Tarvek approached behind Mandy at a careful distance -- he was used to trying hard not to surprise or frighten anyone, considering.  "Ordinarily, I'd be quite interested in escorting the traders.  It's probably the most respectable job offer I could get.  But...what's this 'monstrous being,' precisely?  Or at least, what can you tell us about it?  I don't know anything about your Shrine, but it sounds dangerous to let it languish."