Blood Brothers: Part Two
Following Eli down into the small town, passing large farms budding with rye and wheat, the three lads seem to be a little peevish as they were raised next to a forest. The last few weeks have been eye-opening for them as so much land has been cleared for agriculture.
The village itself was clearly small by most standards, ten houses with only three more than one story. Eli’s short legs pumped to keep ahead of the brothers. As they moved into village proper, he headed to a more well-built building.
“Here we are, our town hall. Come on inside, and I will find my boss to talk to you as well.” Eli said as he quickly headed across the cobbled road to a prominent inn.
The door was only around six foot high, with a door nob around the knee area. Being in a predominantly gnome village, the concept as usual. Asteria opened the door and strode in with his older brother Aldrich following suit. At the same time, Orroark had to duck and sidestep to get through the small entrance.
Seeing the ceiling was at least seven foot high, Orroark blew a relief breath, “By the books, my back and neck won’t cramp up with ducking all the time.”
Asteria, a mere five foot nine specimen half-elf noted. “I hope they have some better accommodation as I am of despite need of a bath.” Sniffing the air, “we all are.”
Aldrich, with his paranoia, scoped out the area for anything unusual and kept an eye out for some tiny trinkets that could be misplaced. “With the job only stating that we will be paid only fifty gold pieces with food and board. I just wonder if the special reward noted will pay us out a heck of a lot better than the trivial amount we have been promised.”
“And you will be right.” Another gnome walked in from a back room, her hair shining like pure gold. “I am Mayor Tabitha, and yes, the special reward should be quite adequate to compensate for your adventurers’ needs.”
With another overly flourishing bow, Asteria added, “Please excuse my brother; he can be a bit mercenary when it comes to our funds. We have been sent by the Hall of Adventurers to be of service.”
Orroark piped in, “Could you tell us what vermin plagues your town.” He reached into his side bag, finding a decent volume which the title states’ Animals of the Wild (with Pictures). “The books associated with the job told us that it was a bee problem?”
“Yes, there are bees, but they are of the giant verity inside the common honey bee. Due to that nature, we do need strapping adventurers to deal with the issue.” Tabitha responded.
Aldrich came out bluntly and stated, “And what is this special reward that was offered?”
Asteria sighed by his elder brother’s greed nature. Still, it does help that he will always find the most money out of most situations. “As my brother said, and please forgive his rudeness, what do we need to look for?”
Mayor Tabitha smiled and looked up at the three, “That is fine. I, too, can be a little too forward when the situation arises, but it is simple; I am looking for royal jelly.”
Orroark roared in laughter, flipping a few pages. “Yes, by the books, here it is. Should have realised it earlier.”
The gnome looked shocked at his outburst as Orroark built more like a massive thug. Only then she noticed the small wire glasses on the edge of Orroark’s nose as he flipped through a book with unabashed joy.
Aldrich huffed, “Are you going to spit it out, Orroark or do I tell Mum you are reading again?”
With that statement, Orroark’s pale green face flashed with a deeper green. “No, no, Mum doesn’t need to know about this.” Looking worried, Orroark looked over at Asteria, who shrugged and gave a small encouraging smile. “Maybe we should let the mayor answer as she has much more knowledge than my merger understanding.”
With that, Mayor Tabitha took up the conversation. “Yes, royal jelly is found in most beehives, but the Giant bee variety is widely known as being more potent in healing properties. With even a pound of the stuff, I can increase the potency of my potions by at least one degree with little effort.”
“So, how much will you pay for this jelly?” Aldrich asked.
Asteria added, “If you please, Ms Mayor.” Aldrich scoffed at his pretty brother, fancying up the situation. “Also, do you have lodging of people of our size in the town?”
“First with the lodgings,” As Tabitha was about to answer, an older halfling of stocky build moved quickly into the town hall. “The Militia Captain and innkeeper can tell you in one moment. With the royal jelly, I am willing to give one hundred pieces of gold for each pound you recover. Now I will leave you with Darren.”
With that Mayor Tabitha, exited the room. The halfling known as Darren stepped up to the three brothers. “Well, I guess it is time for me to tell you about our problems. Please come this way, so I can show you where you will stay for the duration of the job.”
Each of the brothers shrugged and followed the stout grey-haired halfling out, each wondering different things. Aldrich looking forward to gold coins filling his purse, Orroark reading and finding out more about the bees, while Asteria just wanted a bath.
