After the two families speak to you, go talk to him again. He'll make another offer.
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He will ask youto bring the artifact to HIM (the mayor) to keep the two families from fighting. Not as much exp, or reward, but you keep war from erupting.
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The RudeDawg
Known in these Forgotten Realms as Perin LightEyes
and my girlfriends, Pamila and Pfil