take an personal risks I will consult with you Alexis. ”
Ethelred turns away and look for Gustav…