Chapter 227: Heroes
I stared at the small leather pouch in my hand, slowly testing its weight. Soltair was always going on about loot and drops, and it was surprising to find it was actually just money. Supposedly, the party also collected other items of value with the intent to sell them once they returned to Heartland, but for me, just this small sack was already baffling.
Twenty gold coins. It was an amount of money I had no reference for, or understanding of. Money was something I was feeling rather nervous about using, as it felt like an essential step in gaining more independence. Slaves were allowed only what was given them, so in a way, possessing money in and of itself was another step toward truly embracing my freedom.
No sooner had I opened the pouch than a shadow fell over me. I flinched, my hands gathering protectively over the pouch, and looked up. Believe hovered over the table, smiling his oily, business smile he used when dealing with the merchants who visited the town.
"So, Starlight," he said, sounding as nonchalant as a back-alley peddler. "I hear the questing’s been good. Any chance you can afford your back pay?"
For some reason, the Glory Chasers all glared at him. "Greedy bastard. It’s been like ten minutes since we got back," Dyson muttered.
Bilev’s smile wavered for a second, but it was back as though nothing happened. "My family’s mouths don’t feed themselves," he replied smoothly.
"H-how much is it?" I stammered, hesitantly opening the leather pouch.
The innkeeper’s smile widened as he caught a glance inside the pouch. "Ten gold."
Tana sucked in a breath. "What the hell? Ten gold for a few nights?"
Bilev cleared his throat, looking annoyed. "I’ll have you know it’s been over a month since I picked her up out of the forest. Ten gold’s already being generous."
Had it been that long? I’d slept through much of it, trying to recover some strength, but over a month? It was so quiet and peaceful here that time just sort of slipped by. It was a little disheartening to know that time was coming to an end. Even if I tried to hide and avoid going out with the Glory Chasers, the Circle of Chains had declared their intentions. No matter what followed, there would undoubtedly be more conflict.