Hynd turned an eye to Aramust.

"Things that someone in my trade knows quite well, some illegal things. I didn't have time to pick any up, otherwise I would show you. But suffice to say that the substances could get the guy fined more money than ten farmers would have," Hynd finished, gulping down some more whiskey.

"Hmm. A little blackmail is always good to have over someone."

Thomas was on his fifth mug by now. He was basically draining the keg he had broken open.

Aramust quietly orders some of their best wine and sips it pensively.

" I suppose I could ignore my scruples. By the by how much are those 'things' worth. It would be easier ,as well as safer, to sell them of the black market than to blackmail the guy. For all we know this guy could have powerful connections."

Hynd shook his head. "Man, all you ever think about is money. Not even the thrill of the chase. But, I suppose that they'd be worth some money on the black market." Hynd said taking another swig of whiskey.

"I think of other things. I just discard them as useless and moneywasting. You know what they say, 'money makes the world go round'. It also pays for exceedingly expensive bolts. And I was was wondering if it would be more worthwhile to sell them as opposed to blackmailing the guy, not if they were worth any money. I suppose if you really want this 'thrill of the chase' we could blackmail him."

"Hmm...I think we should just buy the horses from the local stable. Forget this black market stuff. But right now, I think you should all see this."

Garud puts a peice of paper on the table. It's the invitation to the tournament in the Fortress of the count.

"Yo, barkeep. Some dinner for me and my pals. Also, bring an extra serving, we have another coming."

Garud poked the paper.

"We have our excuse to get in. And the prize is a meeting with count stupid. Thats our chance to slay him."

The note reads:

There is to be a champions tournament to determine who is the utmost supreme warrior of them all. Mages and sorcerers also allowed to participate. The prize will be a state of the art blood sword, and a meeting with me.

Faithfully, Lord Carcadessa

Hynd looked at the invitation, then looked at the people surrounding him. "Now, wait just a damn second. If he pits us up against one another, are you saying that we've gotta try and kill each other? I didn't sign up to die after all the time I've been enjoyin' life! What were you thinking? Why not just climb into his fortress? Unless he's got triple greased walls with mage gargoyle guardians that just happen to have homicidal maniacs for guards backing them up, plus another assassin, I bet I could do it. Provided it isn't too high, of course." He said, taking another swig of whiskey.

"Calm down. We wont have to kill each other. But, if we do get pitted against each other, then one of us will forfeit, or we can pretend to slay each other."

Garud raised an eyebrow curiously.

"Are you drunk?"

"Just curious here but how can one pretend to slay someone. Doesn't anyone make sure these people are dead or do they just look to se if he is lying on the ground? I personally think that we should at least check out the castles defences," said Aramust, still sipping on his wine.

Hynd looked at Garud, completely serious. "Do you, sir, honestly think, that after all my years in a bar, that I would get drunk off a few sips of whiskey? You must be drunk yourself. That's it, I'm cuttin' you off." He said leaning back and taking another swig of whiskey. His head wobbled a bit as he sat the drink down. "Man, that stuff's strong, though," Hynd said, shaking his head a bit.