Few days later...
The mission board was less crowded than usual, most students were either cramming last-minute study sessions or resting up for tomorrow. Smart move, probably.
We weren't being smart.
"Goblin nest clearance," Kyle read aloud from the notice in his hand. "Estimated five to eight goblins. Payment: forty-five silver plus ten silver per confirmed kill beyond the estimate."
"That's decent money," said the guy standing beside him.
Kai.
We'd run into him during our second mission, a herb gathering job that had turned into an impromptu rescue when he'd gotten his leg stuck in a pit trap. He was lanky, nervous energy personified, with messy brown hair and a habit of talking too fast when he was anxious. But he was competent with a spear.
Which made him tolerable.
"Decent money, decent risk," Kai continued, tapping the notice. "Goblins are stupid but vicious. Get surrounded and you're done."
"Then we don't get surrounded," said one of the new additions to our group.
