Read Adventurers Wanted 1) Slathbog's Gold for Free Online

experience.”
    “We couldn’t find no one with experience,” said Thrang, his voice a little tight. “We’re in a rush, and he was available. Besides, he’s already signed the Bargain.”
    “Very well,” replied the man, stretching out his hand to Alex. “Silvan Bregnest.”
    “Pleased to meet you,” Alex replied, taking his hand and shaking it.
    “Clutter referred you then, did he?” Bregnest asked, returning to his chair.
    Alex nodded cautiously.
    “He’s a good judge, normally,” said Bregnest. “Hasn’t been wrong in more than four hundred years.”
    “And he wasn’t wrong then, not really,” said Thrang, signaling for a barman to bring him a drink.
    “Perhaps not,” Bregnest agreed.
    Silvan Bregnest looked like a serious man to Alex. He was tall and lean, with gray eyes that shone brightly with an inner light. Most of his long, black hair was pulled into a neat ponytail at the back of his neck, but there was a single narrow braid hanging down either side of his face. He appeared to be a rugged man, tough and hardened by time and travel, and Alex felt a little uneasy standing under his gaze.
    “Where are the others?” Thrang asked, taking a large mug from the barman. “They’ll be wantin’ to meet young Alex here.”
    “They went to check on the horses,” said Bregnest, turning his attention away from Alex. “They should be back anytime now.”
    “We’ll need to get Alex outfitted,” said Thrang in a matter-of-fact way.
    “Andy can take him,” replied Bregnest. “We need to talk.” His eyes flicked to Alex and back to Thrang, who grunted into his mug.
    For several minutes there was silence, except for the sound of Thrang drinking from his mug and the fire burning in the grate. Arconn sat beside Bregnest, calmly looking out the window.
    Alex, not knowing what else to do, remained standing. He was just beginning to think that he should sit down as well, when a noisy group entered the room behind him.
    “We’re ready to go,” a tall blond man called across the room to Bregnest. “Just need our eighth man and we’re off.”
    “We have eight,” replied Bregnest, standing and nodding toward Alex. “This is Alexander Taylor,” he said. “He goes by Alex, and this is his first time out.”
    “Skeld, son of Haplack,” said the blond man, grabbing Alex’s hand and shaking it vigorously. “Glad you’re with us.”
    “So am I,” Alex managed to say, surprised by Skeld’s introduction.
    “If you’ll allow me,” said Bregnest, pushing Skeld to one side. “Alex, I’d like you to meet your other companions on this adventure.”
    Skeld stumbled slightly as Bregnest pushed him again, but he continued smiling. He looked both strong and happy, and Alex liked him instantly.
    “This is Tayo Blackman,” said Bregnest, indicating a
dark-haired man who was standing behind Skeld. Tayo nodded slightly to Alex but did not offer his hand. Alex thought Tayo’s face and dark eyes looked extremely sad.
    “This is Halfdan Bluevest,” Bregnest continued, pointing to a young-looking dwarf. “As you might guess from the look of him, he’s Thrang’s cousin.”
    “A pleasure,” said Halfdan as he bowed to Alex.
    “And last but not least,” Bregnest said. “Anders Goodseed. We all call him Andy.”
    “A great pleasure,” said Andy, nudging Halfdan in the ribs as he too bowed to Alex.
    “The pleasure is mine,” Alex managed as he remembered his manners and bowed slightly.
    “So, we’re off today then, are we?” Skeld questioned with a smile.
    “Alex needs to get outfitted first,” replied Bregnest, moving back to his chair. “Andy, go with him and get him set up, will you.”
    It was more a command than a question, and Andy bowed slightly to Bregnest before turning to Alex and motioning for him to follow.
    “We should be able to get everything he needs,” said Andy. “What about payment?”
    “Tell them I’ll stand good for it,” said Thrang, lowering his mug and winking