Chapter 1: Into Haranshire

The corners of Aldeera's mouth turn up slightly, but her expression does not change. "Fair compensation, indeed. I agree to the terms." Frankly, it was more than she expected, having fully anticipated that they would be doing it out of the goodness of their hearts.

The warrior listened carefully and nodded his agreement to help. "I would hope we could find her quickly."

"Looks like we have a new job then. And a new location to try first, this Kuiper's place."

Almadel thinks for a second or two.

"Any other places we should look? Anywhere she's likely to go to gather components? Any other people she's known to visit?"

Although Tauster seems glad to get a positive response, Almadel's question catches him a bit by surprise.

"Visit? Uhm, none that I know of. She's pretty autonomous, really, very strong character. If I'm not teaching her or given her a task, she's doing her own thing. As far as I know, she'd be visiting family in Milborne, then returning here, so that's as much as I can tell you. However, now that I think of it, if you're seeing Squire Marlen to cash in your delivery reward, you might as well let him know about those bandits. He might offer a reward if you take them out, or he might know of any other things in the area that need doing while you're around. So far as my role as your employer goes, since you've agreed to look out for my apprentice, I'll cover your lodging here for tonight but you best be on your way tomorrow."

The warrior nodded his agreement, "Of course, first thing we should be on the road."

He looked at the others in the group, "Perhaps we should see the Squire about the payment when we finish our meal. That will free us to begin our search in the morning."

Hanzel nods; it'd be best to get the payment sorted sooner rather than later.

"Agreed. Bounties for bandits are always a nice addition, but a dangerous pursuit. One would think we'd have seen a sign had the girl come this way, but perhaps we should sleep on it. And get paid before that."