Chapter 3: In Phandalin, or, How to Return a Quest

The Loud Boys in the Lost Mine of Phandelver, a D&D report

It was near dark by the time the road dipped south towards the town of Phandalin. The heavily worn ruts led to a collection of log buildings clustered around the main road. Old stone ruins covered in ivy and briars could be seen on the outskirts, hints at a previous, much greater and more prosperous iteration of the town. Just visible in the deepening twilight was a hill to their left with a crumbling manor at the distant end of a track as it started to climb out of the valley.

"Great, we're here!" exclaimed Kila cheerfully. "This must be it. Where do you think we should take this cart?"

Uayak looked around the town, lips thinned. "I think the dwarf said something about a shop... What a backwater this is."

"I think it was Barthen's Provisions," said Jake helpfully. "I wonder how we'll find it?"

"I'm sure we can just ask someone," said Uayak. He looked around at the farmers hurrying in past them from their fields, and caught one by the edge of his tunic. "Friend, can you-"

The farmer screamed before he turned and saw the trio properly, standing next to the cart. "My apologies, good sirs," he gasped. "I thought you were- Anyway, what can I do for you?"

They looked at each other. Uayak said, "We were looking for Barthen's Provisions. Can you give us directions?"

The farmer nodded, the hoe that he was holding nodding with him. "Straight down the path and first big building on your left, it's got a red shingle roof, you can't miss it."

"Thanks," said Uayak politely. "And, by the way, who did you think we..."

But the farmer had already set off, using his hoe like a walking stick.

"I wonder who he thought we were," said Uayak.

"Let's get rid of this cart," said Kila, yawning. "I'm hungry. And sleepy."

The instructions brought them straight to a brightly painted shopfront where a man was busily packing away displays of travel biscuits, flasks of oil and signs cheerfully declaring bargains and sales. He was a portly middle-aged human bustling the last customers of the day out, and he looked up as the adventurers approached. Uayak ducked his head under the tarpaulin of the cart as Kila drove closer.

"Well hello!" exclaimed the shopkeeper as the cart rolled to a stop. "I'm sorry, but we are closing for the day... You're welcome to come back first thing in the morning, we open at sun up. You're not from around here, I can see. Can I suggest lodgings at Stonehill Inn? Very reasonable prices."

"Oh!" said Kila. "We're not buying, we're delivering! We were supposed to meet someone here..." He turned to Jake. "What was his name again?"

"Gundren," said the young wizard. "Gundren Rockseeker. Is he here yet?"

"Right, you've got Mr Rockseeker's supplies!" Then the shopkeeper frowned. "I wonder where he is. He and his brothers were supposed to be here by now."

Kila leapt down from the driver's seat athletically, leather armour creaking, followed by the more cautious Jake. "Can we leave the stuff here even if what's his name isn't back yet?"

"I suppose so... Oh, where are my manners. My name is Barthen, and this is my little shop. We are purveyers of quality provisions to travellers and adventurers. Maybe we'll see you again to restock your saddlebags when we open again on the morrow?"

"Maybe," said Jake awkwardly, and looked down the road at the darkening town. "Did you say there's an inn down that way?"

"Yes, there is. Actually, before you head off, would you mind giving me a hand unloading the cart? Otherwise I'll be here until well past true dark and I'll be in trouble with the missus again..."

The two young men looked at each other, shrugged and nodded. As the shopkeeper went to flip the tarpaulin there was a shocking roar and Uayak exploded from underneath, shouting, "Surprise, Mr Shopkeeper!"

Barthen staggered backwards, his face white and clutching at his chest. "Who?! What?! Why?!"

Standing on the tail of the cart, short sword in one hand and dagger in the other, cloak shadowing his face and body in the deepening gloom, the halfling was more intimidating than he had any right to be. "My name is Uayak. I'm with these fine young lads. I was just wondering when you'll be paying us for... safe... delivery of these goods."

The shopkeeper's eyes darted side to side. By now, the street was deserted and the glow of lanterns could be seen further down the road, casting spheres of friendly light around communal buildings. The closest structures were private dwellings, windows still dark; their inhabitants had perhaps stopped at the town's taverns for their evening repast and fellowship. The town was not large; a scream would attract attention. The shopkeeper opened his mouth.

"You might be interested to know," said Uayak conversationally. "We're the Loud Boys. We don't like other people being too loud when we're around. We get a bit... upset... when there's someone louder than us."

Kila and Jake were looking on with a mix of admiration and horror. "What do you mean, we?" said Kila.

Barthen took a deep breath. "You... You don't have anything to do with the Redbrand Gang, do you?"

Uayak narrowed his eyes. "Not anymore," he said shortly. "You going to pay us or not? Gundren Rockseeker promised us ten gold for safe delivery of goods. Each."

"I suppose..." quavered Barthen, "I can give you the money now and Gundren can pay me back when he arrives... He's not normally late, I wish he were here..."

Uayak grinned as the shopkeeper counted out the flashing coins slowly into his hand. The money disappeared into a pouch with a flourish.

"Right, now where did you say that inn was?" said the halfling cheerfully, as though nothing had happened.

Jake had a thoughtful look on his face as they headed down the street, his fingers automatically fiddling with his cube of many colours. Kila managed to wait until they were one house away before bursting out, "That was very rude!"

"Was it?" said the halfling casually, one hand in his pocket tinkling the coins.

"I think you scared him!"

"Yes, that was the point. He wasn't paying up, you see."

"Yes, but..."

"Yes full stop. You're still young, you'll learn that if you don't take care of yourself no one else will. Now, let's go down to the inn he was talking about, my Loud Boys, and get some tucker into us."

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Time to read Chapter 4!

Or Chapter 2!

Even Chapter 1!