The kobold chief stops, as do his bodyguards. They take up defensive positions on either side of they're leader. "Speak then, gnome. But know that any treachery on you're part will not fool me."
"Okay, Chief, here's the deal." Gandel says calmly, staring into the kobold chieftain's eyes. "Seems a while back you and your boys here kidnapped a human noble - the son of our employer, as a matter of fact - and stole his signet ring. Our employer wants the ring back."
"He also wants the 'kobold chief,'" Gandel adds emphasis to the term, "brought in - dead or alive. Now we understand that your tribe here serves a very young black dragon, and I know that's a reflection of great Tiamat's glory and respect for your tribe. But I also know," Gandel pauses as he gives the chief a knowing grin, "that this particular dragon is really sticking it to you guys - making your warriors endanger themselves and get killed all to build up her hoard. So you've gotta be wondering, 'Hey, what's in this for me? This b!tchy little dragon's gonna be the death of me and my tribe if this keeps up!' And you know what? I bet you wouldn't be overly upset at the death of 'any one dragon' if it would keep you and your tribe alive. 'Cause you know, there's always more dragons out there to serve."
"Now here's the part where we can both turn a profit. You give us the signet ring, and we'll go back to our employer and explain to him that the 'real boss' is the black dragon, and that Little Miss Scaley-Tail is planning to eventually come after him and his town. He'll employ us to come in and take out your dragon problem for you, and then we," Gandel points to himself, his three lovely companions, and the kobold chief, "split the dragon's hoard 50-50: half for you and your tribe, and half for us. Of course, for this to work, you and your boys would have to disarm all of the traps between us and the dragon, or better yet - lead the dragon to an ambush site."
"Now before you start making plans to either betray us to the dragon - or to betray us AFTER we take care of the dragon for you - just keep in mind that our employer is REALLY UNHAPPY with you guys, and if we don't come back and he thinks that a dragon is about to come knocking on his door, then he's gonna come here with an army and take you, your tribe, and the dragon out all in one fell swoop. So think about it. What I'm offering you here is a win-win for all of us."
Gandel searches the bodies of the priest and demon-kobold for any valuables and gear.
The expression on Thorn's face slowly transitions from surprise to approval to respect and lastly a wicked satisfaction as Gandel lays out his plan.
"Think fast."
Suny kneels beside Gandel, her x-bow trained upon the Kobolds. She too lets the Gnomes' words tell their tail, her aimed weapon something to add to Gandels' comments.
"Alright, we will do what you say."
Gandel's eyes widen and his mouth drops open a bit, but he quickly recovers his composure. Still warily watching the kobold chief, he whispers to Suny
The wily gnome thinks for a second before addressing the kobold chief again. "Well, that's great! So let's have a sit-down and work out the best way to take care of this dragon for you. You got a map of this place, with the traps noted? Maybe together we can figure out the best place to ambush her @$$ without putting your people - and us! - in too much danger. Oh, and would you mind handing over that ring, now?"
After hearing Gandels' comment,
Suny remains calm and composed at Gandels' admittance of a bluff. She holds her aim upon the Kobolds, awaiting their complete acceptance of Gandels' audacious scheme.
