"Of course," Bal continued, if any of you lot are talented enough to eliminate problems before anyone else - specifically, me - gets mauled, I might be interested in making a deal. A bit of gold now, for a sharp pair of eyes and a quick blade at my service, with quite a bit more gold in store when we reach our destination."  He pulled a small bag from another pocket and shook it for a satisfying jingle. "What do you say, sword-girl? Feather-cloak?"<br/><br/>He tapped his hoof on the wagon's rail and grinned.