The dwarf trail leads steeply up rocky slopes covered with pine and rowan, via cunningly contrived steps that are carved from the rock and appear at first glance like a natural gully. After some minutes of exertion the trail levels out to a shelf below steep cliffs.
Sh'aah spots movement ahead, and an armoured dwarf appears from behind a rock, a load crossbow pointed at the group. He says something in the dwarven language, and Rexun steps forwards and replies. There follows a brief conversation in the harsh-sounding tongue.
"I think we're going to be alright sir, ma'am," says Fyfe quietly to Bastian and Arcata. "This Rexun, he's vouching for us as friends."
And so it would seem. The dwarf lowers his crossbow and nods the group past. Rexun leads them around a shoulder of rock and there is revealed an entrance into the cliff face, hidden unless seen from the right angle. There are more dwarves inside, ready for battle (although dwarves are rarely seen out of armour anyway; rumour in the Empire is that they wear chainmail nightshirts). Rexun is greeted with hearty slaps on the back as the group is led down a tunnel into a chamber lit by a small, but warming, fire.
A fat dwarf with striking red hair and beard has a brief conversation with Rexun then turns to the group.
"Menexes Kupferbart at your service," he says. "Cousin Rexun tells me how you aided him, and for that you are welcome to our humble camp. Tell me what you know of the Cobalt Dwarf, Haxmar. And quickly, if you will, we may not have much time."