Escorting A Goddess III
The group before them called themselves the Sand Guardians. It seems that they are somewhat akin to people that offer protection services to people that traverse the harsh desert sands at night. They are also people that help travelers find their way to a nearby town if they are lost.
"Of course, the services are not free though. Even we need to eat which is why we have a fee. Do not worry as we only get as much as you can give. About ten gold maybe?" the leader of the Sand Guardians called Shara stated as she held up her palms towards Adrian.
Adrian then pondered on how much to give them as this might be what they call a Passing Fee. In ancient times, banditry was not uncommon, and people would literally block mountains or roads to collect fees when they could not farm enough food on the table. Merchants would rather give a small fee to these so-called bandits and gain safe access rather than get their wares destroyed or stolen.