With Rhogar left outside to watch over Oli the sheriff leads you into the Council Hall and introduces you to the speaker, Duvessa Shane.

"Greetings and well met." she says as introductions are made.  "I understand that Sheriff Southwell has sent you on an important mission to the goblin tribe in Karkolohk.  I am eager to hear what you have to report on that situation."

"From our conversation with the goblin chief, it seems that all they want is to be left alone, and they will not attack any of the settlements of Ten-Town. We asked if there was any other demand from him, and he would only say that he has none, besides peace." Says Kazri to the speaker.

"Greetings Speaker." says Krom as he returns the salute. 
"He seemed honest in his request of peace." adds Krom as Kazri finishes to speak. The dwarf pauses for a few moment as considering what to say to the Speaker "I had my fair share of goblin encounters and he did not seemed to be your typical goblin, in fact Speaker, I believe that the goblin chief is not a goblin at all, but maybe a gnome or halfling that tries to pass as one for some unknown reasons. Anyway he is in charge of the tribe and he wants peace so I guess that it should be enough for your people."   

"That is true. They seemed to easily be placated by offerings of food and such. Most other goblins I have dealt with would have tried to take the food by force or flee if they though themselves to weak." Rekuberk says as he stands to the side of Krom.

"Well Sheriff, seems you were wrong about those goblins.  It doesn't matter to me who is leading them.  As long as they abide by this peace they wish we will do the same."  Shane chuckles for a moment.  "Well, I'll be, a peaceful solution to a goblin problem."

Turning her attention back to you,

"The Sheriff here figures you are worthy folk to be trusted, and from what I hear I'll agree with him.  Which is good, because we have problems that need to be solved.  As you may know I am the Speaker for Bryn Shander.  I am also the head of the Council of Speakers.  Each of the ten towns has a speaker and we meet as a council regarding matters that affect all of the towns.  But we've lost a couple speakers recently.  In Caer-Dineval, no one has seen the town speaker for a long time. Locals say Speaker Crannoc has fallen ill, but sinister figures have been seen entering and leaving the castle at odd hours. In Good Mead, the town speaker was recently killed by a nine-foot-tall giant. Then there are the murders that have occurred."

She clears her throat

"I am also worried about rumors that the Arcane Brotherhood has sent operatives to Ten-Towns. I suspect that Vaelish Gant, an Arcane Brotherhood wizard incarcerated at Revel’s End, might have information to share. If you could question Gant and find out what he knows about Arcane Brotherhood activity in Ten-Towns I am offering a reward of 250 gp if you obtain useful information. You may give him a signed letter notifying Gant that, in exchange for his cooperation, I will petition the Lords’ Alliance for a reduction in his sentence.  Revel's End is out past Termalaine and Lonelywood on the edge of the Sea of Moving Ice.  Could you do this for me?"

"Hey,  didn't that goblin give us some sort of peace treaty that they wouldn't attack caravans unless they were attacked first?   As for this prisoner I think we are headed that direction next so that shouldn't be a problem as far as I'm concerned. "  Chill says.

"Yes, Chill, the goblins will not attack the Ten Towns and their caravans as long as they are not attacked." says Krom.

The dwarf says to the Speaker "We will speak with that prisoner and try to discover as much as we can Speaker. Our Fellowship is trying to put an end to this eternal winter that plagues Icewind Dale and maybe the Arcane Brotherhood knows something that we do not."

"Regarding the murders of the other Speakers, do you know if those happened on nights of full moon? We are looking into a series of murder linked to the Frostmaiden and maybe the Speakers were also killed to please Auril." asks Krom to the Speaker.

"I know no other details than what I have said.  You would need to travel to those cities to learn more if you wonder if their deaths are tied to the other murders."  Duvessa Shane answers.  "If there are no other questions I have other business to attend to."

(Feel free to ask anything, but I'm going to move the story along.)

Before you leave the Sheriff hands Krom a bag of gold.  "300 gold pieces as promised.  Looks like you solved the the goblin issues, glad to hear it.  That makes my job a lot easier. "

You head out and collect Rhogar and Oli.  The dragonborn isn't having too much trouble as there aren't too many people willing to give the tall dragonborn problems.  Oli however had been busy nosing into everything he found and approaching everyone who passed by.  The owlbear cub was proving to be curious but also friendly.

You reach the Northlook and find that Scramsax has no issue allowing Kazri to keep the owlbear cub with her in her room.  "I adventured with many who had strange pets and sidekicks.  You raise that owlbear right and it'll be a faithful companion.  There's a good chance that owlbear has already imprinted on you and it won't go back to the wild.  And no one messes with someone who has a full grown owlbear standing behind them."

Day 18, Month of Hammer (Deepwinter)

Description: Snow
High: -43°F (-42°C)
Low:-56°F (-49°C)
Wind Force: Severe
Wind Speed: 34 mph (54 kph)

The following morning you gather together to make you way towards your next destinations. The first town you will come across will be Targos and all reports indicate its about a 2 hour walk.

As you meet for breakfast Chip announces that Scramsax has made him an offer that he cannot refuse to be the regular bard at the Northlook. He is going to stay and will not be travelling with you.

He offers up his Ring of Warmth to anyone who wants it during their travels.

As you head outside you find that the wind whips stronger than it has yet during your time in the Ten-Towns. The temperature is even colder and few people are outside. Travel is harder than it might have been and almost three hours later you find yourself approaching the wooden walls of Targos.  The snowvcovered path continues north towards or Termalaine.  You can stop in Targo for a brief respite from the weather or continue north towards Termalaine which is another 4-6 hours away.

"We will do that Speaker, thank you for your time." replies the dwarf to the Speaker. 
As the Sheriff gives him the bag of gold, Krom says "We were glad to be of service Sheriff, we will do our best to be a force of good in this Dale."
The dwarf, on the way back to the tavern will give to each member of the Fellowship his share of the reward.

On the next morning as Chip informs the group of his decision, Krom gives a strong hug to the dragonborn "Stay well and stay safe my friend. We will miss you.", the dwarf stops for a moment before adding "You will be always a member of our Fellowship."

As the group reaches Targos Krom asks to the group "Shall we continue to Bremen and try to deal with their mysterious monster then proceed to the Black Cabin as we originally planned or do we continue to Termalaine?"

"Looking at the map it would seem the best way to get to Bremen is through Targos.  So now would be a good time to head that way.   We can also stop in Targos and see if the merchant tied to the murders has been in town recently.  I say we do it."

Chill says as he stamps his feet and rubs his hands trying to stay warm. 

 "They must have an inn here.   A hot meal would be great."

"An inn to escape for a while from this eternal winter and a hot meal is precisely what we need Chill." says Krom to the tabaxi "The innkeeper or some of the patrons may know if that travelling merchant company is in town or not."

"As for going to Bremen, I think too that we should head there." says the dwarf removing some snow from his beard.

As the others are making their way outside, Rhogar had his hand over his snout, shaking his head at Oli's enthusiasm. He brightens up considerably once the others arrive, and merely taps the side of his head, confirming he overheard the conversation. For the time being however, he kept quiet and silently dismissed the notion of trying to plan out the next step until the group had a full belly and a warm stay in the inn. To add to Scramsax point, he would have this to say in a half-joking matter: "Seems we've made a good choice then! And if such is so, perhaps we might see about getting the little one fitted with armor than before long."  

The next day, Chip's news is met initially with a look of disappointment and even sorrowful to an extent. But by the time others have finished given their own well wishes and so forth, the Bronze Dragonborn stance seemed to soften, for by the end understanding seemed to creep into his expression. Though still unable to find the words, he gives Chip a firm pat on the shoulder and held him there for a moment, then nodded before stepping away to join the others for the next leg of their journey. Gorrah is far more emotional about it things though, and would have to eventually be peeled off Chip, if he hadn't managed to coax her out of strangling him to death from hugging him.

Later that day, and hopefully with at least ten days of extra rations bought on their way out of Bryn Shander, Rhogar groans at the exchange between dwarf and Tabaxi. "I would rather we press on then, least we find ourselves trapped in Targos." Commented the Bronze Dragonborn, using his staff now more like a hiking stick than anything else. "But if you all insist." Is all he added, putting forth but a token resistance. From the padded confines of a saddle bag, Gorrah just sends the image of a warm hearth to most people's mind.

Rekubt slaps Chip on the back and promised to stop by to have an ale before they leave Ice Wind Dale turning his attention back to the next task. "I say the inn sounds like a fine plan."

On the way out, Kazri races to make sure that Oli is not causing any trouble. She is relieved that he was a "good boy". "Thank you Mr. Nimbatuul for taking care of the little one." As they head to the Northlook for some rest, Kazri is surprised to hear some good words from the innkeeper. She prays to Helm that she will be able to take good care of the little owlbear. Rhogar's suggestion about getting some armor for Oli did sound like a good idea. Perhaps she will ask Master Krom for suggestions.
The next morning, she hears Chips news. Kazri shakes the dragonborn's hands. "It has been an honor to fight by your side Mr. Tune-Tail. We shall miss you, but it is good to know what you will be in a safe place. As stated by Master Krom."
As they aproach the next town, Kazri checks if Oli has any difficulties with the incremental weather, she then remembers that they are born under these conditions. She makes sure that the little one is able to keep up, and heads to Targos with the group.

"We will stay in Targos just the time to fill our bellies with some hot food and gather some information about Torg." says Krom trying to reassure the dragonborn, "Bremen is not far, we should still have plenty of daylight left."

The dwarf walks then near Kazri and Oli saying "Yesterday Rhogar made an interesting comment about outfitting Oli with an armour. I never crafted an armour for an animal, but I would like to try, if you and Oli allow it of course." Krom pauses for a moment before adding "Let me know what do you think while we eat something at the nearest inn."

Krom says to Chill "Lead the way my friend."

"I thank you for your generosity Master Krom. Perhaps, for now, just something to protect his back. I am not sure if he needs something for the cold though." Kazri makes a mental note to ask little Oli if he's cold, on the next opportunity.

Passing the fork that has a trail leading north to Termalaine you approach the gate and are allowed entry.  The whole town is encircled by a wooden wall and the gate guard points you to the Three Flags Sailing, the local tavern where you can get a hot meal.  You find it right near the docks.  You see that the wall extends out into the lake, creating a safe harbor for the town’s boats. But now Auril’s long winter has frozen the water in the harbor, and many of Targos’s boats are trapped in the ice. You see a couple of people draging a smaller vessel across the ice to get to the unfrozen lake beyond the harbor walls.

Entering the Three Flags Sailing the atmosphere is subdued; the fishers are cold and tired and unsure about Icewind Dale’s future. The tavern is run by a plump, gray-haired woman that the few patrons in the room call 'Ma'.  She seems to fuss over the fishers as if they were her children.

(I am going to assume they have bigger problems here to care about a cub owlbear. So I guess. "Stay awhile and listen...")

Kazri approaches the tavern keeper. "Pardon me ma'am. Does the harbor freezes like this all the time? It seems that the boats are trapped in it."

Krom follows Kazri and the rest of the group inside the tavern. He waits for the tavern keeper's reply to Kazri before saying "We will be sitting at that table over there, please bring us ale and something hot to fill our bellies." the dwarf pauses for a moment before adding "We were looking for purchasing goods and supplies for our travels, do you know if Torg is in town at the moment? If not would you please point us to a shop of some kind?"