Chapter 14: Playing the Part
"I’ve been there twice. The folks up there have a lot of stuff I need."
Maxim said casually, then it hit him that this might be Thane’s territory. He asked, "You’re not gonna come after me for back taxes on my previous trades there, are you?"
"Don’t sweat it—only bandits pull that kind of crap."
Thane grinned and explained, "It’s just that lately there’ve been some bandits prowling around Shadowpine Ridge. I’d watch your back if I were you. Several merchant caravans have gotten hit by those lowlifes."
"That’s exactly right—I can vouch for that."
Kralfard jumped in eagerly, saying with conviction, "I got jumped by a gang of bandits, and the lord here saved my hide."
Of course, he left out everything that happened afterward and just sang Thane’s praises.
Hearing this, Maxim immediately warmed up to Thane. "You’re a real stand-up lord. I hope if I ever get in a jam, I’ll have someone like you looking out for me."
Thane smiled, thinking to himself that his appearance fee was pretty steep.
"Got any idea how tough these bandit gangs are?" Maxim pressed.
"Can’t say for sure, but them squatting on my land is straight-up theft. If I run into them, I’ll wipe them off the map."