ES2 said:
"Sirrat Javdak, by chance do you have a map that leads directly to the ruins. I would hate to see your new investment go to the wrong location."
Scinathar takes a sip of the wine. **what does it taste like?**
After pausing to taste the wine, he continues, "Also, have there been any reports of theivery or banditry up in the peaks since this rush began?"
*Scinathar, the wine is slightly sweet, and tastes like blackberries. It's not too bad, for a frontier town.*
*Javdak extracts a crackling piece of parchment from one of his belt pouches and lays it on the table, flatening it out. It shows a simple sketch of the town and the closer peaks, with a few notations made in simple script, naming various places.*
"If you follow the path up here, it will lead your directly to the largest part of the ruins. However, it's a well-traveled path, and very thoroughly searched part of the mountain. Try going up the northeast side. I've hobbled out a time or two, and the going doesn't seem too bad for young and strong individuals with rope and determination. I know there are ruins on the northeast side, they're just not as big and obvious as the ones on the mid-peaks. That means they've not be looked at too closely and will probably yield the best results.
"As for banditry, well, the only bandits are other magic-seeking teams that have less skill but more strength that some teams. Theft of magic items has happened before. That's why I wanted to be certain there were enough guards to protect my interests. The miners are also having trouble with cave-ins, which could be related to the thefts. It may be that some of the thieves are hiding in the tunnels, though that's unproven.
"However, there are many reports of animals or other beasts attacking the miners
and the magic seekers, so be on guard for those. And while it is summer, there are still occasional strong storms, so do be careful."
*As Galen signs the contract, Javdak picks it up, rolls it up carefully, and places it in a scroll case.*
"Very well then, we're all set. What other questions do you have before you set out?"