Hushed Voices

Anger shot across Cest's face like lightning when Maul agreed to speak with Fox in private.  Her elven eyes darted between everyone in the group.  The chamber grew quiet enough  for a pin-drop to be heard.  She turned and walked out of the chamber cracking her whip as she went.
     Fox and Maul mulled over to the shadows and carried on their discussion.
     "Maul, I have never known a partnership with a Drow to end in less than deadly terms."  Fox stated matter-of-factly.
     "Her?" replied the stone giant, "I could squash her like a bug."  A smile cracked across his face.
     "There could be more, I know of these creatures," Fox pleaded, "where there is one there are hundreds.  They are like cockroaches."
     As the conversation continues on, Fox can recognize the annoyance growing in Maul's voice.
     "They work for me, the artifact will be mine once it is found," he growled, "how do I know you aren't trying to work me..." a shifting sound off in the darkness of the chamber silenced their dialogue.
     "There are many many more."  Fox whispered and shifted his body to block those that were listening in the shadows.  The demeanor on the stone giants face changed as he realized the seriousness of his surroundings. 
     Fox signaled Auren to make as much noise as possible. 
     Auren, Groth and Raddick carried on a rowdy and obscene conversation wile Fox and Maul whispered quietly in the corner.
     Moments later Fox rejoined the group, a wide-eyed expression adorned his face. 
     "How did it go?" asked Auren.
     "Turn around and walk."  replied Fox sternly.
     "What happened over there?"
     "Turn around and walk, we need to get out of here!" he responded.
     They walked out of the chamber with Maul following behind.  The battalions still held their positions in rank as the portcullis rose slowly.  Behind one of the battalions Cest stood on a raised platform.  Her icy gaze followed their every step.  The steady march out of the keep felt like years.   Once on the other side the portcullis slammed shut.  One look above proved that the archers were still in place with arrows trained.
     They scurried across the bridge and up the ridge finally resting among the fallen stick army (which didn't intimidate anyone).
     Fox notified the crew of the dire situation that they barely escaped back at the keep.  Maul claimed that there was evidence of the artifact and it's whereabouts in a tome up at the mansion, 'The library has proof of the magic item' he said.  In order to prove their allegiance to Maul they must retrieve the item and bring it back to him.

Off To Grandmother's House We GO!