The yelps stop and it is quiet. However, as you cautiously move you can feel something watching you.
"The trees have eyes." says Kerrick
A softer cry can be heard in the distance. Then it is quiet. You hear nothing for the next ten minutes. You begin down the mountain side. It will be dark in about 4 hours. Plans?
"Excellent Randrak. I am pleased my resources remain reliable." He smiles with genuine pleasure and pauses as a maid enters the room with chilled sweetened water and fruit. "You may have some if you wish. The Q'Barra citrus is very good." The maid places the tray on the edge of the table and waits for two seconds for further instructions before returning to the room she came from.
"I have a group of experts retrieving lost journals, maps and related equipment. These explorers will be traveling a great deal and I wanted to provide them with further protection. They will be traveling to the fabled Xen'drik and possibly to Argonnessen. Both of these continents are mostly a mystery but are rumored to home to dragons. I need a dragon expert and preferrably NOT a mage. Mages tend to be aloof when it comes to adventure. I need someone whom is a warrior and good with travel. This is not to say your talents with things magical are not appreciated however." He takes a sip of his juice.
Growing impatient, Tamin repeats his original demand, louder. "Send one of your number out to meet us! If he poses no threat, I guarantee he will not be harmed!"
Randrak, curious to taste q'Barra citrus, pick some fruit and water. The fruits are excellent but Randrak doesn't react or comment.
Once the fancy men finishes he simply answers "How much do I get paid for that".
Not finding much moral justification to drive his interest in finding a lost journal, Randrak thinks that perhaps an interesting reward could increase his interest.
"Ah man of simple means and wants. I can respect that."
"I can offer you 500 gold now and 500 when you return. I also believe you may keep anything you find that suits you from any dead dragons you find." Jaskin watches the warrior's eyes for a reaction.
Glamour looks him over and smiles. "Money I respect. But there are other things also. Many things. Some of which I know about."
(Sense Motive 8) There is no doubt that she is into you and flirts openly.
"MY offer remains- 1000 gold and the plunder of dragons ..and anything else you discover. Do you and I have a deal?"
The tension is incredible. You have the distinct sense of being watched and hunted. Whenever a bird cries out you question its intend and origin. You slowly work your way down the trail. 3 hours before darkness settles over.
"These creatures will tear us apart once the darkness settles." explains Kerrick.
"What do you know of these creatures? Are you hiding something from us?" accuses the cleric.
"Think of what you say before saying it aloud. These creatures are stalking us. It is plain and clear to everyone here but you it seems. Darkness is a weapon creatures of the forest use."