“A small price to pay.”

“Indeed, sir. When you finish your beer, my uncle and the other man who was accosted by Amy? They would like a moment of your time in the private room. Enjoy your beer first, though. They need a moment to speak."

Daniel looked confused and then nodded.

Peter sauntered away, and Daniel saw that the patrons of the restaurant were smiling over at him. A few raised their glasses to him. Daniel smiled. The first part of his plan had worked better than he imagined.

Daniel finished his beer, and Peter brought him over to the private room. As he entered the room, two men sitting in large recliners rose and moved toward him.

The owner reached him first and shook his hand. "Ah, Daniel, so good of you to agree to meet. My name is Mark Marshall, the owner of this restaurant and several others in the realm. Let me introduce you to my companion, Kevin Kelly. He's a merchant and runs several trade runs along the major arteries of the realm. We've been friends and partners for many years now. How long now, Kevin?"

Kevin joined them and shook Daniel's hand. “About twenty years, give or take. Pleasure to meet you, Daniel."

Daniel smiled at them and looked between them. "Thank for inviting me back here. I don't understand why, though.”

The men chuckled and indicated the seats. They each took one around a small table. Peter entered and placed another cold ale in front of Daniel and left, closing the door behind him. They each then picked up their glasses and raised them for a toast.

Mark scooted forward in his seat. “It's not often we have such excitement in the restaurant. Peter let me know what was happening before the Albrights showed up. I let Kevin in on it and we agreed to seat him at the Albright's usual table. Thought it might stir things up a bit."

Daniel was not following the conversation. "I don't understand..."

"No, it's all right. We don't expect you to. When we heard what you had in mind for Amy, we saw it as an opportunity to influence the family. Bill Albright has a hold on the trade going through Acron.

It may seem like a small town, but the amount of goods travelling through his store is staggering. His monopoly is hurting our bottom line. We needed leverage. Now we have it."

"I see," said Daniel slowly. "And the blame goes to me, and not to you."

The men exchanged a glance. Kevin spoke first. “Exactly. I hope you don't mind?"

Daniel thought for a moment. "No. I had my own agenda. Blame for this evening was always going to fall on me. I do have one request though."

Mark looked surprised but nodded. "Go ahead."

“There is a plague of cinch bugs in the region. Word is the King is sending an investigative team to look into it. I suspect the poison we were provided is nothing but snake oil. Problem is, I managed to rid my land of the pests. It won't look good, and I'm worried I will come under scrutiny, or the farmers lose a pardon for taxes."

The men sat back and contemplated what Daniel had just told them.

Kevin took a drink of his brandy and nodded. "I don't see why not?

I'm confused though. You aren't dressed as a farmer and yet you say you are one. And pardon my ignorance, you don't sound like a farmer."

Daniel was uncomfortable. “I wasn't always one. It was my choice to try it. I've been here for seven years."

"I see," said Kevin. "And where were you before that, if I may ask?"

Daniel could see no harm in answering truthfully. "My parents were killed in an orc raid near the Wilds."