Part LIV

The Musergrow city was big. Big, lively and smelled of adventure and of money. Joel decided to go job hunting but he knew he had to make himself more presentable. New, well fitted clothes and a bath. That will make him feel and look better.

Joel spent half of the money but it had to be done. Wearing a gray shirt, black jerkin and pants with a belt and a dagger, Joel was ready. He went straight to an inn, close to the city center.

The place was full, Joel could smell sweat, smoke coming from a few pipes, food and alcohol. Just a regular inn. Joel marched straight to the bartender. A well built man in his late forties with a full beard and bald head.

"I'm looking for some work,.. " Before he managed to finish, the bartender gave him a strange look from head to toe.

"We are not that kind of inn, but you can ask at The White Pony. They always look for … pretty boys." The man smiled in a way that made Joel uneasy.

"I'm not looking for that kind of job. I have experience as a mercenary. I work both for private people as well as for lords. Despite my looks I'm pretty good. If you heard about something I'm willing to pay you for the info." Joel smiled, but only a bit. He didn't want to overdo it.

"To be honest your appearance may be deceiving, thus I heard about something that might be for you. There is a group of merchants heading for the capital and they are in need of a guide and guards." The man explained while cleaning some glasses, which he later placed on the shelf.

"Sounds good, where can I find them?"

The bartender pointed to a group of five men sitting in the corner.

"Thanx." Joel left the man a generous silver coin and finding his way through the crowd stopped in front of the group of merchants.

Joel with one swift glance noticed the whole five. Two older men, two middle aged and one over twenty. Well they looked kind of alike, maybe they were related. All of them were wearing good quality clothes, even with some silver decoration. Joel thanked himself for the wise decision of spending some money to look more decent, otherwise he wouldn't stand a chance even to talk to them.

"Gentlemen, I was informed you are looking for a guide and guards, as you are heading to the capital city." Joel flashed them with a sincere smile.

The oldest one with a long white beard, that was braided and decorated with beads, looked seriously at him.

"Young … man." There was a slight hesitation in his voice. "We are looking for serious offers, not for entertainment." He smiled and looked at the other men.

Joel was pissed. Since he had taken that assignment for that merchant in Roswick and slept with a man, he was misunderstood all the time.

"Sir, I know the ways around here, I worked as a mercenary for both private people, as well as for lords. I was raised in the capital and I had proper training. I know my looks can be deceiving but believe me due to my looks I had the chance to improve my skills." Joel decided not to smile again.

The men looked at each other and Joel decided to add one more thing.

"And if you gentlemen have this kind of taste and are looking for … entertainment I heard the White Pony would be suitable." He gave them a very confident look.

The men whispered something among themselves and Joel couldn't hear them as it was pretty noisy. Finally the one with the beard looked at him and spoke in a dignified manner.

"We will give you a try, we need a safe passage to the capital, and the roads must be even. Our product is fragile and can't be shaken."

"Will do." Joel bowed and the men moved a bit making place for him to sit.

"I'm Jarret, this is Sangram - he pointed at the second oldest with a scar on his face - Bregon i Tanim - the middle aged ones - and Piro, the youngest of the group." All introduced bowed a bit and so did Joel.

"My name is Joel." He introduced himself too.

"When do you want to leave?" Joel asked to make sure when to get ready.

"We need two more guards and we want to leave early in the morning. Now let's talk about the payment." Jarret came straight to the business.

It was night when they finished talking things over. They had four guards, Joel as a guide and they were determined to move early in the morning.

Joel stayed in that inn for the night. He still had some money left and sleeping outside was not so appealing.

First thing in the morning Joel was given a horse. He was supposed to lead them the easiest way to the capital, the condition was that the road must be even. Bregon explained to him why while leaning on him the whole evening. They were actually transporting some dangerous liquid divided in glass containers. It was explosive. As his work was connected with danger the payment was rather high and satisfying.

Joel was right on his horse, the rest was on four wagons and the other four guards were among them on horseback. It was time to move. Joel knew the way. The route was straight and they should move without any obstacles.

The sun was shining and Joel felt at ease. He had a mission, his head was kept busy and his skills were needed. Actually it was all he wanted. Somehow he still felt sad about him and the duke. Michel could be so sweet and Joel liked what they did and he liked being loved and cherished but he hated being forced. He wanted to be with him but not like a mistress but as a partner on equal terms with some job assigned to him. Well, that was now wishful thinking.