Zhan had been walking for three days, and he was thirsty. Much of the city had been buried by the ravages of time, and much of the landscape was different. The mountains to the north were familiar, but that was about it. He hadn't, in those days, found a single other person in what had once been one of the world's largest and most prosperous cities. He moved on, southwards.
For another four days he walked south along the river, foraging for food and wishing that he had the materials to brew a proper drink.
As the river began to turn west, he finally came across a settlement. In the bend of the river was a large city, not near as great as what had once been the seat of his brother's empire, but still reasonably impressive. It had been centuries since he had spoken to another actual person. This would be interesting.

He walked up to the open gates of the city, and followed the flow of traffic inwards. It took him to the city center. He continued searching, and eventually came across what looked like an inn. Entering, he made his way to the bar, and looked to the man serving others, taking him to be the innkeeper.

[color=00aeef]"Ah, excuse me kind sir, but do you happen to have any room for an old man who finds himself a stranger in a new town? If you need any staff, I will gladly work for my keep. I can cook, I can perform, I can clean the floors. Whatever it is you need me to do,  I can."[/color]

"Hrmph, a vagabond. Well. You're in luck, our cook quit a week back, said he 'couldn't work in these hostile conditions' or some other tripe. I've been doing the cooking. A room for the night is one silver, food is five coppers for a meal. I'll pay you fourteen silvers a week, subtracting your fees... three silver and five coppers a week."

[color=00aeef]"Ah, you are very generous, I see! Very well, agreed. What do you need done first?"[/color]

"Get in back, find an apron and grow the stew. I'll be in and out whenever there're orders, and if I catch you slacking you're be out on your ass, old man!"

And so, the great General Zhan went into the kitchen with a smile on his face, happy that he'd found himself a stable source of income so easily.