A few days had passed since the attack on the Caravanserai, and Garrok found himself engrossed in the task of helping repair the damages caused by the bandits. His strong hands skillfully wielded the hammer, shaping nails and fashioning various other tools with precision. With his final job completed and payment received, he felt a sense of satisfaction wash over him. It was time to return to the Caravanserai, eager to explore the listings for potential work and new opportunities.
The marketplace bustled with activity as Garrok weaved through the crowd, his eyes scanning the various job postings pinned to notice boards. His gaze fell upon a listing that immediately caught his attention—a long-term contract with an Orcish caravan. They’ll be running supplies to various camps, and they need a blacksmith to provide repair services for the camps. The offered pay seemed enticing, but a nagging feeling in the pit of his stomach told him that it might bring trouble specifically for him. Garrok sighed, his instincts guiding him, he decided to pass on it, trusting his gut feeling to lead him in the right direction.
As Garrok arrives at the Caravanserai, a friendly half-elf receptionist named Elysia approached him with a warm smile. Her medium build, pretty face and gentle disposition putting him at ease. "Hello there," she greeted him. "We’ve received requests from several caravan masters that they wanted your services. They specifically requested to hire you."
Garrok's curiosity piqued, and he followed Elysia to a nearby table where she unveiled the contracts that awaited him. His eyes scanned the offerings, and his mind began to weigh the pros and cons.
Elysia pointed to a contract bearing the seal of an infamous Goblin merchant prince. "This contract is from the Goblin merchant caravan," she explained. "They are transporting what they call 'trade goods' to one of the ports. They lost several guards during the recent raid, it seems their wagons attracted the attention of the bandits, and they fear further attacks. They want you and your wolves to serve as escorts. They assure food and lodging, and the pay is higher than average due to their urgency. You will have to leave your old wagon and tools behind. But they’ve offered to give you a brand-new Blacksmith’s workshop”.
Garrok's brows furrowed as he pondered the proposition. He was well aware of the shady nature of the Goblin cartels and their unpredictable "trade goods." Knowing them it could be anything from rare alchemic ingredients to slaves. And though the offer of a new Smithery was enticing, they probably wanted to keep him and make guns for the cartel. After a moment of contemplation, he shook his head. "I don’t know, Elysia. Although the pay and offer is generous, I’m not sure if I should involve myself in their questionable affairs. It might not be worth the trouble it might bring upon me."
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Elysia nodded in understanding, her eyes twinkling and a cute smile on her face. "I completely understand. It's not worth the trouble." She moved the contract at the bottom of the stack.
Moving on to the next contract, Elysia pointed to the seal of a famous university. "This one comes from a renowned university in one of the human city-states," she said. "They are embarking on an exploration and research mission to some old ruins. They need a scout and guide for the expedition, someone who knows the land and can ensure their safety. “
Reading the contract, Garrok studied the details. A group of academy students, researchers, and their escorts needed a scout and guide for an exploration and research mission into old ruins. Garrok speculated that he could potentially negotiate generous rates for his services.
“Interesting, I’ll think about it”.
Finally, Elysia revealed the last contract, adorned with the seal of the Dwarven rangers—a Long Gun crossed with a Battleaxe. The weight of the parchment felt significant in Garrok's hands as he read the contents. The contract explained that the alliance had an old outpost, abandoned after it was raided by the free tribes during the last war. The Dwarven rangers plan to restore it and transform it into a base of operations, patrolling the the nearby trade routes. One of their smiths was gravely injured during the raid and must return to Dwarven lands, so they needed another smith.
Garrok was intrigued. Though the pay was average, the opportunity to work alongside the legendary Dwarven rangers was an extraordinary chance he couldn't pass up, and a chance to study their equipment and how they fight. He could even bring his wagon, a comforting thought.
Just as Garrok was contemplating his decision, Tink, the gnomish engineer he had befriended, approached them. Her presence brought an extra surge of warmth to his heart. "Garrok!" Tink exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with joy. “Hi!”
Garrok's face lit up, a small grin on his lips. "Tink, my friend. Hello." He greeted back.
“What are you doing here?” he asked.
"I'm part of the Ranger expedition!” She replied
“I and the other gnomish engineers will be installing a semaphore system and setting up relay stations. I was the one who recommended you to the Ranger captain.”
Grateful for his friend's endorsement and secretly excited about the prospect of working alongside and the legendary Dwarven rangers, Garrok made his decision. He accepted the contract with the Dwarven rangers.
Elysia beamed with delight as Garrok signed the contract, expressing her confidence in his abilities. She assured him that the dwarven expedition would be departing in a few days and that they would provide him with all the necessary details.
Garrok left the Caravanserai to prepare for his trip. A few days later the ranger expedition left for their journey, another wagon joined their ranks. Pulled by a pair of Wild Oxen, flanked by a pair of Dire wolves, and a Gnome girl sitting on top of the canvas cover.