Ambrose says "The quest as posted is an extermination quest."

Scott says "True, but I will throw in a bonus for any mapping you are able to do down there."

"Okay, good enough."

Ambrose says "Just focus on getting out alive, don't go chasing extra money at the cost of your life."

"While I appreciate your concern, unless there is something much worse down there I will be fine."

Borrik says "Judging from the way he moved earlier I would say he is right and you are worrying for nothing Ambrose."

"Borrik, I hate to say this but that wasn't my top speed."

Borrik says "Really? Are you serious or just bragging?"

Roddick says "I've never heard Ash brag about anything. I'm guessing it has something to do with those highly magical manacles on your wrists and ankles?"

"Yes, they are currently suppressing me with about one thousand pounds of weight. They are what was used to disable me when I was a prisoner, I modified them slightly."

Pelos says "A thousand pounds? And you can still move?"

Borrik says "I've dealt with a lot of beastmen in my life, but none were that strong!"

Ambrose says "Why are you telling us this, Ash?"

"As my allies you should know what I am capable of, and you specifically need to know before you try to test me tomorrow."

Scott says "Well, I for one feel very reassured that you can handle our problem!"

Ambrose says "Good point, I will adjust the test accordingly."

Pelos says "Well, this has all been very interesting, but unless you need me for something else I am going to take my leave."

Roddick says "I think we have covered just about everything, and by now every noble is convinced we are plotting something huge."

Ambrose laughs and says "Pine is going to be paranoid after this! Ash, come by the guild first thing in the morning."

"Alright."

Scott says "It has been a pleasure meeting you, Ash, and I hope to hear good news soon."

"I'll get the job done, don't worry, your mine will soon be open again."

After a round of shaking hands everyone heads for the door, I try to join them but get cut off by more nobles wanting to speak to me. In truth they are fishing for what the guild masters are plotting, but I keep my mouth shut. I finally get sick of their pestering and just start walking out, the look on my face tells them to move or be run over, they move.

Once outside I head straight back to my street, but I stop when I get within sight. There are two guards posted at the end of the street, and they are even in uniform already. Amarah must have been working non stop since the beastmen started going over to have two done already.

They look good, and as I step out of the shadows they spot me instantly, which means they are alert. They look both impressive and intimidating, exactly how I want my guard force to look. They salute me as I walk past them and head for Mitch's shop, I go in when I see the lights are still on.

Mitch says "Hi boss, need something?"

"Yeah, I have a special request if you still have one of the drake claws. And since when am I your boss?"

Mitch says "Well, you do own the place, and currently you are the one keeping me fed and providing materials. Yeah, I do have a couple of claws left, what did you need made?"

"A mining pick."

Mitch says "What? That's it? You want to waste a valuable claw on a simple tool?"

"No, I want a mining pick that will last when mining Armatite."

Mitch says "Armatie? Wow! Okay, now I see why you want it out of drake claw. How long do I have?"

"I need it the morning after tomorrow."

Mitch doesn't say a word he just puts aside what he was working on and fetches one of the drake's claws. As I leave I promise to have Sarah send over food, but he is concentrating so hard I can't be sure if he even heard me. As soon as I enter the inn I order food sent to Mitch before I get distracted and forget.

It ends up being a good thing I did because Sarah wants to hear all about the party and won't take no for an answer. Since she is in control of the food and I am hungry again I sit down and tell her every detail I can remember. As I talk she rewards me with food, the more detail I give her about dresses and stuff like that the better my rewards.

Once I realize what she is after I focus on that, but I really need to do something for her since she is doing so much for me. I will send her to Amarah for a dress and the next noble event she is going to in my place. That way I don't have to go and she gets to get all dolled up and go see all this stuff for herself.

Come to think of it, I should probably arrange for all the girls to get a dress or two. They could all do with some spoiling now that we have something of a stable situation. Besides, spoiling them will help me feel less guilty about asking them to go into dangerous situations.

When I suggest the idea to Sarah she loves it, she just doesn't know it includes her. She promises to arrange for pocket money for the girls and to talk to Amarah once she is done with the guard's uniforms. She also suggests adding uniforms for the inn staff since it is basically my home which I readily agree to.

With that set in motion I head upstairs to get some sleep and realize that for the first time I get the big bed all to myself with no one using me as a pillow. At least that is the plan until I walk into the bedroom to find Drog sprawled out and taking up half the bed. I could move him or force him to move but in the end I decide the other half of the bed is plenty of room and just go to sleep.