The Miserly ballad

Taking to the road he was sure that by the time he reached the city it would be pretty late. A day was about 95 hours sunshine and 95 hours night, so he had plenty of rest during the night. He took his trusty bag and a gun with a single shot. There were a lot of inns on the way, but korkinim was a war veteran he had decided to continue walking all day. Soon he reached a small town and he decided to restock his supplies and buy another shot for his gun.

It was already afternoon by the time he reached the marketplace only two or three shops were open and the dimming light made it a bit harder to see around. Although this didn't require him to take out his night glasses. He took a few strides and reached the nearest shop selling food rations. The war had taken a toll on the country's ability to grow food. Many farmers had to be drafted and this meant fewer hands at farm. Also almost everyone had to suffer the effects of the drought. Food had risen to high rates and the commoners starved. However the worst had passed and there was now a better supply of food and it's maintenance had been improved.

'How much for the rations?' Korkinim gestured.

'5000 wuts per packet.'

Now this was an insane amount of money but recently the officer had awarded Korkinim 500000 wuts and he had given about half of it back so he wasn't really worried about it and after the war it would seem they did need some stimulus.

He handed out ten notes taking the package the shopkeeper was shocked as almost all of them demanded discount at even 3500 wuts.

After taking the package korkinim asked the shopkeeper about a place to sleep.

'There is an inn not far but it is ill equipped. At this time of the day, the big inns don't take people in unless you booked in advance.'

'It's fine any nearby inn will do.'

'Take a left and go straight, you will reach the town hall take a left and go right after then, there will be a river and on the other side there will be an old inn called "Care from Tiller". You can go there.'

'Thanks.' he gestured.

But all this was carefully seen and noted by Rand. 'Got a big load of cash, huh...not for long.'

The directions were really right and it was an easy task to find it, but Korkinim could feel a gaze and he quickly took a turn and he repeated it for four times afterwards, the man was still following. Korkinim turned around to a bar and went in.

Inside the sounds were heard of some thrashing but most people ignored it as it was quite a regular sight and didn't warrant any attention. There were about twenty or so people around and a few women dancing with clothes barely covering their bodies. At the left side some rugged looking mercenaries were taking up a spot making sure nobody eavesdropped their conversation and children clearly below the legal working age were taking orders and clearly looked like they were beaten up a lot. He took up a chair near the bartender and looked about where the sound was coming from. Two muscular people were beating up a small boy for getting their order wrong.

'Forgive me uhhh...It won't happen again.' he cried but they didn't stop.

Soon Rand got in and saw his two friends in there as well. 'Uh I have to share it with them or find a way to get him out of here before anybody notices.' It seemed that there would be almost no difficulty to steal from him alone but if things went sideways it would always help to have a couple of extra arms nearby for help.

'Ah Fuck it the more the merrier. I would get a sizable portion regardless.'

He changed his hairstyle and went near his friends just as they were about to hit the boy again.

'You little shit you will know now what happens when you mess with - '

He held her arm midair and talked to her.

'Hey what do you think you are doing.' he shouted so that Korkinim would hear it lous and clear. He then whispered in her ear.

'Hey I have got a rich guy here. Act like you don't know me and ambush him later I will give you 25 percent each.'

Now Bonnie was a smartass she would do anything for money and now felt like a good time to test her skills. She would do exactly as they said as long as she say benefit.

She took a quick glance around and said.

'He better be packing some good stuff or you are gonna get hit a hundred and twenty five percent.'

He let go of her hand and she acted as if her hand was broken, 'You are gonna regret that.'

She acted as if she was about to hit him but her friend intervened. 'No Bonnie it is not worth it.' he said loud as well.

They let the boy go and he went away crying from them.

Korkinim made a gesture for him to come near.

He was afraid and didn't want to go but the master wanted to earn as much as possible and he made no exceptions.

He slowly went near him crying and with a runny nose.

'What c-cc-can I-I get fur you s-sir?'

'Are you fine?' Korkinim asked. Watching the boy suffer he remembered his own past and the way he was treated.

'Ss-Sir.' he said unable to complete his words.

'Dont worry you will be fine.'

Korkinim pulled out his trusty med kit and applied ointment to him. He looked bruised. Korkinim didn't see any fracture however.

'You will be fine.'

'I don't want to be here,' the boy cried. He was afraid the master would hear him.

'Tell your friends too that they will escape tonight.'

'B-but huw?'

'Just tell them to play the Miserly ballad'