Swamped

Well. Seems that if you're going to get anywhere with these people, you're going to have to focus on what they want.

"So how long has Jeremy been missing?"

This time, the grebling just shrugs. Wonderful.

"When's the last time any of you saw him?"

Another shrug. Maybe they're not really that concerned about him, maybe it's just something to blame on you.

"Well, if you don't even know that much, why were you asking me in the first place? I'm not an oracle or something."

Hmm? You think the quieter grebling looked surprised for a moment when you said "oracle". And you did just hear about an Oracle of the Sands... Maybe something's up here.

"Just checking," says the talkative one. "If he's not back soon, we'll need to send out a search party. Would have saved some time if you knew where he was, that's all."

She doesn't sound particularly concerned. It's unsettling, even. Jeremy's not exactly likable, but his safety is this group's responsibility. Why is she being so dismissive about that?

Well. This doesn't seem to be getting you anywhere. Maybe you should just press forward and see how committed they are to getting in your way. You grab the reins of the desert horse and start walking forward.

"Hold it! Where are you going?"

"I'm taking my mount to the stable. Is that a problem?"

The angry glares of the two greblings, combined with three more stepping out from the crowd to join them, makes it clear that the answer is yes.

Now what?