An Opening Offer

Kalena was relieved when the enchantment was lifted on Kline and the man was able to cease speaking like a ridiculous theatrical bard. His anger and resentment, which he did not bother at all to hide, was more than understandable. She, if anything, would have been a lot more furious, but since she did not have too much really at stake here she could be a little more relaxed about the situation. As relaxed as she could be in the presence of these treacherous little imps.

She smiled at Glumly's obvious enjoyment of bargaining; that much of faerie folklore it seemed was true. She was not sure how much useful information could be gained from examining the camp of the now deceased bandits, however as an exercise she began to contrive of what the fey man would want in exchange for parting with the camp's location.

“Now, what might you have to offer?” Glumly pressed her. “Do not bother answering, you Ox, I want to hear it from the Lady.”

Kline took the bottle from Kalena as she was to talk to the little man. He started to fill the little cups, a drop here and there was all that was needed. The fey started to fly all about him, swarming with a hum. They were all clearly eager to sample the wine, especially after Glumly had said it was so lovely.

“Well that depends, doesn't it?” Kalena replied shrewdly. “I should think it would have to be something of equal worth, and all we might find in their camp is some shabby tents and a few old rusted pots and pans; then again it might contain all the answers we seek, along with the bandits' horde of spoils. So making an offer is something of a gamble. Shall we say... two more bottles?”

She didn't know what else to offer. She didn't think the faeries would be much interested in Dalen currency, and she certainly was not about to offer her horse or sabre, which were about the only two things she possessed of value at the moment as far as trade goods.