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-----Runik grunts, "Well, I be handy at doin’ a bit o’ work on armor n’ some gemcuttin’. As far as weapons go, I handle a prutty mean sword n’ I knows how ta handle a crossbow. This here hammer’s all I gots at the moment."
-----After he answers, Seth asks a second question. "So how much are you asking for your services, bear in mind that business rivals are out to stop me and my associates and it is likely to lead to blood and destruction. I need to know you will act on my instructions every time."
-----A spirited light comes into the dwarf’s eye though his manner is still reserved for a dwarf. "Well, it’s like this. I need two gold pieces a month fer me services. Ya pay fer any extra armor n’ weapons ye be expectin’ me ta carry. Ya pay fer me room n’ board if’n we’re stayin’ in a inn. Ya pay fer me horse or pony if’n we’re travellin’. If’n I die, ya see that me family’s getting’ me last pay wi’ a bonus."
-----The dwarf then lowers his chin and looks into Seth’s eyes. "If’n ya can hire me, yer’ll gits yer money’s worth."
-----Seth smiles at the dwarf and says, "Well, how do you feel working with half-elves and halflings, oh and as well the odd human? If that is not a problem we definitely will hire you for a month. If you go out and wait for now and send in the elf."
-----"Aye," Runik responds dourly, "ain’t a problem fer me." Nodding the dwarf then leaves to wait in the lobby.
-----After a few moments, the lanky elf stalks into the room. He stands across the small table looking down at Seth. The elf holds his short sword between his two hands. Even though the elf silently stares at Seth, there seems to be an air of danger about the demi-human. With one quick move, the elf could have his sword unsheathed and posed at the musician. However, the elf seems to freeze with his hands gripped on his weapon while his eyes are locked on Seth.
-----Seth smiles at the elf and then says, "Greetings, I am Sethanales, what is your name?"
-----"Marast," the elf blurts out lowly, almost in a hostile tone.
-----After he replies, Seth asks him the same questions as the dwarf, "What other skills do you have? How much is your rate per month? Do you have a problem working with elves, half-elves, halflings and do you have a problem with killing on my instruction?"
-----"Marast know how to survive," Marast answers as he looks through Seth, "Marast hate the towns." On the question of money, the elf simply asks, "Why does Marast need the humans’ money? Marast need food, Marast get food. Marast need sleep, Marast get sleep. Marast need more, you hire, you get for Marast." As for the question of killing, Marast responds, "Something needs to die, Marast will kill."
-----The elf falls silent, looking at Seth with his cold stare.
-----By the time that Seth talks to the other two the sun has set. Both humans come into together. The huge human towers over Seth as he sits at the table. He stares at the musician with a dull expression in his small eyes perched above his pushed up nose. Long stringy hair hangs down to the warrior’s strong jutting jaw. The leather he wears looks as though it was pieced together just to fit his large frame.
-----The other human introduces himself as Brandel Warnox, a former soldier in the detail patrolling the area of Grute in the fief of Redmarsh. He courteously introduces the large hulking one simply as Krord and Krord gives Seth a grunt as if in reply.
-----To Seth questions, Brandel answers, "Krord and I are good at riding, fighting and taking our turns at any night watch you need." When Seth asks about their rate per month, Krord looks at Brandel with a helpless look. With a smile the average-sized warrior says, "We each need three gold a month. That does not include extra weapons or board and keep while we travel with you. Right now we don’t have horses. Our troop had to sell ours here in town to make it through while we found work."
-----When Seth asks if they have any problems working with demi-humans, Brandel simply says, "None at all." Seth next asks them if they have any problems with killing on his instruction. To that the big Krord smiles, grunts and pats his huge sword at his side.
-----Seth looks around over his shoulder and seems distracted for a while. He then turns back to the two. "Well I think I shall hire all four of you, I would like to have a continuous contract. I’ll send the other two back in while I gather my associates. The Innkeeper should be bringing in your refreshment." With that Seth stands and leaves the room. When he reaches the area where the dwarf and elf are waiting, he pauses momentarily and states, "I have decided to hire you all. Please wait in the room with the humans. I will return soon." Again he leaves and walks outside seeking his associates.
-----On the streets a few people are hurrying on to the inns and taverns. Seth feels the gentleness of the night air and it seems to be calming. He then walks around the corner of the inn and sees a small alley that separates the inn from the adjoining building.
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