The next day and a half went by without any hiccups or unsavory guests appearing from thin air. The town looming in the distance, roughly half a mile away, was a quaint farm and trade town. Most of the buildings that Zeroth could see were made of cobblestone that paired well with the wooden roofs. Stone walls embraced the town, funneling trade through a well-guarded main gate. Beyond the walls, the landscape featured farms, each with its modest dwelling, contributing to the charm. Inside the walls, Zeroth noticed a decently sized castle with what appeared to be a church of some variety attached to the side. When Zeroth looked toward his friends and brother, he saw that everyone, even Varic, seemed to enjoy the view of the town.

"Well, there she is. Alderbrook." Zeroth said as he pulled the horse and carriage to a stop on the path.

Zeroth looked back and saw Tingle nearly vibrating off of the carriage with excitement. "Don't give yourself a hernia over there Tingle, we'll be there very soon and hopefully, we shouldn't have any issues finding Elara. Someone has to know the name.

Tingle shuffled closer to Zeroth, his enthusiasm evident. "Tingle is most ecstatic, yes! Tingle would like to go to the trading court as soon as we can. They may have goods Tingle can use!"

"Sure thing, Tingle. We can do a bit of sightseeing while we're here. What do you think, Ardric, Varic?" Zeroth turned to his companions. Varic grunted nonchalantly, seemingly open to the idea of acquiring new equipment.

"As long as food is on the menu, I'm down," Ardric responded, punctuating his agreement with a stretch.

"Great! Let's get going," Zeroth exclaimed, snapping the reins as the horse resumed its trot towards Alderbrook. The anticipation of exploration, trade, and perhaps a hearty meal hung in the air, promising an adventure within the walls of the welcoming town.

As the carriage ambled through the gate, the guards, recognizing Zeroth, greeted him with a nod of acknowledgment, signifying a sense of welcome. Steering the horse skillfully, Zeroth guided the group to the nearest inn, a place where the travelers and the chestnut mare could find reprieve. The chosen establishment, bearing the town's name, was The Alderbrook Inn. Upon halting at the stable, the stable boy swiftly approached, ready to assist in the care of the horse.

Zeroth, in his customary role as the group's organizer, addressed his comrades, "We've arrived. Gather your belongings, and leave nothing of value in the carriage while we stay. And Tingle, no explosive surprises, alright?"

Tingle's face appeared over the carriage side, assuring, "Tingle won't! All boom stuff is in Tingle's boom bag, the red one!"

Zeroth, relieved, rubbed his forehead, remarking, "Good, good." Settling into the inn was a seamless affair. Excitement thrummed through Zeroth as he learned Elara was a well-known figure in Alderbrook, renowned for her magical expertise. The innkeeper, a fount of local knowledge, revealed that Elara operated a magic item shop and apothecary in town, accessible every day. "Thank you for the information. A generous tip awaits you when our stay concludes," Zeroth expressed his gratitude to the innkeeper as the group filed out, making their way toward the bustling trade courtyard. The promise of meeting Elara and delving into everything that has occurred with the sorcerers and kobolds had everyone thrilled. As the group approached Elara's Magic Item shop, the anticipation in the air was palpable. However, as they arrived, Zeroth halted abruptly, a curse escaping his lips.

"Shit. We didn't even ask what she looked like," he grumbled.

Ardric, the eternal optimist, clapped Zeroth on the shoulder, reassuring him, "We know the name of her shop. That should be enough. What's the worst that could happen, huh?"

Entering the shop, the party scanned the interior, their eyes adjusting to the low light inside. The shop has many magic items, from ones related to crafting to possibly enchanted pendants and weapons. The party scanned the interior, their eyes landing on a small figure behind the wooden counter. To their surprise, Elara was not what they expected. She was a kobold, a creature they usually associated with the nefarious group of sorcerers they had encountered. As the initial shock registered on their faces, Elara met their gaze with a mixture of curiosity and caution. Tingle immediately had a look of horror and anger across his face as he stared daggers at Elara. Zeroth made sure to keep one hand on Tingle's shoulder to keep him in place.

Before anyone could voice their surprise, Elara spoke, "I can see that my appearance is not what you were expecting. Let me assure you, I defected from the sorcerers at the Whispering Abyss Sanctum many years ago. I am no longer associated with their dark practices and I apologize on Thalamar's behalf for not telling you of me in full detail." This revelation hung in the air for a moment, the party processing the unexpected turn of events.

Zeroth dipped his head as a sign of respect. "I am Zeroth Velkyrr and these are my friends and my brother." Zeroth gestured to each in turn.

"I'm Ardric, that shaggy one's brother," Ardric said with a slight bow.

Varic was looking at a dusty spellbook as he said, "Nice to meet yah, I'm the token half-elf Varic." Finally, it was Tingle's turn. Zeroth was a little worried about how he may react in the face of Elara, a kobold.

Tingle looked down at his feet and sighed but immediately looked up at Elara with a giant smile and reached out to shake her hand, "Hiya! Tingle is my name. Sorry if I seemed upset at all. Tingle must remember, not everyone is the same even if they look the same."

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Elara shook his hand and nodded at everyone in turn, "I see. Good to meet every one of you officially. Thalamar did send word I would have guests coming by to discuss something close to home. It appears that would be correct if a gnome is involved."

Zeroth stepped forward and said, "That would be a correct assumption. The sorcerer kobolds from the Whispering Abyss Sanctum are back to abduction and sacrifice and Tingle here is a survivor from a far back incident which leads me to believe they've tried this process before and failed for some reason."

Elara nodded in agreement as she walked around her counter and locked the door to her shop, "Yes, they did fail many years ago, but not completely. Back then we all were normal-appearing kobolds, like me. After I defected though, something happened. A select number of the kobolds succeeded in attaining power although a consequence of such power mutated their bodies, making them taller and more hideous than you could imagine."

Tingle frowned slightly in response, "Tingle can imagine."

Zeroth ran his hand through his beard and said, "Yeah, we've dispatched a few who ambushed us on our way here. It would appear they know we are investigating what they are doing and that would also mean you may be a target. They already know that Tingle is alive and well and may be hunting him."

Elara scratched at her scaley jaw as he said, "If that is the case, you all may need to confront the Three Heads of The Sanctum. Why they call him that, I couldn't tell you, but what I do know is that he was the first of the mutated kobolds. He doesn't move well but his magical prowess is terrifying. It seems like he has the power of three in one which is why no one has attempted to kill or overthrow him."

Varic, interjecting into the conversation, said, "One powerful warlock, such as myself, is more than enough for some mutated kobold sorcerer that is probably older than dirt." Elara raised an eyebrow at that.

"Oh, by all means, if you want that war go on ahead. Just don't come crying to me when he blows each of your limbs off and sacrifices each part to his hellish god." Elara said in an almost impertinent tone. As everyone looked at each other awkwardly, Elara said, "Well, if you all are actually interested in taking those kobolds down, I have a map with where their main base is located. I may not be a part of their group but my essence is linked with them in some way, therefore I always know where they tend to hoard. I believe I don't give off enough magical energy for them to perceive me at all times but if I get close they will know. Beyond the map, feel free to browse my wares, I do have some healing potions if you would like to stock up." The group nodded in understanding, the reality of the situation sinking in.

Zeroth spoke, "We appreciate your help, Elara. We'll take that map and whatever you think might aid us in this journey." The prospect of facing the Three Heads of The Sanctum loomed large but so did the determination in the eyes of Zeroth and his companions.

A few hours later, after everyone pooled their gold together to acquire five full healing potions, able to heal almost any nonfatal injury within half an hour, the group hurried back to the inn, noticing it was beginning to get dark. As the door swung open to the cozy inn, the inviting warmth of the hearth embraced the weary travelers. A few patrons glanced up from their mugs, their conversations momentarily paused by the arrival of the lively group. Zeroth and Ardric made a beeline for the bar, the prospect of hearty food and refreshing ale driving them forward. Tingle and Varic, eager to partake in the revelry, decided to join their comrades at the bar. The innkeeper, a stout and jolly fellow, welcomed them with a nod.

"What can I get you, fine folks, this evening?" he asked, his eyes already assessing the group's potential appetite.

"Bring us legs of meat and ales to match!" proclaimed Zeroth, a gleam in his eye. As the food and drinks flowed, the group gathered around a large wooden table, laden with platters of roasted meats, steaming vegetables, and fresh bread. Tankards of ale clinked together in a toast, the camaraderie of friends shared in the flickering candlelight. Amidst the merriment, the map Elara had provided lay spread on the table, its parchment detailing the path to the rumored hideout of the Three Heads of The Sanctum. They discussed the treacherous terrain, potential challenges, and strategies to approach the stronghold.

"The journey will take us about three days," Ardric noted, studying the map with a practiced eye. "We'll need to plan our rests wisely, considering the unknown dangers that might lie ahead."

Tingle, his mouth full of food, nodded enthusiastically. "Tingle agrees! We must be well-rested and well-fed for whatever awaits us."

Varic, a bit more reserved, sipped his ale thoughtfully. "We should also be cautious. If these kobolds are as dangerous as Elara suggests, we won't want to stumble upon them unprepared." As the night wore on, laughter and conversation filled the inn, temporarily drowning out the troubles that awaited the group. In the comforting glow of camaraderie, they forged their plans, bracing themselves for the challenges that lay beyond Alderbrook when the inevitable meeting with the Three Heads of The Sanctum.