[Ridge]
"You don't remember the Perry Vandals trying to recruit you?" He asks blankly, tapping out an annoying rhythm.
"I mean there were probably more than a few mercenary groups that talked to me and some other guys early on during my Academy days, but I was too focused on my goal to pay them any attention." I answer earnestly.
He rubs his stubble thoughtfully and then sighs in exasperation. His bony, ringed fingers slide the papers across the desk to me. I make an effort to scoot forward in the large chair.
I pick a paper at random and look back up at him through my lashes questioningly, "What's this?"
"That- is the contract I have drafted for our business." He nods towards the parchment in my hands. It's clean and perfectly smooth, except where my fingers are pressing, with beautiful flowy writing completely covering the page. The flowery handwriting doesn't suit him. No one in this place has behaved how I expect them to.
I start reading the contract. How did he have time to draft this? My eyes scan down the sheet, trying to be precise but not take too long.
"Any questions, Sir Ridge?" He pipes up. I finish reading before answering.
"Money, transportation, troops, resources, and information?" I eye him suspiciously, "You want to supply all of this in return for... what?" He smiles. I don't like it. I actually kind of miss Kadeeth's toothy grin when I see this guy's scummy face.
"There is nothing you and your little group of friends can give me that I don't already have, not directly anyway." He slides the next paper forwards, "But, in the long run, I see this as a good investment. After all, what better way to gain power than to turn the tides of the war?" I mean, it makes sense. This guy is already rich, like, Riddotha rich. He can get any material goods he wants, and he clearly doesn't need help making friends when he feels the need.
If this is his chance at another power grab, that has nothing to do with me. That's the Imperial family's problem. They can always put him in check later, if they're still alive. All the more reason not to be picky with how we fight this battle. Not only are our lives in danger, but our entire system could come crashing down.
"As long as you don't try to call in a favor later, I don't see too many issues." I conclude. He smiles again and his snake eyes crinkle up at the edges, making him look much older, although I'm pretty sure he's not even 'middle aged' yet.
"Wonderful!" He claps. I pick up the next sheet and he hands me an expensive quill, "You can write down your corrections or additional clauses here, for us to discuss, of course."
I don't hesitate to take the pen and start jotting down my thoughts. I feel self-conscious about my writing now. Growing up around Nobles has made my writing better than most literate people, but it still looks like a kid's scribbles next to his fine lettering.
I give him the paper back and wait patiently for him to finish reading. He goes slowly, meticulously going over each line. Then he drops it so it flutters down to the table and settles me with a look of approval.
"Interesting, I believe that can be arranged."