"Lieutenant!" said Sterling calmly as his aide-de-camp pulled out a scroll and handed it to Lord Tolan.
"We will need everything on that list!" said the Dark Elf with a smile. "My men will be stationed in a forest grove just outside of the city to the east. You can bring our letter of commission, our supplies, and the first installment of our payment there! We, in turn, shall have our Standard Bearer hang our battle flag from your ramparts to show that your land is under our protection, in proper accordance with mercenary protocol!"
Rising to his feet, the Swordsman said, "Well, unless there are other matters that you would like to discuss. Can I safely assume that we have a deal?"
Before anyone could answer, the Lieutenant leaned over and whispered into the Captain's ear. Sterling smiled with a broad grin and said, "My second-in-command has come up with a rather novel idea that could benefit both of us! In addition to all that I have asked, I would like a royal pardon to be given to all Outworlders who decide to sign on to my unit and fight against the Orc army that is invading your land!"
Trying to calm some of their fears, the Dark Elf said, "From your vantage point, you would be getting rid of a set of trouble makers who could be killed in battle fighting for your cause! From my vantage point, I will be gaining a set of warriors who possess unique weapons and fighting abilities!"
Smiling broadly, Sterling said, "From what the rumor mill has told me, I am especially interested in using the wild woman who slew a squad of the Palace Guard including the Captain of the Guard himself! Properly motivated, I could just imagine how she would fare against a squad of Orcs! And believe me when I say that I know how to PROPERLY motivate such incorrigibles as that! So what say you, Lord Tolan? Do we have a deal as per my addendum or not?"
