Ernest is just concerned if there's any local hamlets or hunters/wandering caravans that might get attacked in the region, and if there's any way to set up a warning for those.
One of the guides speaks up, agreeing with Aengus. "Aye, these lands are harsh to farmers, most of them moved to the flatlands or the riverlands. This mountainous terrain is mostly clear of communities. These old mines were part of the mine network for Black Hill, which we should be coming up on pretty shortly if we keep to our course."