"Let me answer your question first, Kleb, as the answer is simpler. I'll accept any amount you have to offer. I must care for 23 children. In addition to food and clothing, I must also pay for their schooling. It's uncommon enough for children to be adopted. Making sure they have been taught their letters and basic arithmetic improves their chances of surviving in the real world if that never happens."
She stirs her tea for a moment, then looks over at Lestrivius. "If you would be willing to perform a service for me, I think your group might be perfect for the job. You look to be equipped to handle a fight."
At this she leans in closely and speaks more softly. "I also have my hand in a few clandestine operations. Some of my suppliers in the countryside have recently been complaining of orcs pillaging their farms. Recently, I sent Hokken out to learn what he could about this and he tracked the orcs back to an old keep on Baron von Darque's lands. I've done a little bit of investigating here in town and learned that von Darque doesn't use the keep anymore, so it's possible that this is merely a coincidence, but I wouldn't put it past the Baron. I've long suspected that he finds my establishment an inconvenience and has been trying to find a way to wipe me off the map. If you were to travel to this keep and clean out the orcs, as well as bring back any evidence that might incriminate von Darque, I would be most grateful. Of course, I'll let you stay the night either way. But do please consider it."
