One Hundred Gold & A Jug of Ale

JP with Winteroak

Alcuin spent the next few days getting acquainted with the Gate City and the surrounding countryside. Farms and forests made up most of it before it gave away to the largest Plains the bounty Hunter had ever seen. Information was starting to drip in on the back of his wanted posters and the small enquires he started to make with lawful citizens.

He had already received solid information that a lumberjack working in one of the logging camps could be one of his targets. A few fishermen too, he suspected were the individuals he was after. But Alcuin knew he needed to move slow sometimes as not to spook his prey. Especially when he arrived in a new place, before it was truly known who he was after. A few people had already enquired what reward they could expect if their info lead to an arrest. Usually, on the larger bounties, he was always willing to part with coins for more information. So it was no surprise when Sargeant Carver came to see you in the Oak Cup one afternoon.

"You again, I was wondering when I would be seeing you again," Alcuin said raising a drink to Carver. He then lowered the cup before pulling forward a chair for Carver. "Please ma'am," he smiled tapping the seat of the chair.

Carver took a seat and called for a jug of ale. And offered some to Alcuin when the maid arrived with it. She looked at the woman's shapely figure as she walked away. "So, how ya settling in, bloodhound?" She said referring to the slang term for a bounty hunter.

"It's been alright so far. Still haven't really worked yet, waiting for the information to come in. But the fine folk of the Oak Cup have kept me entertained that's for sure. This will be a legendary Inn one day I just know it, a place frequented by many great people," Alcuin explained. "Did you happen to see any of my posters about the districts?"

Carver nodded. "I have. It's why am 'ere." She looked around and dropped her voice. "I might have some leads for ya. If the coin is right..."

"How much are you thinking Sergeant?" Alcuin asked, leering closer. He didn't know what sort of price this Carver would charge for her information - but obviously he'd like the information to be cheap.

Carver drank deeply from her cup and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "First one's free." She told him. As part of his deal with any city he worked at, Alcuin was bound to register his bounties so the Sargeant had a list of his targets. "The other two will cost you." She tapped her hand on the wooden table considering what would be a fair price knowing full well he had to pay the city a quarter of his bounties when completed.

"Like I told ya, am gettin' some land soon. Could use the coin to help in me old age." She looked the man in the eye. "One hundred gold pieces for information on two of ya highest bounties." She grinned. "Plus I give ya another for free."

Alcuin thought for a moment, was it worth it? Was Carver playing him? His head ticked with a thought. "Ninety gold and you have a deal?"

"Ninety gold and ya pay me outstanding bar tab." She countered.

"How big's your bar tab? Ten gold?" Alcuin chuckled as he placed an assortment of coins on the table.

"Just under three..." Carver told him. "So, we have a deal?" She asked pouring more ale into her cup.

"Consider it done," Alcuin nodded, he pushed over the pile of coins to Carver. "So what can you tell me dearest Sergeant? Start with the free ones, then get into the ones I paid you for, if you will."

"That will get you info on one." She said and proceeded to tell Alcuin what she knew about a sailor the bounty hunter was chasing. "I know were one of the other targets lives. And who can help track your largest bounty. When you ready with the rest of the coin come find me. She said and left the coins offered on the table." And began to leave.

"No wait!" Alcuin shouted stopping her in her tracks, he then raised his finger to the roof. "Follow me upstairs to my room, there I'll pay you the rest. Don't try and get out on me so quickly Sergeant. I don't have time for games." The bounty hunter got up and headed for the staircase, waiting for the old woman to follow him. So he led Carver upstairs to his lodgings ready to discuss business.