The party wanted to get some leverage over Harkonius before negotiating the terms of the stewardship of Greystone fortress. They started by sniffing around the servants he kept but found them to be too well paid, too loyal, or too afraid of Harkonius to give up any meaningful information. Eventually Biatch grew tired of being polite and threated a gardener that she would shove her axe head first up his hind quarters if she didn’t get some information so he let on about some suspected smuggling in the warehouse district. Gilbain and Taunery asked around and found that Harkonius had a small spit-weed smuggling operation. Spit-weed wasn’t extremely illegal, but it would be embarassing if it was publicly know.

Meanwhile they tried to enlist Donaar’s help. He was always well-liked in Brindol and the temple project was bringing many jobs to the area. A good word from him (bolstered by Astral Speech) would go a long way. Unfortunately Donaar was in a foul mood. He was bothered that the party renewed and enforced the no-logging agreement with Witchwood, depriving the temple of cheap lumber. Worse, funds from Overlook had been suspended with no good explanation. The party placated Donaar by offering the platinum laced stone of Giant’s Shield Mountains, the job hungry quarry town of Red Rock, and Greystone as a base of operations. They also agreed to ask about the temple funding when they visited Overlook. After that, Donaar was happy to put in a good word with the Council.

Negotiations with the council went very well. They agreed to no taxes for three years but possible tax or rent after that. Additionally Brindol would initially send a squad to garrison the fortress at least until it was clear that there was no threat. They did mention the spit-weed to Harkonius who grew a little pale and said he would have his best men investigate and shut down the smuggling.

The next stop was Astrazalian to gain their acknowledgement on Brindol’s claim on Greystone. On the way they stopped in their favorite ferry-town, Drellin’s Ferry. Riding up the the town, they saw the familliar sight of abandoned buildings, signs of a scuffle, and military activity on the island. The locals told of bandits kicking them out of their homes, but the men on the island flew the flag of Brindol. After questioning both parties and mediating, the heroes pieced together what had happened.

When the garrison from Brindol arrived, travellers from the north told the commander Jeson Lockings there was rumors of war in Overlook. He eagerly took a small group to Overlook to investigate. He left the garrison with the second in command, Renold Miswep. Renold was the inexperienced 18 year old son of a wealthy rancher who was well-like by the troops because he was their buddy. The garrison was ordered to find room and board from the people who would be compensated with grain and coin while barracks were built. Renold did not communicate the compensation part very well and there was a misunderstanding, followed by minor violence, followed by major violence where a townsman was severely wounded by a guard trying to defend himself.

The heroes helped the two groups communicate and the townsmen were very appreciative and again threw a great party for the Defendors of Brindol.