Your almost think your eyes are deceiving you, but the town is actually bigger than when you left, about a week ago. as you approach the edge of the town, a young boy sees you and  shouts, "It's them! They actually made it back!" He then sprints for the center of town.

Where do you bring the wagon? The Wolf's Clothing Inn has a large stable that would easily hold the wagon, and is near the Town Hall.

"Let's leave the wagon at the stables near The Wolf's Clothing and then go give our report." Mathias suggests.

Kaelen nods in agreement, organizing his notes as he walks.

As does Asariel (no notes for him though) 

You secure the wagon at the inn, and as you are exiting the stables, you are met by Townmaster Burgos, accompanied by a soldier wearing the livery of Duke Brexas.

"Hail and well met," she says, clearly happy to see you return. "I'd like to invite you to my office to dispense your reward, and hear about your adventure."

The townmaster leads you across the square into the Town Hall, where two ducal guards stand at the entrance. You cross the assembly hall to her office at the back of the building, which is again guarded by two guards in the same livery. The guards remain outside while she bring you in.

"I'm excited to hear tell what you have to report. I imagine you may wish to produce a more formal written statement, but I'd love to hear the highlights."

You will notice one thing that seems out of place, a medium size chest, marked with Duke Brexas' seal, located along a back wall.

Kaelen silently presents a written summary of his notes from the journey to the townmaster, leaving the storytelling to those more skilled at it.

Asariel will happily talk away, including most of what is in the written summery (but almost certainly missing bits). He doesn't embellish details, but does make sure to mention how helpful and kind those 3 kobolds were, as well as warning about the demon pillar, the cult and kobolds in the keep itself, and the ghouls/goblins wandering around on the way to the keep. 

"Sounds like quite the adventure! I'll be happy to take that written report."

She opens the chest and presents you with two sacks of coin, one containing 600 gold, and another containing 300 gold for the written report.

"Congratulations, you've earned a rest! You all have free lodging in the Sheep's Clothing Inn for the next week."

What will you all do now?

[[You have reached a milestone, and are now level 4.]]

"That's a damned fine question, and one I'm not quite sure of the answer to."  Mathias admits.  "Sounds like something we'll all have to discuss over the next few days."

[[Leveled up. Took the Fey Touched feat (+1 Wis, Misty Step, Hunter's Mark); New spell prepared per day (Spike Growth)]]

Kaelen nods in agreement. "Other than restocking the wagon, I have nothing specific in mind."

((Level up complete. Sharpshooter 2024, +1 dex. +1 spell: ensnaring strike.))

Asariel plans to spend some nights in a comfortable bed in preparation for inevitably being asked to travel somewhere else (likely back to the keep).

(leveled up. Taken speedy feet, minor illusion and knock) 

Without any other requests, I'll assume you all hang around the in for a few days.

The time goes by fairly uneventfully, although Asariel gets pestered to tell some stories of the adventure, and you all are seen as the big stuff right now.

That begins to change after about 4 days when word gets around that an envoy from the Duke is arriving in a few days.

[[Sorry, I haven't been super active.  It's gonna be a day or two but I will start having some more time for the game.