Some carriages were at the entrance of the Ugly Orc. They walked up to one smaller and Joseph went to speak with the driver. He was a sturdy looking man with sun tanned skin. He had short long hair and a mustache.
"Good day to you sir! How much would it be for you to take us to this place?"
He showed the map to the guy sitting on the carriage. He looked at it.
"I'm sorry, but I can't read maps. If you may tell the name of the place, I can tell you the price."
"It would be the Phoenix family's farm."
"Oh that place? It will be 5 silver for a ride there, 1 gold for a ride there and back. If you want me to wait for you to come back to the city, it will be 1 gold in advance. Also I won't stay until night, but if you pay me 1 gold today, I can come there for you the day you want."
"That would be helpful. For now it would be good if you could take us there."
"Alright! Get on!"
They climbed on and started to move. The carriage took them to the gates and out of the city. Joseph was looking around in the city while they were moving out. Then turned to the driver.
"How is this job paying out?"
"It is quiet good. I drive people, no questions asked and they pay. There are lot worse jobs around."
"I can imagine."
They stopped for a check up at the city gates, but the driver only exchanged a few words with them.
"Is it free to leave?"
"Not really, but they know me."
"Then we got a good carriage!"
The driver laughed.
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"The others are cheaper, but that is true, it is cheaper to come with me if you want to leave this place. Did you not know about it?"
"No. We just randomly chose you."
He laughed again.
"You have some really good luck!"
"Seems like it."
They went silent for a moment. Then Catherine broke it.
"Are you only taking advanturers for rides?"
"No. They are just the most common folks. Usually people either have their own carts or they don't have money to pay for it."
"I see. How long have you been doing this job?"
"For almost 10 years by now."
"That is a long time."
"It is, but I love doing this. Also, sometimes it is good to leave the city with free protection."
Joseph was confused.
"There was noone, who tried to take your stuff while on the road?"
"No. People are not that stupid. Even if someone takes my stuff, or kill me, they would get caught fast. But don't you know about it?"
"No. I'm new around here."
"That explains."
"Care to explain?"
"Right! So you know there are the nobles in town's northern part?"
"Yes?"
"They made a wizards tower and there are wizards there who look over the city and it's vicinity. They sense danger and bloodlust. If someone is in danger they will find them easily. Also they are looking out for the nobles quarters and mansions. So there are no thefts, nor assasinations. It is almost impossible to do any illegal things without them knowing."
"Woah. That is pretty good. It seems like this city is safe."
He laughed.
"This place is the safest around, but there is a backfire to it as well."
He stayed silent.
"What is the problem with it?"
Catherine answered the question.
"The cost. The taxes are really high, so it is really expensive to live in this city. It costs around 2-3 times more then in other places."
"Oh! That is harsh. But understandable."
The driver laughed again.
"You are some weird folks. Most people always complain about the prices, but they won't do anything against it. They know that it is for them. But you know... People like to complain!"
"That is very true."
The side of the road changed from grass to wheat while they were talking. They were in the middle of some well arranged fields. The driver smiled at them pleasantly.
"We are close to the farm. It's only a few minutes from now. Do you know if you want me to wait for you, or not?"
Joseph and Catherine looked at eachother.
"We are not sure. We have to speak with the client and possible do the job, but we are not sure if we do it today or what will happen. Would it be possible for you to wait around half an hour and if we don't leave, you can go back to the city?"
He thought about it.
"You know what? You are a pleasant pair. If you pay me a silver I wait around for you. Deal?"
"Deal!"
They shook on it.
Meanwhile a farm house with a silo next to it appeared in front of them. It was still somewhat far away, but it was a straight road from there.
When they arrived they paid the driver.
"Then I'll be waiting for you two!"
"Thank you!"
They walked to the house.