Anders declines to play that evening due to his hurt pride.

DAY 19 PHANDALIN

The party meet Raskin outside the inn at first light and head east out of town.

Dragon 2

A low ridge rises to your right, beyond which you see the Sword Mountains scrape the grey sky. But closer in, something is strewn across the rocky ground ninety feet ahead.

“Well, ain’t that something,” says Don-Jon, pointing at what appear to be six dead orcs.

 Thomas kneels by the bodies uttering a prayer for Guidance.

22 + 4

"Extreme cold killed the orcs about three days ago."

 "The Dragon." Elandra guesses.

 “Looks like a white dragon saved us from some trouble.”

Arrival

Hidden among bushes, a tunnel burrows into the foot of a soaring, snow-capped mountain. Above the mouth of the tunnel is a wooden plank with the words “Mountain’s Toe” carved into it in Common.

Dragon 12

 "Well, I am mighty obliged for the escort and mighty glad it was not needed."

 "It grows late. We will stay with you the evening before heading south. If you are ok with that?"

 "Sure sure, more the merrier."

He leads the party inside calling out in greeting to the miners within.

The party light torches and enter the western tunnel which shortly opens out into a cave... which is occupied.

 "Erm... these are not the miners we were looking for."

 "Stay where you are!" screeches the one of the creatures. They appear humanoid with rat like features.

There are two of them in the cave and they look nervous.

"State your business."

 "I have been appointed overseer of this here mine friends."

He puts his hand on his dagger but steps back to allow the group to protect him. "You are trespassing."

 The creatures whisper between themselves for a moment before one speaks.

"We will take you to Zeleen to discuss this claim of yours." They eye the groups weapons warily, obviously not keen to enter into a fight.

 "Don't see much to discus, but by all means lead on."

 "Try not to antagonise them. This need not end in bloodshed."

 "I hear ya."

The creatures lead them through a doorway in the far wall and into an even larger chamber. Scattered about this cave are pickaxes, shovels, and other mining tools. The northeast section contains four giant rats worrying over some old bones. The southwest section contains a group of what appear to be four  male  humans plus a female creature like the ones leading them through.

 As they watch the female changes into a human form.

Their rat like guides scurry forward and whisper to her and she giggle softly.

"I am Zeleen Varnaster the leader of the Whiskered Gang and owner of this fine new nest."

 "Mam there must be some mistake because this here mine is mine."

 "We found it empty human. We claimed it for our own."

 "Where did you come from? Where did you live before?"