Duraid's face darkened as he heard the report, glaring solemnly in the direction of the looming mountains of the Vale. [b]"This is unfortunate. We may spend less time here than I thought."[/b]

His head snapped toward the masked Branded, barking out his next order with none of the scarce warmth he'd be using in his inquiries beforehand. [b]"Go let the rest of the band know that we'll need to move at a moment's notice."[/b]

[b]"Now then, you lot. I'm Duraid, leader of this here mercenary band. You can call me Captain, Boss, or whatever floats your boat."[/b] He gestured toward the line of potential hires, noting the exchange between the would-be baron and the apple thief. [b]"As long as you can do [i]something[/i], I won't turn ya away. However, if ya help with the fightin', you'll get more gold."[/b] 

The warrior stalked up to the collection of newly accquired assets, staring directly at each one's face in turn as he paced down the line. [b]"A few ground rules if you're gonna work with my crew. One:-"[/b] His slowly burning eyes locked on Nialas'. [b]"-the crew's lives are more important than the take. That means-"[/b] Duraid's head snapped around to look Helath up and down. [b]"-we don't take jobs that end with us dead. Money's no good to corpses. Two:-"[/b] His glare shifted to Laisar. [b]"-We don't get paid extra for heroics. You go try and rescue someone, and end getting some of your fellow mercs killed? I'll bring justice down myself. Three:-"[/b] Sammael was next, the archer's face being scrutinized for any sign of emotion. [b]"-Running is acceptable, but you forfeit your take. Four:-"[/b] Onto the Rak'thurrian, Duraid's stare measuring what sort of man stood before him. [b]"You can leave the group at any time, but if you desert to the enemy side, you become an enemy and will be treated as such. Finally:-"[/b] He reached the end of the line, staring down at Arianna. [b]"-There'll be no infighting because of nationality or race. I'll make sure of that. We're all people here, let's act like it."[/b]

The man's posture finally relaxed as he turned away once more, moving to the edge of the arena as he called out behind him, his words returning to their carefully friendly state. [b]"If you've still got questions, follow me. If not, go follow Faris and help out the dark mage with his shopping. Poor bastard needs to get some upper body strength."[/b]

---

Faris had taken the time to begin to sneak off toward the camp proper, stalking away from the large group of men and the single woman. Even Manus' constant blathering about things like 'angles' and 'theories' was better than listening to her father go on about the duties of a mercenary. She'd heard it before, and would no doubt hear it again.

Shrugging, she had nearly made it into the camp proper when some hooded figure accosted her for information about Barst's pegasus. The mercenary's proceeding look of disgust was only matched by her annoyed tone. [b]"Ah, yeah, you're one of those creepy guys who like the idea of a cute pegasus? I don't think Barst'd be too into that, but I can get him for ya."[/b] Her eyes glimmered greedily. [b]"If ya pay the right price, I mean."[/b]