A veteran mercenary, carrying a crossbow and a spyglass on his back, and with a trained hunting eagle on his shoulder, passes through the city gates.
A seasoned soldier is approached by an elderly gentleman who inquires, “Could it be that you’re the renowned soldier of fortune known across the lands for your exploits?”
“For such knowledge, the price is two pieces of gold,” the soldier responds, hand outstretched for payment.
The elder quirks a brow and replies, “If indeed you are the man in question, I’ve a quest that far exceeds the worth of mere coins. I am the realm’s mage, come with me.”
Enticed, the soldier follows the man to the royal abode.
The king, full of worry, greets him and states:
“My precious daughter has been taken by a group of orcs from the north during her stroll near the castle. They threaten her life, holding it as leverage to halt our attacks while they plunder our trade routes. I need someone to stealthily end this ordeal.”
“And your offer for cleansing the land of these orc raiders?” inquires the soldier.
“For this deed, 200,000 golden coins,” offers the king, adding, “and you must dispatch their leader and raze their defenses.”
“Sounds like a substantial task… I’d require a bonus for the extra labor. And your offer is?” the soldier probes further.
“Very well. 200,000 coins with an addition of 100 diamonds, each the size of a grape,” the king concedes, “but only if my daughter returns unharmed.”
“But safeguarding and returning your daughter is additional effort. What more do you propose for such a task?” the soldier negotiates.
“Thus, I present 200,000 gold, the 100 large diamonds, and 200 of my finest cattle,” the king relents, continuing, “and to that, my daughter’s hand in marriage.”
Hearing this, the soldier mutters, “Marriage, now that’s a significant undertaking… So, for taking her hand as well, what is your final offer?”