Let's make a deal

"A thousand gold crowns now, nine thousand after I have the staff... and the northern countries to your brethern after the successful completion of all my plans. What do you say?"

TB's reply was automatic. "Twenty thousand total, and more up front. It seems to me that getting a demi-god to pay might be an even more difficult task than wresting control of a scepter from one." 'More money, up front' was a long standing rule, impressive amount or no.

Two more larger bags appeared clinking into place beside the first. "Deal. I trust five thousand gold crowns will be sufficent?" Me'tha answered lazily.

Lenny whistled appreciatively. "Wow. That's enough to buy lunch for us for a week, maybe even two!"

TB cast a withering glare over his shoulder. "Did I say you could speak, lummox?"

"No boss," came the crisp reply. TB turned back to the business at hand, pulling out a standard contract from the drawer, and inwardly cursing himself. He should have asked for more.

"And my name's Lenny, not Lummox, boss. Musta confused me with someone else."

-----

Rastilina pondered her story as details of the contract were hashed out. It wasn't enough to simply tell them where the most dangerous place in all the world was and have them head there, after all. They might be suspicious if she told them straight out and abandon the dangerous quest for a scepter. Taking too long was pointless as well, however, as she was certain that any torture she recieved would be expert, will very slim chances of an 'accident' occuring.

Such was life, but perhaps they would let her lead in an effort to ward off booby traps.

-----

The Elven Court was a shining example to the world. A shining example of wealth, opulence, and excess, it's reputation was legendary. Which was just how Kijdea wanted it. The parties kept the amateurs away from the politics, and allowed him to focus on the truly dangerous specimens. As spy master, he had enough to deal with, the meddling of amateurs would have been a time-consuming annoyance.

As it was, the paperwork was substantial. There was the summary report, of course, but to really keep on top of things, a man had to read the in-depth reports at least weekly. A sign of the times, it was then, that he read all of the reports on Me'tha. Every word.

Me'tha's depature from the capital was...troubling. Lush though he appeared, the lordling had far too much money and ambition, a troubling combination. He was subtle as well, having orchastrated three attempts to raise his profile in the court, two of which were successful. One of which, Kijdea remembered, chewing on his lip, succeeding despite his counter plotting. A rare feat.

Fortunately, he had one of his best men, or should he say women, premanently assigned to Me'tha now. Admittedly, her methods were a bit unorthadox, but she did her job well.

Kidjea tried to ignore the little hearts dotting the i's as he read about the fascinating new creature that Me'tha had managed to uncover.