Chapter 38: Down Payment

Charon the Ferryman. The escort of the dead and final companion of the dying, did not have a minivan. Five seats, five and a half people. Six if you counted Charon as a whole, but then five and a half again if you take Harriett's height into account. Harriett decided to take the 'indecency' and sit on the shotgun passenger's lap. That was Scott in this case, due to needing the extra legroom.

Probably not great for their first impression with a car, Jasson thought as he squeezed in the middle and Petra closed her door.

"All right kiddies," Charon said, speaking for the first time after remaining suspiciously silent, "Buckle up, it's going to be a buuumpy ride."

Jasson looked at Petra to say something, but Petra was fixed in a pale unmoving stare at Charon. So was Clara. Even Harriett was glued as close to the window as possible, while Scott was doing his best to bow in half toward Charon.

"Umm," Jasson said, "Why? It's not because of rough terrain, you haven't had problems with that before."

"Nope," Charon put the car into gear and rolled out of the cave entrance, revealing a hundred guards arrayed to assault the cave, "And I can phase through people just fine. It's their souls that are the problem. Thankfully,-" 

Charon revved his engine, "Souls don't dent the hood."

That day an army, the Elite guard of the eldest son of House Taste'r, suffered losses that could only be described as grave. Not one death, but over fifty casualties of chronic depression, anxiety, self-doubt, and melancholy. Some took years to recover, while others drowned it in alcohol and easy drugs. Most of the army arrayed that day saw nothing, while a select few saw some kind of chariot ghosting through the army. Every single soldier that got hit by the car, and even some that didn't, refused to ever pursue Clarity and Patricia again. Some fell ill at the thought, while others merely fell unconscious at the girl's names. This became problematic for one soldier who was from a brewer's family, where the 'clarity' of their deluxe 'Patrician' wine was vital to business.

And, unfortunately for Jasson, everyone else got car sick.

"Out!" Charon shouted, pulling to a screeching stop in front of Smill's keep, "Get out! You are not throwing up on my car."

"Sorry," Jasson said as the others tumbled out, "Here. For the trouble."

Jasson gave Charon another ten gold pieces and Charon snorted, saying, "If they had actually thrown up over my fresh seats, this wouldn't be close to enough. Next time, bring some vomit bags if you're going to have such frail friends."

Charon drove off, turning his music up to full blast as he disappeared into time and space.

Petra looked around and said "Seventy-five gold for this? Just a few miles? Back where we started this &^$% day?!"

Jasson looked around, seeing that the town had finished cleaning up the burning debris from this morning. Otherwise, the town looked safe and unraided by Clout. Not an outright enemy to all civilization. Noted.

"Eighty-five after tip," Jasson said, "He's…ah…premium."

"He's a rip-off," Petra sighed, "Or he would be if that wasn't the fastest I've ever gone on land. And they genuinely couldn't see us. That's worth any-"

"Any reasonable and affordable price," Jasson interrupted Petra, looking around nervously. He couldn't afford Charon hearing that.

Petra snorted and said "Yeah. Let's get our reward for this quest and go. Maybe Lord Ippoph will give us a few coins and a ride. That is if he's not on Clout's side, waiting with a trap."

"I never liked the guy," Clara wound one arm, "I hope he does."

"At the very least his son, Chip, should help us," Jasson said, "he's not a bad guy. Right, Scott?"

"Yup," Scott leaned over the side of the road and threw up in a gutter, "Oh, that's better. I'm good to go with you guys now."

They headed into the keep, cautious but confident as they found the man that owed them money. Lord Ippoph was alone in the greeting hall with his son. Chip Ippoph seemed surprised to see them, eyes noting the lack of pursuit, whereas Lord Ippoph barely had any reaction.

So Lord Ippoph isn't in cahoots with Clout, Jasson thought. Good. I kinda like this place, would hate to destroy it.

"Well, then." Lord Ippoph said, visibly irritated, "You're finally back today. Before our presumptuous guests no less. Find nothing again? I'm starting to think that we should hire a guide for you in these mountains. Maybe one of the local youth who go wandering in the mountains so often.."

Jasson raised an eyebrow. So Lord Ippoph was not fond of Clout and crew. Noted.

"We found them," Petra said, "And destroyed the nest after a long, hard battle. Harriett, how many wyverns were slain today."

Lord Ippoph turned, a smile carving through his scowl.

"Well, well," Lord R. Ippoph said, "Go ahead, tell me."

"Fifty," Harriett said, "Several hundred if you include eggs. I…I didn't grab the heads this time."

"I do say," Lord Ippoph said, rubbing his hands together, "I am quite impressed. I will, of course, have to send my own men out to verify. Your impressive feat of killing ninety of them the other day will bring you to a sizeable one hundred and forty gold coins. If you are, indeed, telling the truth. Tell me of the location and I shall send the scouts to verify."

"Father!" Chip said, stealing nervous glances at the door, "It will take at least two more days to count up the ones they killed. These heroes are in a hurry and must be on their way-"

"My son," Lord Ippoph said, "While these adventurers are fine folk, all fine folk embellish their numbers a bit. It's only human. I simply need to verify so that we ensure that, before the eyes of the law, we are paying them their fair living wage."

"But you are the law!" Chip said, "And you promised them one hundred and fifty wyverns worth after everything!"

"Yes, well," Lord Ippoph said, "I must say that winter is coming. We need supplies for the cold, don't we? It's this economy, it hits us all in difficult ways."

Lord Ippoph shook his head sadly, causing his jowls to wobble as he said "I'm afraid that I can't afford to give these adventurers a bonus. I look forward to the banquet tomorrow night, however. An end to the wyvern threat! Brought to you by the generous Lord Ippoph. I do hope that you will join us. I am given to understand that our cooks shall be preparing a dish from the south. One of tomato sauce on flat bread with cheese. Even some meats if I'm feeling generous. Won't that be lovely?" 

"I'm afraid that we cannot be prevailed to stay," Petra said, "We must leave within the hour Lord Ippoph, and desire the pay you promised us at the very least."

Chip nodded and said, "See, Father? They are in a hurry and deserve their reward for this herois-"

"This is business, son." Lord Ippoph said, spreading his arms wide, "Business takes time. If they really need to leave, I can offer them one hundred and ten gold right off the bat. What do you say, young lady? Consider it the price of an express fee. I'll even throw in a ride to the next town over."

Jasson felt his blood pound. Who did this guy think he was? Modern sentiment almost had Jasson 'seizing the means of production', but he glanced at the pleading Chip. 

That's right. Jasson thought. He'd offered an extra one hundred gold for doing it within the week. Of course, that was to avoid the trouble we've already caused. And we won't need any more gold once we sell my stash.

Petra's shoulders sagged and she started to say, "How about one hundred and-"

"My lord," Harriett stepped forward, "May I have a word with you? I believe I can offer you a…better deal."

"Oh?" Lord Ippoph said, frowning, "Sure, kid. You want some juice?"

Jasson could feel Harriett seethe and frowned. Didn't she have a plan? She'd mentioned it a while ago when they first arrived. Said that she knew what she was doing.

"A word in private, my Lord." Harriett took Lord Ippoph's arm and led him to the side, "I suppose you know much of politics."

"Of course, child," Lord Ippoph said, "Do you know the name of your local lords? Need help with your homework?"

"In a way," Harriett leaned in, "you see, I want to help you. I really do. So let me tell you pspspsps…"

Harriett whispered something in Lord Ippoph's ear, stretching up to reach his stooped form.

"Well of course," Lord Ippoph's said, "Yes, yes- hahaha! Oh you- oh. OH!"

Lord Ippoph tried to straighten but Harriett held firm to his collar, dragging him lower as Lord Ippoph said, "You're not joki- yes, of course ma'am…. how may I-anything …but- sorry…. Yes, I understand. No… No, please. Anything but that… Yes, of course… very reasonable…Yes, ma'am…Sorry, ma'am. It won't happen again ma'am."

It was hard to feel sorry for him. Jasson could just make out a few of Lord Ippoph's expressions but could clearly see how the man shook with sudden nerves. What was Harriett doing?

"All right," Harriett bounced back, bubbly, "we've reached an understanding. Didn't we, Lord Ippoph."

"Yes, ma'am." Lord Ippoph's pale face framed eyes fixed submissively on the ground, "One thousand Wyverns, two thousand gold coins, will be ready for your departure in one hou- in thirty minutes."

What the heck? Jasson thought. 

"Additionally," Harriet said, "you have offered us a ride back to Stalt, complimentary of course."

"I have?" Lord Ippoph said, "Oh, yes. Of course. Our fastest carriage will be yours. Feel free to keep it."

Chip stared, mouth agape at his father as Lord Ippoph flushed red.

Okay, Jasson thought, now I do feel bad. Kinda.

"No," Petra said, stepping into the awkward silence, "Thank you, but no. We need to keep a low profile, and a speeding coach will not do at all. I'm afraid that-er…Harriett will have to suffer the indignity of an uncomfortable trading wagon."

Petra looked at Jasson, raising her eyebrows. Was Petra looking for… approval? In handling Harriett? Yeah, Jasson was the expert on that front but…wow. Something was different about Petra. She'd been…nicer? It wasn't the time to think about that.

"That sounds perfect," Jasson said, "Have the wagon and trading goods ready to go in thirty minutes. You… know what will happen if you don't. We're going to be bathing and changing clothes before we go. Scott, are you going to be bathing here or-"

"I'm not coming with you," Scott said, "Although I do appreciate the invitation. Petra told me what I need to know to find you guys again, and someone needs to make sure your departure isn't noticed. I know these mountains personally and can hold off these guys for weeks. So I'll be bathing at the hot springs to recharge."

"Oh," Jasson felt his heart drop. He'd been really hoping that Scott was going with them. It would be great to have another dude around. "Stay safe then."

"I will," Scott turned and left, "Keep a bed warm for me at the manor!"

"Only if you build the frame!" Jasson called out, then turned back, "I trust that everything will be handled, Lord Ippoph. If I might speak with Master Ippoph for a moment?"

"What?" Lord Ippoph said, "Oh, sure! Take my son why don't you! Like you've apparently taken Scott!"

Jasson said, "I'm not- nevermind. Chip, a word please?"

"Uh…sure." Chip said.

Jasson led Chip out of the greeting hall and into a small side room that stunk of smoke. Lord Ippoph got what was coming to him, but Jasson felt bad for the people of Smill. And winter was coming. The chill of the underground river had given Jasson an education on cold for the first time in his life. He could easily envision one of the village children freezing to death in a harsh mountain frost.

"I can go get the extra hundred gold I promised," Chip said once they were alone, "But…"

"Two thousand gold not in the budget?" Jasson said, "I know that I didn't kill a thousand wyverns that night. It's more than we're owed."

"No, that's fine," Chip waved his hand, "You got here two weeks early and exterminated them all in a few days. You earned a premium, plus we'll make a good amount of the money back from the Air Crystals."

Jasson nodded and said, "I know that I can't speak for Petra in this, but I consider the extra hundred as paid by your father. But…"

Jasson sighed and made up his mind, then said, "What Crystals are you good with? I imagine you have a specialty."

"I'm not really a mage," Chip said, motioning with his hands, "I use a bow. But I have men who specialize in the more common crystals. Why?"

"I feel a bit bad for your town," Jasson said, "I like this place. I want it to be here if I come back."

Chip waved a hand and said "Don't worry about us. We'll find a way."

"Yes, well," Jasson opened his Locker, "I happen to have an extra crystal or two. I am led to believe that these crystals would be difficult to sell without gathering attention. Would you take a couple, for my sake?"

"Um," Chip eyed the locker, "I take it you got lucky in the mines."

Jasson snorted and said "I get the feeling that you wish for this town to stay a small town. Not overflowing with the great and grabby. So take my advice, don't go looking for the Pandora's box down there."

"I won't," Chip waved his hands, "and you don't need to give us anything. We'll be fine."

"Consider it as…buying your silence about us." Jasson pulled out two random crystals and placed them in Chip's hands, "Take Fire and…I forgot what purple does, but take that too. And thank you for your help."

Jasson walked away before pausing and turning back to the slack-jawed Chip, then said "You didn't spill the beans when Clout came. Right?"

"Of course not!" Chip said, snatching his fingers around the crystals, "It was my father who mentioned 'those blonde twin girls he couldn't remember the names of.' The idiot."

"Keep it that way," Jasson said, "There were no Petra and Clara here. Just Patricia and Clarity. You don't even remember my name, right?"

"I don't think I ever caught your name," Chip said, nodding, "What would you like me to call you?"

Jasson paused then grinned and said "Mykael. You can call me Mykael."

"All right," Chip said, "Michael it is. Michael the Great Mage."

Jasson could hear Chip misspell the name, or perhaps spell it correctly, and smiled. Great Mage, eh? 

I guess I got stronger, Jasson thought, Eh, big bro? Just like you told me to.