"Drow Cannard?" Tolan repeated, setting down the coffer to accept the tankard graciously. He recognized the offer as the same gesture he had extended when the negotiators had arrived in Yarfell. "I have never had the privilege of sampling such a cordial. Thank you for offering me the chance to experience it." Lifting the tankard, he toasted, "To the success of our alliance," and drank."And to victory over Venger!" added the Dark Elf draining his tankard. When Sterling was a human, he never drank alcohol. However, his alter ego, D'yvar Irzen, had built up quite a fancy and a strong resistance to the Drow hard liquor and Sterling wanted to see how Lord Tolan would fair against the mind-blowing effects of the nefarious liquid.
A million tiny stars exploded in Tolan's vision. Yaaaaah! My eyeballs are melting! By the Lady of the Moons, what's IN this?!?! There has to be steam coming out of my nose! How in the name of the Realm can the Drow drink this?! Air... please... I... can't... breathe...
Not knowing what else to do, Tolan swallowed the Cannard hastily. "Quite excellent," he said stoically. "A rather potent beverage, and most unusual. I thank you."
"You are most welcome, Lord Tolan!" said the Dark Elf simply with a mischievous grin.
Offering Sterling the tankard back, the High Councilor continued, "If we might get to business?" Opening his leather messenger's bag, he drew out the fine piece of parchment that contained the Shadow Rider's commission. "By the hand of the Princess, here is the edict commissioning you to combat Venger on Yarfell's behalf. In addition, here is the advance pay you requested." He grinned slightly. "And hopefully Lord Dalor counted it correctly. If you would like to assure youself of that before we proceed?"
"There will be no need for that, Lord Tolan. You strike me as being a very brave and honest man!" complimented the Swordsman with a smile, "Brave, for coming into my camp alone to meet with me. Not too many of my past employers were willing to do this. I always had to report to them in their castle or manor or on ground of their own choosing."
Examining the coffer box without opening it, Sterling said, "Honest, in that you wouldn't try to short change me. You strike me as a man who would leave nothing to chance in the defense of his country--if he can help it! So I'll take you at your word that the money is there in its full amount! After all, at some point in this alliance, we must learn to trust each other--if we ever hope to defeat our mutual enemy!"
Looking towards the tent flaps, Sterling called out, "Sergeant!"
His third-in-command immediately appeared and saluted him asking, "Sir?"
"Find Doc and distribute the money in that coffer to the men evenly," said the Swordsman comfortably, "You know the amount by which they are to be paid--not a silver piece more nor a silver piece less! And keep an eye out for the supplies, let me know the moment they arrive."
"Yes, sir!" replied the Sergeant hoisting the coffer under his arm and carrying it out of the tent.
"And now that we have that measure of business out of the way, Lord Tolan," completed Sterling looking over the edict and shaking his head approvingly, "What can I do for you? What would you like to talk about this day?"
A Point To Ponder
