Nothing Unexpected.

Upon reaching the castle you inform the kobolds of the present situation and have your elite warriors arm and armor themselves to come with you on your little adventure to the lizardfolk mounds. "Golosh, Krank, Volge, and Drumar, you will be my escort for this outing, I will not insult the chieftess by appearing unescorted. One patrol of her warriors I may dare confront alone, but not the entire tribe, especially not when I have time to gather you, my Praetorians," you state and they hasten to get ready.

Meanwhile, Squire Maria Jessel Columbia Montana of Valencia, who has told you to call her just 'Maria', or 'Squire Maria of Valencia' if you MUST be formal, has already decided she will stay with her present liege lady, due to the risk of winding up with an abusive master if she sought out the Duke, as well as simple loyalty to her kinswoman.

Both are now ensconced in the tower together, and discussing how to pay the ransom you demand. Their horses have been placed in the remnants of the castle stable, and your best animal handlers are caring for them. Feeding the horses for more than a few days is going to be an issue though.

All that seen to you set out with your Praetorians and the lizardfolk to re-negotiate the use of the swamp road for general traffic, as this will be key to your prosperity as lord of the swamp...