"Everyone, the marauders have fallen back! Now, who among you will honor the agreed reward?" called out Logan as he arrived at the caravan, flanked by his imposing beastmen cavalry.
The five elves, surrounded by a ragged handful of caravan guards still nursing their wounds, kept their weapons drawn, eyeing Logan warily even as they stood their ground.
"Thank you, sir, for your timely rescue!" proclaimed His Highness the Elf, emerging gracefully from his protective circle and giving a courteous bow towards Logan.
"Think nothing of it, my lord. Let gold speak the gratitude, we didn't save you out of kindness of our hearts" Logan replied with a roguish grin, his eyes twinkling with the anticipation of easy riches. Indeed, subduing the thieves had felt almost trivial, a stroke of fortune that he wondered if he'd charmed Lady Luck herself the night prior.