Augh . . . noob meat guy?

"I want you to leave Thomas alone," I said straight to the point, and before they had the chance to refute, I added, "I'll pay you one thousand gil every days for the rest of our stay here."

I saw hope when Edie and the others paused and looked at each other. 

Men were moved by two levels only: fear and self-interest. At least the latter work in my favor.

I ignored it. 

Edie and his group then whispered to themselves before Edie squinted his eyes at me.

"You have that kind of money, newbie?"

I nodded and handed one thousand gil to them. "It's not important where I got it from. The important thing is . . . I'll give you this amount in exchange . . . you leave Thomas and me alone."

The three were busy inspecting the gil, and I saw their eyes shone with delight.