The Beast

[Rezantis]

"If I may . . . it might not be a bad idea to search their belongings.  I mean, odds on they aren't carrying a periapt or the like, but it would certainly be prudent to make sure.  But I would also be polite about it and ask their permission first - alienating potentially helpful allies is never a good idea.  It would also be worth finding out whether the 'golem' has a mind of it's own, or if one of them controls it, before you start talking of using people as hostages for it's good behaviour and the like."

[Dracos]

Bjorn, note the other one claims to be an alchemist.  Just because the golem is out there does not mean that they could not be dangerous in here.

Dracos

[Brian]

Kevin drums his fingers against his gilded armor, no longer the confident, nearly jovial force he was when you first met him.  "Very well," he finally decides.  "We will need to depend on their good graces to see them through an uncomfortable time if they are to be allies.  And if they are foes, we will not be taken by surprise as we were before."

Nodding, he turns to Radagast.  "Relay our terms to them, if you would be so kind.  If they are willing, we have nothing to fear.  If they are not ... well."

"Yes," Radagast agrees.  "But aside from that ... I would like to request that I have an opportunity to speak with them first, in my tower.  While I am doing so, guards can search the wagon -- or better, Loremaster Serril can assist them.  He has some knowledge of alchemy.  Enough, at least, to keep the guards from doing anything dangerous in their attempts to search."

Kevin raises an eyebrow and glances about, as if to see if anyone else had a suggestion.

[Bjorn]

Bjorn nods.  "This seems reasonable," he opines.  "The Lorekeepers are most likely to be able to judge the truth of their claims, I think."

[Rezantis]

"And judge the possible help - or danger - of this golem, as well," Rez shrugs, "I guess it makes sense."

[Brian]

"Very good," Radagast says, nodding.

He and Ekim approach the impatiently waiting golem-manufacturer and alchemist, their golem looking up, but not moving, when they approach.

Radagast explains the situation, while Ekim resumes his inspection of the golem.  "We would be glad to welcome your assistance," Radagast says carefully, "but in these troubled times, precautions must be taken.  We'd ... like to learn more about you, first.  We therefore invite you into the keep ... but we must search your things to make sure that nothing has been hidden there by others that could cause harm to the keep's defenses."

Both of the men nod, though the alchemist (Quarrl) looks upset at this.

"Anything else?"  Derrick asks suspiciously.

"We'd also like the golem to remain here until we can understand your goals better," Radagast says, somewhat apologetically.

Derrick looks really unhappy, and the golem turns to look at him, its eyebrows drooping and radiating unhappiness.  It raises an arm towards Derrick a short distance, then pauses, and drops it to the ground.  Ekim seems fascinated by the movement.

"Very well," Radagast says, nodding.  "Come with me if you ... ah ... hmm.  How was your wagon drawn?"

"My wagon was attacked by bandits in the upper kingdoms," Quarrl explains, grimacing.  "They slaughtered my oxen.  Master Derrick and his golem arrived, and chased the bandits off.  After that, the golem hauled the wagon for us, and we joined one of the regular caravans to the keep."

"Ah," Radagast says, frowning.  "Well ... we have some oxen at the keep.  They will be able to bring the wagon in.  Come with me, then, if you please."

The two men shrug, Derrick pausing to pat the golem on its head (he has to stand on tiptoe to do this), before leaving.  The golem doesn't sigh, but it does droop, and look on after Derrick like a dejected puppy.

Radagast leads the men to the defenders wall, where the men are begining to relax, Ekim trailing behind.  "Lord Kevin," he intones, "Lord Bloom.  It is my honor to introduce you to Masters Quarrl and Derrick, scholars of alchemy and the crafting of ... golems respectively."

"Learned men," Kevin returns, nodding at them graciously.  "I feel you should give them our best hospitality, Loremaster Radagast.  I think your tower suits those of a scholarly pursuit the best."

"Indeed," Radagast says, nodding again.  "This way, if you please."  With that, he starts leading Quarrl and Derrick into the keep, the golem left behind.  It actually looks kind of sad.

[Bjorn]

"My Lord," Bjorn says, addressing himself to Kevin, "perhaps we should go with them?  The company of senior members of the Keep command might soothe some of the insult of our precautions."

[Brian]

Kevin blinks, and then nods.  "If you've time to spare.  I'll ask Eske to look into the matter of ... of Dorian's quarters for the moment."  He pauses.  "And see to Mistress Lindsey's release."

[Rezantis]

"Lord Kevin, would you mind if I went and spoke to her, and Durant?  I was meaning to do so after we were done searching Dorian's room, but events . . ." Rez shrugs helplessly.

[Brian]

"What?" Kevin asks.  "Instead of going to the tower?"

[Rezantis]

"Well, yes.  Unless you or Lord Bloom or Loremaster Radagast wishes my presence there," Rez looks faintly surprised.

[Brian]

Kevin shrugs.  "As you wish, then," he says, dismissing Nathan.

Nathan now joins Alone.

[Bjorn]

Looking after Nathan for a second, Bjorn shrugs internally, and then lets the mindboard dissipate, allowing his newly acquired combat senses occupy his attention instead.  With a final nod at Kevin, he makes his way after Radagast and the newcomers.

[Dracos]

"I think I shall join you, Bjorn." Dracos remarks, following him towards Radagast's tower.

Dracos

[Brian]

Parthipan joins the entourage, sparing a curious glance for Nathan.

Qurral and Derrick say nothing until they're seen through the guards (who search them) and let into the tower.  Derrick is wearing a pendant, but it's not a bone periapt -- it's a Star of David.  Qurral has a knife on him, which is left at the door, and in the name of fairness, the guards look at Phil and Bjorn's weapons expectantly.