3. Wyvern Tor

Redhawk is ready after loading the wagon with all the owlbear parts and what not he harvested."I think the Tibor trail is probably the safest way."

Boggart also votes for the Triboar trail. It can't be worse than what we've already encountered, right? What's a bandit or two amongst friends?

"My friends, given our status as 'bad luck magnets', perhaps the middle trail makes the most sense to reduce the possibility of getting another pack of monsters sicced on us by the Tyche's Unpleasant Daughter."

Redhawk will nod"That seems right Alex. I got the routes mixed up. I agree with the middle trail. It seems like we run into danger no matter where we go though."

"Alright, up to you, you certainly have more experience than me. My line of thinking is that the Triboar Trail is probably faster, leaving less chances for encounters (good or bad). But I leave final judgement to you." Says Igrem, then follows his companions once everyone is moving.

"Middle trail it is, then!" Boggart says. "The sooner we get under way, the sooner we can return." Puck yaps an affirmative, and the party sets off.

Redhawk will take the lead and scout ahead to keep the wagon moving well.

The party takes the middle route back and the journey proves remarkably uneventful. After two days on the trail, the familiar sights of Phandalin finally come into view.

Phandalin, Late Afternoon, 3rd of Tarsakh
You are back among familiar streets when four armed ruffians step into your path. All four are human, dressed in grimy red cloaks, their hands resting casually but unmistakably on their weapons as they watch you approach. They don't look like town guards, and there is nothing welcoming about the way they have positioned themselves.

One of them spits onto the ground and fixes you with a hard stare.

"We are the Redbrand Ruffians and this is our town now. Time for you to move on, strangers. Give us your stuff, and be on your way."

Igrem looks at them, trying to gauge the opposition. He figures they won't respond well to weakness, so he keeps his chin high and answers: "Redbrand what? We don't have time for this. Step away or you will regret it. And don't try to anger my friends, or you will regret it." Looking intently at them, he adds: "Don't try to anger me further, or you will not survive!"

Redhawk will move a step or two to the side as he nocks an arrow as Igrem responds to these ruffians.