"If they can point us toward Cragmaw it might save us a whole heap of time."

"What ever we do, we should check in with Sildar first."

Townmaster’s Hall

The townmaster’s hall has sturdy stone walls, a pitched wooden roof, and a bell tower at the back. Posted on a board next to the front door is a notice written in Common. It reads: “REWARD—Orcs near Wyvern Tor! Those of a mind to face the orc menace should inquire within.” The notice bears the town’s seal and an indecipherable signature.

"There's no shortage of work down here that's for sure. We might consider forming a formal company and setting up shop."

"You would not balk at hunting your own kind?"

"Work is work elf, and I do not have a kind."

"I am sorry Griell, I meant no offence."

"None taken. Let's get inside."

As they enter they are greeted by a fat middle aged man in expensive clothes.

"Harbin Wester at your service. I am the Towns Master here in Phandalin."

"We are friends of Master Hallwinter, is he within?"

 "Are you indeed? Well you had best come inside."

Wester does not look pleased to hear the name of Sildar from your lips. 

The party follow the Towns Master within and soon enter the main hall where Sildar is seated and waiting for them.

"Ah very good. Master Wester, these are the fine heroes I was talking to you about."

He looks to the party then, 

"How goes your enquiries my friends, have you learnt anything that might give us clue to Gundrens whereabouts?"

"Nothing of note. The whole town is obsessing about these Redbrand mercenaries. Everywhere we go the conversation turns toward them."

 Wester laughs nervously.

“People love to gossip. They are just a mercenary guild, and not all that much trouble, really.”

Sildar grows suddenly angry.

"Your citizens seem to disagree Master Wester. As an agent of the Lords’ Alliance, my goal here is to bring law and order to Phandalin. As such this Redbrand menace must be dealt with. I think Gundren had the right idea, we should make efforts to find the lost mine of Wave Echo Cave and help the Rockseeker brothers put it back into production. Bringing prosperity to the region will help civilize the town. Removing these Redbrands is the first step."

He takes a deep steadying breath,

"What is more Master Wester; I have learnt from your good townsfolk that the companion I seek, one Iarno Albrek, a fellow member of the Lords’ Alliance, disappeared while exploring the area around Tresendar Manor about two months ago, shortly after arriving in Phandalin and shortly after spending a great deal of time in your company. A fact that to this point you have failed to mention despite my direct questioning."

 "I er... did not wish to distress you lord."

"Yes I... I did spend some time with the fellow, but not a great deal no and he.. he did go missing, but I know of no connection to the manor or these Redbrands."

"I had hoped for better lies at the least you floundering fool. Did not want to distress me indeed."

Sildar stands and he now towers over the fat man. 

"I had my suspicions, but now I am close to certain that you are complicit in this Redbrand trouble. I wonder where the money comes from to pay for your fine clothes and food?"

The Towns Master tries to object but Sildar raises his hand to silence him.

"My friends Griell and Kara, would you do me the service of taking the good Master down to the cells where he can consider his next lie with more care? Or perhaps some time with the goblin might shake some truth out of him."

 "No! Stop, you can not do this. This is my town damn it! You will regret this!"

Griell and Kara happily escort the man down to his own cells. He protests all the way, even offering them gold to disobey Sildar. As they throw him into the cell next to the goblin he begin to openly cry and beg.

The pair lock him away securely before heading back up to speak to Sildar.

"Thank you my friends. This is a sad business. Another thing I have learnt from my investigations around town is that these Redbrands have a leader. A fellow named Glasstaff."

"We have heard the same name and also there are seeming connections between these Redbrands and the Cragmaw goblins."

"Indeed? Well that makes what I must ask next a little easier. I would commission your services to clear out this Redbrand threat and to capture or kill their leader; this Glasstaff. I have spoken with the Miners Exchange and they will pay 500 gold for this venture and my friends should this lead to the eventual rescue of master Rockseer and the dsicovery of Cragmaw Castle, then the Lords Alliance will match the reward with a further 500 gold. What say you?"