Chapter 2

The Deal

"Are you interested?" said the man.

"Uh, did you say a, a, a, treasure?" Lidda blurted in amazement.

"Yes! I did say a treasure." Said the man in a soft, calm voice, "Now come join us, will you?"

"I would love to."

"Wait!" blurted Yoshimo "She's under arrest." At these words Lidda drew a sword the size of a ruler.  (Halflings never had very big weapons).  At the same time, Yoshimo drew a mace.   In an instant, they where both charging at each other with their weapons ready to strike.   Lidda jumped up at Yoshimo, trying to get at his face.  Yoshimo swung his mace as a reaction.  Lidda hit the ground, stunned from the blow, her sword landed on the other side of the room. 

"Stop, no fighting!" said one of the men. 

"If she would rather fight then she will." Suddenly he drew a rapier, knocked the mace out of his hand, and pointed it at Yoshimo.

 "You're not even supposed to be here," he said.  "So join us, or leave."

"I'll come," he said suddenly.       

        Later everyone was getting introduced. 

"I'm Kerwyn," said the man with the rapier. 

"I'm Redgar," said another one.  Just after Lidda and Yoshimo introduced themselves, the door to the hut flew open and two dwarves walked in.

        "Every one meet Eberk and Tordek." announced Kerwyn. 

        "Sorry were late", Tordek said apologetically.  

        "My name is Merlo, the artifact collector," said the last man.  "I need you to do something for me," he began.  "As I said, I am an artifact collector, and for years I have found ancient relics.  I have a rival, though.  His name is Zuru.  He's a necromancer, and he threatened my life on our last confrontation."

        "He also knows where I was going to search today.  I believe he will try to kill me, so I want you to go instead.  If Zuru is there, fight him." Tordek stood up.

        "How much will we be paid?" he hollered.

        "Fifty gold each." Merlo answered.  The meeting was over, they all agreed, and soon they were on their way.