Ambrose says "Borrik, you were right, this place is amazing!"

Jezzel says "I work a lot of long hours at the guild, do you by chance deliver?"

Sarah says "Unfortunately, no, we have no way of keeping it warm."

Ambrose says "What if the mage's guild came up with a box or something that kept things placed inside warm?"

"You too, Ambrose?"

Ambrose says "Yes! I want food like this a lot more often!"

Sarah says "Well, if we had something like that then we could probably deliver. I would have to hire more people but other than that it should be doable."

"You could always hire kids to make the deliveries."

Sarah says "Kids? I guess that could work. Is there an orphanage here?"

Ambrose says "Yes, the city has one, it's funded by the merchant guild."

"The merchant guild, is it well run?"

Ambrose says "I've never heard any complaints."

Borrik says "It is not well run, but it isn't horrible either."

Ambrose says "How do you know?"

Borrik says "A few of my guys came from there when they turned sixteen."

Ambrose says "At sixteen? We don't allow recruits younger than eighteen."

Borrik says "Probably why you haven't had any of the orphans join, they didn't want to wait another two years."

"Are you saying they join your guild just to get out of the orphanage as fast as they can?"

Borrik says "Pretty much."

Ambrose says "If kids are willing to become mercenaries just to get away then it must be pretty bad."

"Sounds like a surprise inspection might be in order."

Jezzel says "I agree, I will take care of it first thing tomorrow."

Ambrose says "But what are we going to do with the kids if we shut them down?"

"Sarah, we still have an empty shop right?"

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Sarah says "Yes, what are you thinking?"

"That we could convert it into an orphanage temporarily until we can build a proper one."

Sarah says "Oh, no! I am not good with kids, I am not running it!"

"I wasn't planning to ask you to, just hire a couple of mothers, who have grown kids, from the town outside the walls."

Vacker says "Why ones who have grown kids?"

"Because they have already seen all the tricks and stunts and won't put up with it."

Jezzel laughs and says "I know exactly the type you mean! I can help you find a couple Sarah."

Sarah says "Thanks, I appreciate it. But Ash, why are we doing this at all?"

"Well, for one thing you will have your runners, for another kids will liven up the street a ton. But mainly, because it will stick in Pine's throat that he lost to us."

Borrik says "I like it!"

Ambrose says "Actually, I approve as well."

Sarah says "Oh, I thought maybe you had a soft spot for kids."

"Nope! Can't stand them! Besides, Vacker said it takes starting young to become a true sword master."

Vacker says "That's true, and orphans tend to be highly motivated. Yeah, I think that might actually work."

Ambrose says "Are you only looking for young students?"

Vacker says "I started learning the sword at five years old, and it still took me till I was twenty-seven to become a sword master. For me to train someone all the way the younger they start the better."

Both Ambrose and Borrik look very disappointed at Vacker's answer, surprisingly so does Jezzel. All three turn to me as if in an appeal to have me change Vacker's mind for them. It is hard not to laugh at the hopeful expressions they turn on me, almost begging with their eyes.

Vacker says "Ash has suggested that I set up a class to teach people the basics and look for more advanced students that way."

Ambrose says "That's an excellent idea!!"

Borrik says "Once you decide on the fees I'd like to sign up for just one class. I'm too old to learn much, but I would like the honor of seeing you as a teacher just once."

Vacker says "That is something I can do fairly easily, and no need for talk of fees. We could even do it tomorrow if you want, if the three of you can spare the time?"

Ambrose says "We will make the time!"

Jezzel says "I am allowed to join in?"

Borrik says "Of course! You are the best with a sword out of the three of us!"

Ambrose says "Besides, we know we can trust you to keep quiet if the two of us embarrass ourselves!"

"Haha! I'm starting to wish I was going to be around to watch."

Vacker says "Are you leaving?"

"Yes, first thing in the morning."

Vacker says "Where to this time?"

"Just clearing some beasties out of a mine near Illium."

Vacker says "No demons I hope."

Ambrose says "I certainly hope not!"

"Should be just normal beasts, nothing to worry about. It should only take me a day or two."

Vacker says "When you get back I want you to make some time to spar with me."

"Okay, any specific reason?"

Vacker says "Two, fighting you will push me to my limits, and while I may not have enough time to make you a sword master, I can teach you to fight one."

Ambrose says "Now that is something I want to watch!"

Borrik says "I second that! I would love to watch you two spar!"

"I don't mind an audience, Vacker?"

Vacker says "It's fine by me, they might even learn something."

"Okay, we will arrange it when I get back."

Ambrose and Borrik let out a cheer and even Jezzel looks excited, Sarah just looks like she finds the whole situation amusing. These are good people and I am glad that I met them, now I just have to keep them safe. In fact I am starting to feel like I need to protect all of Illium, from both internal and external threats.

We chat a bit longer and make plans to have a sparring match followed by another dinner once I return from the mines. As I head to bed my mind is filled with plans, both new plans and additions to existing plans. A lot will depend on how the current plans go, but I think I can solve a lot of the city's problems and make it a much better place to live.