The Mercenaries

Fred and Astra feared that the men might be bandits. Fred, recovered from his uncharacteristic display of cowardice a little earlier, drew his sword, and Astra readied her sharpened stick. These men looked like they were capable fighters, and our heroes would be outnumbered two to one, so their situation was not good.

The men noted Fred's chain mail and Astra's rags. "You are an unlikely couple to find out here in the middle of nowhere," the one who appeared to be their leader said. "This is a wild region, and you seem ill-equipped to survive. We are mercenaries, currently between jobs, and would be happy to escort you to somewhere safe - for a suitable fee, of course."

"We don't have any money," Fred said. "Wait a moment! Don't I know you? Didn't you use to be a member of the Caemlyn palace guard back in Allaria?"

"I did. It's Lord Frederigo, isn't it?...

1. "In the circumstances we will escort you both to safety and waive our fee."
2. "I trust you. We will escort you both to safety, and you can pay us later."
3. "But it doesn't make any difference. No payment, no escort. Goodbye." With that he turned and left the clearing, the other three men following him.
4. "I always thought you were a right bastard. But you must be worth a pretty penny. The lady too, no doubt. The pair of you can consider yourselves kidnapped until such time as a suitable ransom is paid by your hopefully loving families."
5. Before he could say anything more...

Add New Option

Go Back

View Forward Story Tree
View Back Story Tree