The moment he spoke the words, the realization came to him. The other men he saw in the small shop were not just your average travelers looking to resupply. They were other mercenaries. He recognized many of their symbols. 'Panthums Retribution' , 'Shepherds of Faith', 'Crimson Guard'. Each of the groups present were some of the more reputable nature which was a good sign. Their eyes met and furrowed brows were the only response he was given. Anders couldn't help but chuckle to himself as he scanned the group.<br/><br/>The lot of them were nothing special, aside from one other man, who looked to be a bit more muscular and built. He had on a patch showing allegiance to 'Panthums Retribution'. They were more of a militaristic guild, focusing on their capabilities in large scale expeditions. Seeing him here was a bit of a surprise, but not unexpected. The sound of the door to the shop opening, he saw two people enter the space.<br/><br/>An older man, whose weathered skin and scruffy face stood out as a leader. He hid his role behind nonchalance, but Anders knew not to take this man for a fool. The woman beside him was more petite, but nonetheless had an absolutely gorgeous face. Her eyes almost seemed to glow in the light, perhaps it was the sunsetting but he noticed it. Their eyes met and out of courtesy he offered a slight bow before averting his eyes. The words spoken by the man affirmed who he was. Galneak in the flesh, and now the challenge he mentioned sent Anders back into an inspection of the men around him.<br/><br/>As each person stepped out of the room, Anders hung back slightly, hoping to be the last person to leave. He looked over each persons gear. Gauging who and what they might be capable of. Their weapons of choice and how they carried themselves. One man was squirrelly, an easy target in a game of wits should that be one. The other man beside him was more brooding but his eyes carried less thought behind them than a mouse hunting for cheese. The man from earlier though was inspecting people just as he was.<br/><br/>Leaving the building, the small group of five men followed in a line towards Galneak with anticipation for their first challenges. The men all walked around the building, a few openly commenting on the woman from earlier, the others regarded whether they could take Galneak in a fight with swords. Mostly banter but still enough that Anders was not looking to engage. One of the men looked to him and nodded. "What do you think, gonna fight him with that ?" he said motioning to the sword scabbard Anders wore. Anders just nodded, "If its one of the challenges sure thing."<br/><br/>Once they were a small distance from the building and a little ways into a small field,  the group came to a stop. Galneak looked over each person with a quizzical eye before clearing his throat to speak. "Okay so the first task that I have for you to do. I need to know your endurance and capable of even making this journey. Each person get into a planking position with their gear on. Take nothing off. Whichever person collapses first is out. Whether that is in ten seconds or ten minutes." his arms crossed in front of him as he spoke.<br/><br/>A few men huffed, one of them even groaned. Each of them however did as they were asked. A few commented on the validity of this job, and whether or not this small task was enough to help. It would be enough to weed out those who were not willing or ready. For Anders though, he was intrigued now more than anything. This mission was something more than just a simple merchant escort after all. The beautiful woman, the secretive meeting and now the test between potential guards for hire. It was all building up into a very interesting day.<br/><br/>The group of men all lowered themselves to the floor, a few adjusting items they had to make them more comfortable to hold. Anders had a pack on that was well rounded weight wise and he made sure it was not straining on his back for the purpose of a long journey. Looking to the others everyone gave Galneak a nod who whistled. Each of the men took the position of plank and so began the first challenge. Each of them looked around at one another at first, curious who would be the first person to give out. The men all snickered a bit and it wasn't until the first minute went by that they silenced themselves.<br/><br/>The next minute went by slower, each of them letting out slight grunts or even exhales. One man was taking in deep breaths trying to will himself onward. Anders took in deep breaths but exhaled them slowly, focusing with his eyes shut. Just before the fourth minute came, one of the large men hit the floor in a groan. The items in his bag rattled out and the others all released their position. Every man was either kneeling and catching breath or flat faced in the grass. The first man who collapsed got up to his knees, "You mentioned compensation ?" his voice defeated as he stepped off to the side. Galneak nodded, "It will come at the end, I don't want everyone seeing the reward for failing and giving up for the sake of ease." he said waved the group up.<br/><br/>"Four left. I have a plan from this point that might weed it down to just two of you." He said motioned each of them into groups. The large man was partnered with the man from Panthums Retribution. Anders was with the large man. Each of them gave the other an eye that said 'watch yourself' but didn't say a word to one another. Galneak spoke again now. "This is an escort mission, I do not expect you to leave one of us behind after all. I need to know you can aid a fallen comrade. Carry your partner to road. They will carry you back. Repeat this until two of you fail." Anders scanned his eyes towards the road and saw it was a likely just over thirty yards away.<br/><br/>The small man beside him took in a few breaths and put his hands up to decide who went first in a game of rock paper scissors. Anders shook his head. "Come on. I will go first." his words bearing little emotion as he braced himself for this challenge. "Keep on your packs, but lose the weapons. Don't need anyone getting poked." Galneaks words rang out.<br/><br/>Anders dropped his sword in scabbard to the floor and pulled the man up onto his shoulders. He was light by no means, but was glad to see Galneak didn't rig it by putting the bigger men with the small men. He wanted to watch the man further but now wasn't the time. He needed to earn this job.<br/><br/>The first few steps with them an were awkward as Anders found the right gate to take with the added weight on his back. The man did his best to not move much which was helpful enough. The process was a slow and tedious one however. Each group walking back and forth for what felt like twenty minutes. The first person to collapse was the big man, his leg giving out and causing him to crumble. Next was the squirrelly guy. His body seeming to fail from the fatigue. Anders did his best to roll and not land on him as they collapsed to the floor.<br/><br/>Galneak motioned to the men to the side and nodded to them. "good effort. Now the final challenge." he said and pulled his longsword from the scabbard he hard. "This will be a dangerous journey. I need to know you can defend yourself, but also any of us. Whoever can hold me off for three minutes or defeat me gets the job." he said looking between each of them. Both Anders and the mysterious figure almost smiled at once to this newest challenge. 'This will be exciting.' Anders thought as he unsheathed his own longsword.