Trials of Azeroth

Chapter 9

The group, after travelling non stop for multiple days and nights, finally arrived in the village of Southshore. The settlement consisted of no less than a dozen buildings, was surrounded by simple farmland and had a small dock sitting down by the bay. A few hundred metres out from the town sat a lone solitary tower, with a score of guards patrolling the perimeter. The adventurers made their way down south of the path, past half a dozen sweating townsfolk tilling the land and down into the village itself.
"Right, I'm off to the tavern!" Sighed the dwarf, heading off to the Southshore Arms.
"I'll go too, and keep you out of trouble." Stated Hwinion, following the mountaineer.
"Ooh, there's no need for that, friend. This old goat can take care of himself." Laughed the dwarf.
"Yes, that's why you need to be kept out of trouble."
Codin then turned to Fizzbiscuit.
"How about we get a move on with this puzzle. Find the head guard or magistrate and discuss this further?" Proposed Codin.
"Sounds good to me." Replied the Gnome, prancing off to the comparatively towering building.

The Human and Gnome found their way to the town hall and made their way inside, hoping to find someone who could help. They first came across the town historian, who sat pondering over an old, hefty tome. He pointed the duo to the back room, where they found the town magistrate, a bearded man by the name of Henry Maleb. He was busy writing a letter to some higher ups in Stormwind, and had a fed up look on his face.
"Magistrate." Greeted Codin. Maleb looked up from his desk.
"Ah, afternoon gentlemen. What brings you here?" He asked, setting down his pen. He spoke with a wise, confident voice.
"Well, umm... it's a bit of a long story."

They two adventurers presented their story to the magistrate, who sat and listened in closely. It took rather a lot of explaining, but they eventually got their story out and stood awaiting their reply. Henry Maleb scratched his beard and gave his reply.
"Well Codin, Fizzbiscuit, it turns out you couldn't have come at a better time."
"Really?!" Exclaimed Fizzbiscuit.
"Yes, indeed. We've been getting harassed by both the horde from Tarren Mill and a number of these thugs for the past few weeks, in growing ferocity and organisation. But thankfully, after many requests, an operative from SI:7 was sent to us from the capital. He managed to infiltrate the local 'Stoneraven' circle, and is now posted at their hideout in the foothills south west of Tarren Mill. We're in the middle of organising a raid right now, but now that your here, it looks like we have some hefty reinforcements." Explained the Magistrate. The two adventurers looked to one another, and their expressions both told he same story.
"Well, we're up for it, and I reckon out compatriots would be good as well." Replied Codin.
"Marvellous." Smiled Maleb. "And where would these compatriots of yours be?"
"At the inn, surprisingly." Laughed the mage.
"I see. Well don't worry, I'll get Smithers to bring them here then Marshal Redpath will fill you in on the situation." Stated Maleb. "Smithers?!" He hollered.

A man dressed in muddy farmers garb with sweat on his brow and a rake in his hand entered the room.
"You called, sir?" He asked.
"Yes. Would it be possible for you to head over to the 'Arms and fetch a Belmin and Hwinion for me."
"It would be my pleasure sir."