An old farmer was out attending to his crops when a stranger with blond hair rode up to him on a horse. "I heard that a witch helped the town's crops root?"
"Yeah, that's correct, sir." The old man said, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Is there a problem?"
"I'm not sure," the stranger looked at the field of crops. They were larger and healthier than the ones grown for kings. "If you don't mind my asking, how exactly did she help?"
The old man pondered. "Well, she held a bag of seeds in her hands. Said some kind of spell, I imagine. Then, he told me to plant those seeds."
"Do you remember what the words of the spell were?"
"It was quite some time ago now. But, I think she said something about the blessing of the Goddess."
"Could you tell me where this witch lives?" The stranger asked.
"I could, but that sword. Are you a Mercenary?"
"Yes, I am."
"Then may I ask a favor from you? In return I'll give you the information you want."
"Add some tarnish to that, and you got a deal."
The old man led the Mercenary to a small shed next to his pig pin. The old man lifted a bloodied cloth revealing a thing of meat, bones, and flesh, vaguely resembling a pig.
"Some of my animals have been getting attacked recently. I hoped it was just some coyotes or even wolves. But I'm afraid it might be monsters. I've never seen a coyote or wolf tear apart one of my animals in this manner. Especially leaving behind so much of it uneaten."
The Mercenary looked closely at the pile of blood-soaked meat. He poked and moved bits to the side, unfazed by the blood or smell. "These claw markings do not match any normal predator. You are right about this being a monster. Could you show me where you found this?"
"Of course." The old farmer pointed out the door. "It was near the southeast fence. The pigs started squealing just as I was about to bring them back into their pins at the end of the day."
"I'll check it out and take care of the problem for you. I expect ten tarnish when I return. And the location of the witch."