The men saw Gonath approach and lowered their voices, however, not enough to conceal what they spoke.
“Don’t consider this an act of murder. Consider what we do as merely a business transaction”, explained one of the men.
“A business transaction? Good lord man, how so?” questioned another.
“Simple. She has what we want. We make a proper offer. In this case it's what she holds or her life. Of course, she may counter the offer…"
"Yes, yes and being the shrewd “businessmen” we are, we can't take no for an answer."
"That's right. She may still refuse and even better if she does. No smart trading man will ever disagree that good business should always benefit both parties. However, who said there was any good in our business?”
A third man spoke, “How do you know she still has the token? And by what means do you have to find her? You are aware that this town is full of people, not to mention that soldiers are patrolling everywhere.”
“I followed her here myself. That ragged cloak she wears is unmistakable. I know she is in this town and I mean to find her by looking. I assume you will assist me. The town is small, so we will find her and that damned coin.”
Hearing more than he wanted, Gonath feigned an interest in the items on display and hurriedly put distance between the men and himself. He tried not to look any different than when he first stumbled upon the trio’s plot.
Judging he was well away from the men, Gonath reached into his pocket and fumbled for the gold piece the old woman dropped.
“Don’t consider this an act of murder. Consider what we do as merely a business transaction”, explained one of the men.
“A business transaction? Good lord man, how so?” questioned another.
“Simple. She has what we want. We make a proper offer. In this case it's what she holds or her life. Of course, she may counter the offer…"
"Yes, yes and being the shrewd “businessmen” we are, we can't take no for an answer."
"That's right. She may still refuse and even better if she does. No smart trading man will ever disagree that good business should always benefit both parties. However, who said there was any good in our business?”
A third man spoke, “How do you know she still has the token? And by what means do you have to find her? You are aware that this town is full of people, not to mention that soldiers are patrolling everywhere.”
“I followed her here myself. That ragged cloak she wears is unmistakable. I know she is in this town and I mean to find her by looking. I assume you will assist me. The town is small, so we will find her and that damned coin.”
Hearing more than he wanted, Gonath feigned an interest in the items on display and hurriedly put distance between the men and himself. He tried not to look any different than when he first stumbled upon the trio’s plot.
Judging he was well away from the men, Gonath reached into his pocket and fumbled for the gold piece the old woman dropped.