"We fought that thing with
everything we had," Zell told. "Left
everything on the battlefield. We lost two friends - Clive; brave fucker that he was,
weapon was broken and he kept on fighting.
Gave his life to keep us going. And Arthur, wielding a massive iron anchor,
sacrificed himself to save us all, delivering the final blow on that giant monster."
Noticing that he had the attention of the nearby tables aswell as those at the bar, Zell had become more loud and performative, making sure that; in the memories of anyone listening, Clive and Arthur would be the main names associated with Second Chance. And Zell would make sure to do this for as long as he told this story.
"Aurok was far and away the ugliest bastard I've ever seen with my own two eyes..."
"You forgot to mention the Ogres, the Undead, the Alpha Direwolves, and the Motherfucker""I'm getting there," Zell shot back seamlessly, in spite of not seeing James coming. He was in the zone with a beer in his hand and a captive audience.
"Something with a strong kick and something to eat please"Aaaand now he was bored. His performance, worthy of West End's stage, was promptly cut off and he turned to face his friend and the bartender. "I'll get that bill, barman," he added. "You know a beer is only four silver. With that reward, we've got like ten thousand rounds in the chamber. Well and truly set, my mate."
When Joji left, Zell was suspicious, and made sure the sure big guy didn't need any company before nodding to his friend and saying goodbye. Joji handed him a map of the city, told his fellow swordsman to book his room for him at The Mended Drum, then left with the stranger. MacKensie let them know that they were delivering the cube. Knowing that they were safe in the city, and that the Academy was only up the hill, Zell decided to skip the trip. He figured he wouldn't be needed.
"I'll leave you guys to it. My traffic accident got me out of having to finish my undergrad. Not too keen on having to see another university. Even if it
is Hogwarts," Zell said with a grin. He raised his tankard to signal a toast to the man and gnome on his one side, then knocked his mug against James' drink and raised it again. "To Clive and Arthur! May they rest in peace, wrapped in honour." The strangers at the bar joined the toast, then Zell downed the last of his beer. After that, he turned his attention back to his group of friends. "I'll head to The Mended Drum and book our rooms for the night."
He stood up from his stool when Lucy approached with the bounty reward. Split between them, it worked out to about sixty gold each. Zell put his share away, then asked, "So what we doing then - gold or silver?" When he got his answer, he barked a laugh. "Ha! I thought you'd chicken out. Well, good call. No sense in faffing about for weeks on end with still no idea why we're here. You can give me the contract details later."
He assumed that whatever the contract was, they wouldn't be doing it today. Much of the day was already gone, so it only made sense. After most of the party left to go to the Academy, Zell was left with a tough decision.
Get another beer now, or get one at The Mended Drum?