Have this conversation with the captain: You approach the Mercenaty Captain. -> "Wow! A real captain!" "Be off effendi, you are not wanted around here." -> "I'd love to work for a tough guy like you!" "Hmmm, oh yes, what can you do?" -> "Can't I do something for a strong Captain like you?" The Captain ponders a moment and then looks at you critically. "You could bring me the head of Al Zaba Bhasim. He is the leader of the notorious desert bandits, they plague us daily. You should find them west of here. You should have no problem in finishing them all off. Do this for me and I might consider helping you." -> "Sorry Sir, I don't think I can do that." "Hmm, well yes, I did consider that you might not be right for this job. Be off with you then before I turn my men loose on you." -> "It's a funny captain who can't fight his own battles!" The men around you fall silent and the Captain silently fumes. All eyes turn to the Captain... "Very well, if you're challenging me, let's get on with it!" The guards gather around to watch the fight. ... The mercenary captain drops a metal key on the floor. You quickly grab the key and add it to your inventory. _______________________________________________________________________________ It works for me. Even if you have completed the quest, drop the key and follow this conversation! (If you don't have space in your inventory it will remain on the floor.) If someone could film this...