While the others argued and haggled, Orun kept quiet and observed them. Words were meaningless, too often used as a shield by those who wielded them, thus he paid little heed to the chatter. A person was shaped by their actions and through those actions one could gleam their thoughts. The orcish cleric was no mind-reader, but all the adventurers gathered here shared one thing in common – they had accepted the Harmach’s summons. There were doubtlessly more profitable ventures to be had farther south, so why had these men and women come all the way out here, to this barren land? It seemed to him that only those with very few prospects would come to Hulburg, unless they were drawn here by a specific interest. All this meant that they were arguing formalities with the Harmach, for in their hearts most of them had already decided to undertake this quest. 

Indeed, he was more concerned with what was left [i]unsaid[/i] in the old ruler’s words. This talk of curses and restless dead reeked of necromancy, but that was not all. The way the Harmach had spoken of the crypts and this lich hinted at something far greater and more ancient than he had imagined at first. Orun strained to remember if he had come across the name “Aesperus” before, but the temple’s libraries had held little knowledge of Thar or its legends. Even if one of the older brothers had known something, Orun had never thought to ask, foolishly believing that his path would never bring him here. 

There was nothing to be done about it now. He would tackle things one at a time – first the tomb robbers, then he would see if there was any truth to this so-called King in Copper. As was often the case, things would no doubt become clearer during the course of their adventure. Perhaps Kelemvor would provide a sign if he was close to stumbling upon something. Whatever the case, events had been set in motion and now each of them would have to play the part that was ordained for them. All was as it should be and Orun’s mind was at peace again. 

He turned toward the Harmach, just as the recently-arrived Dwarf finished speaking. 

“Your offer is fair, Harmach - I accept.” The priest laid his large, veiny hand on the table, balling it into a fist. “Undeath is an affront to Kelemvor, this matter needs to be investigated and the dead returned to their rest.”