The continued adventures of not Vikings

[Dekaru]

The Cultivator looks at the dirt pile and responds with disbelief "Sound? What sound are you on about young lady? The only sounds here are the crackling fire and the wheezing of my lungs. I'm afraid what ails me has no cure here in these lands and I wouldn't abandon my post even were I physically able. Fear not, young lady, I have fought off the reaper for six years now and I'm not to let him take me now. Though for most of that I was still able to continue my duties..."

After trailing off the old man remembers Gwains inquiry and responds with a snap of his fingers "The crown of that intelligent fellow who's final days were spent here a mere season ago. An exceptional conversationalist, if you believe it. Though it's not like the lot that usually takes up residence in these walls are setting much of a bar. Sadly I saw the recent conquerers hang his mutilated body over the gates but, perhaps fortunately for you, his crown wasn't on his head."

Pausing for a moment he reaches into his tattered robes and produces a cast iron key. Holding it to Gwain he says "This key works on the cellar beneath the kitchen. A hidden passage out of the fort exists there. The master has been moving a considerable amount of stone down there and whatever they're building there may contain what you seek."