The dwarf nods with understanding to Knok. "The gracious Mother thanks you for all that you have done. Of course I can take you to see the Messenger provided the proper contribution to our most humble Shrine." You see the dwarf hold out his hand. 

"I feel we have the short end of this stick." Jonathan comments to the others whilst waiting around for something to happen. "It's the celebration days, we should be wandering around and enjoying ourselves a little."

Teren, who has been nearly silent, turns toward Jonathan and says, "This is no time for celebration." His tone is dark and full of sorrow. 

Knok narrows his eyes and his voice takes on a bitter tone.  "Does Shamara not believe Knok until he gives her coin?  Will Shamara not protect the people of Holden Heights without Knok handing over money?," he says as he practically slaps a silver down in the dwarf's palm.  "Knok wasn't aware there was a tax on doing the right thing."

The dwarf lets out a small sigh as he sees the silver coin. "Shamara thanks you for your offering brother. Follow me." His disregard for Knok's concern is very poignant. He leads Knok to the doors he'd passed through the other day and leads him down the same hallway. At the door to the office, the dwarf knocks on the door and says, "Messenger Krusk, one of our brothers is here to see you." An acknowledgement is heard from the other side of the door and the dwarf escorts Knok into the room. He places the silver coin on the table and says, "Our brother's most generous offering, my Messenger."

Krusk looks at the coin and motions for the dwarf to leave. "What is it brother Knok? Where has Quentin gone?" Krusk leans back into his leather bound chair as he looks at Knok with interest. 

"Quentin is watching the booth, in the square, where Knok, Quentin, and several others of us believe that the infected wagon driver's goods are being sold.  Quentin says they are...im-bewed...with neck-row-man-see!  We don't know who to talk to, and Quentin sent me to you!"

As Knok relays the information to Krusk, he can tell that the halforc is already at least somewhat aware. "And what of these goods? What is being sold?" Krusk leans in with interest as he waits for Knok to respond with what's up for sale within the booth. 

"Pots, bowls, cups.  Old stuff, people are laughing at it, but some people are buying it.  Can the bad god's power spread like that?"

Knok scratches his chin, as something potentially important occurs to him.  "The seller, he has a tattoo on his arm. Scales.  Is that important?"

Krusk seems disappointed at the items offered. He leans back in the chair and says, "The pottery could be potentially harmful but nothing comparable to what you've dealt with." Krusk reaches into a drawer in the desk and pulls out a small golden ring. Knok can see intricate etchings woven into the ring. Krusk hands Knok the ring and says, "If you notice any ill effects from the goods, pray to the mother and she will aide the ill-fated. It can only be used once though so make sure you don't waste it."

When Knok mentions the tattoo, Krusk has the same knowing expression. "They are brothers and sisters that have been misguided. Do not be mislead by their lies. Their intentions are not for the betterment of society, but the Mother is able to forgive those that have betrayed her."

Quote from Cromusz >>

Teren, who has been nearly silent, turns toward Jonathan and says, "This is no time for celebration." His tone is dark and full of sorrow. 

 "Alright, keep your undergarments untwisted." Jonathan replies. "I was just commenting that it's a shame things ended up like this."

Teren nods and says, "You're right. This celebration is a wonderful gathering of people from across the region." He turns and looks over the crowd. "The journey here is quite the event for these people. The knowledge they'll return home with will provide great boons to their communities."

Knok cradles the ring carefully in his hands, tentatively slipping it over his right thumb, unsure of the weight of it, jewelry so unfamiliar to the goblin.  "If the pottery isn't important, Messenger, what are we looking for?  Where should we look?  Knok doesn't want what happened to him to happen to anyone else."

Krusk pause a moment thinking. "The pottery is trash compared to what the Gunthar has found. Bowls and cups are the shameful offerings left behind for the damned." He slides the silver coin back toward Knok. "Shameful offerings are not what the gods want. They don't bring the gods back to this plane." He takes a moment to gather himself. "Question the seller and find where his master is hiding. The real treasures will be there."

Covering the coin with his hand, Knok thinks out loud.  "Knok doesn't like the dwarf.  But you have been helpful to Knok twice now.  Knok trusts you will do good with it.  Keep it."

Before leaving, Knok turns back over his shoulder towards Krusk.  "Should...should Knok try to redeem the seller?  Send him to you?  What would Shamara want?  Knok is new to...to being a Not Us."

"Shamara would want to save the people of Holden Heights. We must know where that seller's master is." Krusk gives Knok a look of determination. He then slips the silver coin into his vest pocket. 

As you go to leave, you hear Krusk shout for the dwarf to enter the room and close the door behind him. You make your way back through the shrine and witness many of the devout offering their services to those in need. You sense great purpose here and feel a sense of comfort in knowing those in the faith are able to tend to those in need. You hear the slight rumble of thunder and head back out into the town square. Far to the west, you see rain clouds forming overhead. 

The town square is full of people as the day progresses. Knok can hear the loud cheers and clanging of metal from the large stage that has been setup for competitions. Merchants and craftspeople from across the region have gathered here to perfect their trade and to share their knowledge in training sessions. There is a sense of joy here as the music from the band of bards playing nearby.

Knok is able to make his way back to find Jonathan, Teren, Tanni, and Eira watching over the strange booth.

A pleasant breeze flows through the street bringing with it cooler moist air heralding the incoming rain. As the air whips through the streets, you see a faint plume of red dust rise into the air very similar to what some of you have seen on the goods in the booth. Though it's hard to tell where the plume originated, you have the feeling it came from the alley. 

Jonathan makes sure to hold his newly purchased cloak around himself, the hood covering his head from the rainfall. "Well?"He asks the others when they arrive. "What did you find?"

"I admit, I'm a little surprised they didn't cancel the festival. Guess there's too much money tied to it." Tanni grumbles. She notices the red dust and wonders aloud, lifting a finger to point at it "What's that?"

As you watch in the street, you see a few of the workers drop off a crate at the booth and the merchant stops them. The merchant points to another crate and you watch the workers take that crate and begin to head through the town square.