So I consulted with the walk through posted on the ironworks
site.....and Ive consulted maps.....tried to consult the best
tips section....no avail.....

So the walk thru reads that H'thark (sounds like a bark) should
be in a prison....I have pressed the button in the middle of the
fire, the only door that opens is on the ramp nearest the stairs...
needless to say I am about at my wits end.....

For the love of kerah....where exactly is he...in reference to the
stairs and fire pit????
thanks in advance Ü

Here's a map of the Serpent Temple. H'Thark is in the small room NW of "P" in the top map. There's a keyhole there; you'll need the Inquisitor's Key to open it (he was the nasty priest at the top of the stairs) near the doorway just down the corridor.

http://www.volberding.com/WHints/Mas.../Level1Map.jpg

Thanks Xig.....After posting this i went back in anger and explored
a lil bit more and found him....i thought htat room had some
sort of wheel in it that was going to come down or soemthing
its very dark in there.....anyhoot, thanks for your reply....
for some reason I thought it was in the same room as the
control for that upper room......go fig....
thanks again