Hunter observes the drama between the local thief, the priest and the metal loving monster. He shakes his head and smiles thinking… Surely this will make for some good jokes in the next tavern visit. Already he is thinking… There was a thief, a priest, and a rust monster in a dungeon… . A smile come across his face as he waits to see where those in front go.
In the room you find two men and four women. Delgar and Drethen recognize one of the women to be the 'missing' consort to Mendal the trader. Chantel was on of the original women that Mendal had with him when the party first met him.
Now she is gaunt and malnourished like the other five captives in this room. They know nothing useful of their captives and if set free, they could probably make it back to the keep on their own, but by the looks of them, you guess they have a little better than a 50% chance.
Hunter is distraught and immediately tells Jude to see to them. He asks any that can talk, "Are there any of your captors here?"
Drethen seeing the people gets his water skin out and allows each to have a small drink of water. He will also give them each a small portion of his rations. "Not too much at once you need to drink and eat just a little so you body re-adjusts to the food and water so you do not get sick."
"Ladies and gentleman, If I were you I would stay by the front door and wait for us. If we are successful and take care of the wizard we can transport you back. If not at least you are at the front and can start to run away and maybe get to safety if the wizard kills us. Here is a pack of food and some water like Drethen said do not eat it all at once." Ardo takes of his warhammers and gives them each 1. "At least you are armed and can each fight if needed if you get attacked at the door." With that Ardo leads them to the front of the cave and takes out his blanket and cloak for them to try and keep warm. "Davik if you want lets start down this hallway."
Here is some more food and water for you and another blanket. I suggest you do what my good friend suggests wait for us here and try to stay hidden as there are still other caves we haven't cleared out so don't venture too far.
Out of character: ardo did you give me a healing potion after that fight with the shadows?
In response to questions, they can't help much. They were kept in the dark room being fed a strange diet that did not nourish and was causing them to essentially starve to death.
There was the exception that every now and then they would get something from the Necromancer's apprentice that would allow them to recover a bit, but it was never enough to allow them to regain their health.
Taking what you offer, they head to the mouth of the cave and wait there for you to finish or for a sign that they should try to make it back to the keep on their own.
Heading down the corridor that leads to the southeast, you see a side passage that you can tell opens up into a room. There's light shining out from this room to the equivalent of a couple of candles.