Sildar explains, "I met Gundren Rockseeker in Neverwinter and agreed to accompany him to Phandalin. The three Rockseeker brothers; Gundren, Tharden, and Nundro; recently located an entrance to the long-lost Wave Echo Cave, site of the mines of the Phandelver's Pact."
"More than five hundred years ago, clans of dwarves and gnomes made an agreement known as the Phandelver's Pact, by which they would share a rich mine in a wondrous cavern known as Wave Echo Cave. In addition to its mineral wealth, the mine contained great magical power. Human spellcasters allied themselves with the dwarves and gnomes to channel and bind that energy into a great forge (called the Forge of Spells), where magic items could be crafted. Times were good, and the nearby human town of Phandalin prospered as well. But then disaster struck when orcs swept through the North and laid waste to all in their path."
"A powerful force of orcs reinforced by evil mercenary wizards attacked Wave Echo Cave to seize its riches and
magic treasures. Human wizards fought alongside their dwarf and gnome allies to defend the Forge of Spells, and the ensuing spell battle destroyed much of the cavern. Few survived the cave-ins and tremors, and the location of Wave Echo Cave was lost."
"Klarg, the bugbear who leads this goblin band, had orders to waylay Gundren. I heard from the goblins
that the Black Spider sent word that the dwarf was to be brought to him."
He continues, "I hate to ask, but I could use some healing myself."