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"Only job know how to do is steal," the kobold admits. "Take things, open locks, find traps."

"You know, you could be useful to this group," Echo says thoughtfully. "Providing you can promise to keep you hands to yourself when it comes to other people's stuff for the time being. We, meaning all of these people, are heading to an old temple that is sure to be full of traps and dangers, but also full of treasure."

"Me useful? You give me money for helping group?" the kobold asks, intrigued.

Echo nods to the kobold. "That's right, but only after the job is done," she points out.

"Old temple full of treasure? Me get some, too?" the kobold asks eagerly.

"Yes, but you will have to be careful. Like I said, this temple is dangerous. There is also one treasure that you won't be allowed to touch providing that we get far enough to actually get it. It is a shield, and it is very important to this group of people. If you can agree to this, then I'll take you to speak to Hollidan and the Pharise about taking you along."

"Oh, yes, oh, yes," the kobold says, head bobbing. "Me be very careful, not take shield."

"All right, follow me then," Echo says as she exits the tent. She glances around and starts her search for Hollidan.

Echo finds Hollidan patrolling the perimeter with his torch in one hand, long sword in the other, keeping an eye out for any further intruders.

Echo approaches Hollidan with the kobold in tow. "Hollidan, I found one of them going through my stuff," she says as she comes up behind him. "But he has returned it, and we came up with a deal. I wanted to run it by you."

Hollidan looks at Echo incredulously. "You can't be serious. Kobolds can't be trusted." He looks down menacingly at the creature, which attempts to hide behind Echo, grasping the hem of her robe.

"Maybe so, but then again no one has really given them a chance either," Echo points out. "We are going to need some help with that temple once we get there. He is good at sneaking around, perhaps finding traps, and who knows what else. We could really use him so that we don't blunder our way into that temple. Plus, I think the idea of treasure will keep him in line."

Hollidan frowns thoughtfully. "You know, the Pharise isn't going to like that idea. You'll have to really sell it to him," he points out.

"Which, as you remember, isn't something I'm strong at doing," Echo points out. "I was hoping you'll help me out in selling it to the Pharise."

"You're joking," Hollidan says. "Aw, geez, why does it have to be me?" He sighs. "Alright, but...it might be better to wait until morning. I don't know how receptive the Pharise is going to be the night we were almost robbed by the little buggers. You'll just have to keep it hidden until then."