"Six shards eh? Not bad, Andrew here didn't think you would get more than four." John, busy cutting into yet another pile of rabbits, chatted with Ozlo as he sat by the fire after a long day of work and haggling. "Course, if you had a Charisma card or a Haggling card you could probably have gotten a bit more. I hear these local shopkeepers don't have much in the way of defense for that sort of thing."

Boyd calmly walked over and swatted John on his behind. "And just because someone doesn't have a way to defend themselves efficiently you can just take advantage of them?" John look at his captain cautiously and replied. "Uh... No?"

Boyd gleefully clasped his hands together and gave a short reply. "Incorrect!" After seeing the confused faces of the boys, Boyd continued. "You should always press the advantage when prudent. The keyword here is when PRUDENT. What if even one shopkeeper catches you taking advantage of them? Word travels faster than gas, so don't fart in your tent. Proverbially speaking of course. You've only got one reputation, don't spoil it or your life might take a turn for the worst."

Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

Having given the boys yet another thing to think about and John a sore bottom, Boyd returned to his stew.

***

"Alright lad, I think it's time I gave you the talk." Manny sat down across from Ozlo and Jorgen and rubbed his chin. "When a man gets to a certain age, there's things he needs to be doing. He needs a lass, he needs a profession, and he needs a hobby. Now you boys may have the profession down, and you may even have a hobby, might have even dallied with a lass or two. But don't think I'm blind. You boys need to go out there and find a lady."

Ozlo and Jorgen sat there quietly while Manny stared at them. "Ahem, of course that's what my father always said. But look at me? I don't have a lady, or a hobby, and I'm doing fine." Manny slapped his chest and turned his back on the boys, which they took as their signal to clean up and call it a night.

"Psst, Ozlo." Ozlo stopped and turned towards Jorgen. "Yeah?" He replied. Jorgen gestured to their employer with a grim expression. "So all of a sudden I think that getting myself a hobby and a lass have moved up on my list of priorities, what about yourself?"

Ozlo pursed his lips and gave a Jorgen a firm nod. "Agreed."