Nanith quickly glanced back at the group before returning his gaze to the cloaked horned figure. " Oh, I guarantee you that we are not looking for trouble." he assured the humanoid. " We�ve gathered that you�ve lost a valuable�" The rogue seemed lost in thought, clearly choosing his words carefully, "...possession. We ourselves are looking for something." Nanith studied the figure for an uncomfortable few seconds while waiting for her response.

The leader pointed to Pomeer casually as if unimpressed thus far.
" You've taken a captive...one of our race. Is this some sort of extortion?" With those words, a dozen kobolds, strapped in thick armor, surrounded the back of the fellowship within the spacious hall.

Aramil leaned in close to the party " I can't quite make it out that clearly, but there is something in the dragon's mouth. Something shiny....something interesting." Teflar stared at what the wizard indicated, but said nothing; he seemed really bothered by the situation they were now in.

Vrai responded to the wizard unabashed " She seems to carry a lot with her these days. " He nodded at the altar where a few scrolls lay. " Perhaps we can ask for an even exchange? I doubt she really thinks she can overpower us all."

Gailwind stepped forward and explained to her in detail what had transpired since coming this way from the black tower. He had hoped for understanding and an explanation as to why they were needlessly attacked. He wanted to aid the trees of the forest from the horrible blight that was killing them and hoped that the kobold race held the answers for this disease.
The kobold leader sat passively in her thronechair as if not concerned at the might of the team. " You are on our land and we protect it from all invaders. Just because you are not aligned with the goblins that stole our dragon doesn't excuse you for trespassing. Under that penalty, you all ought to die...."
Roslyn gasped covering her mouth; she seemed very upset.
" But I will give you the answer to your dilemma." she continued " Have your prisoner guide you to the goblin lairs and recapture our dragon. If you succeed, we will aid you in helping these ....walking guardians."

Nanith looked at the group and nodded in confirmation. " Sounds like an acceptable proposition, don�t you think? It�s not like we really have another choice.� he said shrugging his shoulders.

" No choice?! blasted the dwarf waving his warhammer around " We have plenty of choices....including walking back out of here and climbing them mountains!"

Vrai agreed " We will follow our own instinct with this. We aren't going to be bandied about by something half our size and half our might." he pointed to the female charge " If you have something to share about why the land is dying around this place, then tell us now!"

The kobold seemed to tense up as she watched the party before her getting worked up. " The questions that bother you, I cannot answer. We are not responsible for whatever ails the land."

Nanith stared up at the maw of the dragonchair while Teflar and Aramil discussed something private in hushed whispers. " I have a question that�s been bothering me since we met." Ninnipin pointed to their captive " This dragon must be very valuable to you and Pomeer. Why would you protect such a precious possession with a single kobold? Is there something else you�re not telling us?� he queried, scratching his head in confusion.

The leader replied " The dragon keeper was someone who we felt could handle his duty. We were wrong and he had paid his price. Therefore, he can redeem himself and aid you on tour of the fort. Go and hurry! I can grant you something to aid your gang upon your successful return."

With that mention, the party perked up. " And what would that be?" asked Roslyn with curious expression.

The leader smiled rather presumptious " To what you've all been staring at the last five minutes. The key to the citadel gallery!"