Difference between revisions of "The Cost of Doing Business"

Latest revision as of 12:37, 8 June 2022

Bren yawned in no direction in particular. He'd intended for it to be a sigh, but things were tiring him, and the account ledgers were not helping.

Lynia peeked over his shoulder, having not gotten his attention already. "Bren, is something the matter?'

"Ugh... business," was his reply. He poked a finger at the last line in his book. "We can just about get by, on our trading and the tips we earn from Jasmine's dances, but unless we can find a way to turn a profit, financing the Wagonsguard will become an issue soon."

"So I'd imagine you're considering other avenues?"

"It's not a comforting idea, but given that the Caravan already hosts several skilled fighters, I'm considering..." He stopped.

"Mercenary work, yes?"

He held his head in his hands, in a futile attempt to stop the bad feelings. "I'm not OK with killing people for profit. But the encampments we've encountered have all needed capable sword-hands, and it's no secret that it pays well."

"I'll join the fray myself, if it helps us achieve our goals."

"The thought of you killing for money makes me even less comfortable, your highness. You said you were trying to stop a war, didn't you? Doesn't that defeat the point?"

"My success depends on me getting where I need to go. The Caravan is my only ticket. So it's only fair that I chip in where I'm able... and if it's putting down marauders, I'll do what I must." She ran a finger up her staff; it vibrated imperceptibly. "It's got to be less degrading than dancing. I can only pretend to lose fights to Jasmine on stage so many times."

"You could fight her back, you know. The crowd appreciates a little drama in their shows sometimes."

"I'm not positive they enjoy seeing their darling dervish battered and bruised, though..."

"And this, coming from the same person who wants to fight alongside the Wagonsguard?"