22 A noble cause

Back in the lobby, Finn submitted his paperwork for the completed task. It included a brief summary of how it went and a description of the two types of rats he fought.

Petrosilinus skimmed over it, raising his eyebrows at the description of the largest rat.

'Is this report correct? I've never heard of rats getting that large. If this is true, there might be more trouble in the future.'

'It's correct.' Said Finn. Taking out the magic core he continued. 'I found this inside it, near its heart. Can I sell it to the guild? I'm not sure where else I could do that.'

Shocked, Petrosilinus examined the magic core. 'This shouldn't be possible' he said shaking his head. 'Only magical beasts can concentrate their magic to form cores.'

Finn waited while the elf tested the core with some strange instruments. A few minutes later, Finn was getting a little impatient.

'Pete? Did you discover anything?' He asked.

Remembering what he was supposed to be doing, Petrosilinus reluctantly gave back the core.

'Yes I did, and it's fascinating too! The core contains so many impurities that it shouldn't even be able to solidify, yet that's exactly what happened!' The elf explained in an excited manner.

Pausing briefly, he looked at Finn with an eager look. 'You wanted to sell this? Perfect! I'll buy it. I have a friend at the mages guild. She would be very interested in using it for her research.'

Still not sure why the elf was so excited, Finn asked how much it was worth.

Pete had a pained look on his face, this kid was too naive. Good thing he was part of the guild or someone else would have gotten this for cheap. As he tried to come up with a fair price that he would be ok with paying, Finn could understand some of his muttering.

'50... no, that would be stealing...100... reasonable... she would love it... but I can't afford that... aha... I could pay in another form... yes...'

Looking up, Petrosilinus saw that Finn had a worried look on his face. Realizing he had been thinking out loud he quickly explained himself.

'Your magic core would normally only be worth around 50 silver at most, but as research material it would be worth more than double. However I can't afford to spend that much, others would probably be unwilling to as well. Therefore...' he paused for it all to sink in before stating his offer. 'I'll pay you 10 silver and can help you get a set of quality leather armour from the guild. I'd also be willing to teach you a few of my tricks.'

Finn considered the offer carefully. Honestly, it sounded pretty good, and he doubted any of the merchants would let go of the opportunity to swindle him for less.

'Well? What'll it be?' The elf seemed nervous. 'Help your brother Pete out, it's for a noble cause. Love that is. The most noble of causes. Yes.'

'Sounds good to me' said Finn, cutting off the elf's rambling. 'Here, take the core.'

Clutching the core tightly, Petrosilinus let out a sigh of relief. He handed over the coins and a handwritten note which read.

'I Petrosilinus, allow Finn his choice of a suitable set of leather armor from the armory. Deduct the cost from my contribution points. Signed -Pete'

Looking at the note Finn felt a little excited. Finally an upgrade from the costume and book covers. He really cold have done with some armor earlier today.

'What can you teach me?' Asked Finn.

'Well, I'm good at throwing knives, if that's you're into that. Apart from that, I'm good at getting around without people noticing.' Pete offered, Oh! And running away, nobody here at the guild can catch me if I go all out.' He had a proud smile on his face as he announced that.

Finn thought it all sounded very interesting so they agreed to meet up in two days to start the training. Satisfied with how things worked out, Finn wished the elf success in his pursuits before heading to the guild bar for dinner.

'I'd like dinner and a mug of ale please' Finn politely ordered, and handed over a silver coin. 'Keep the change on my tab, I'll be coming back often.'

When the bartender served him his meal and drink, Finn pulled out his last dried leaf and asked him if he knew what it was and where he could get more. Taking the lead carefully, the bartender sniffed it and laughed.

'That there is some good quality tobacco. It's a little pricey, but you can get it from the tobacconist just down the road. It's one of the favorites among people who smoke a pipe.'

Confused, Finn asked again, 'So it's not a herb with healing properties?'

'What? Haha!' The bartender laughed, 'well, I suppose some people would claim that. Haha, but it's not considered healing, no. Otherwise you'd see all the priest growing it in their herb gardens haha.'

Finn was really confused now. His magical healing herbs turned out to be pipe tobacco. His explanation for his rapidly healing wounds now made no sense.

Putting aside his thoughts, Finn enjoyed his dinner. It was a delicious meal consisting of pan seared fresh fish coated in herbs and spices and steamed cauliflower with a creamy white sauce. There were a few fresh herbs used as garnish.

Satisfied, Finn headed back to the inn. It was too late to get his armour, so he would do that tomorrow. He greeted the innkeeper as he went upstairs to his room.

Although staying at the inn was nice, it was too expensive to do it for long. Finn looked forward to becoming a full member of the guild, then he could make use of the guild's sleeping quarters and have his own personal storage chest to keep his stuff in.

That was for later. As for now, Finn felt pretty good about his new life.