After an hour of silence, only broken by the rustle of the lush grass beneath him, he rose to his feet. His eyes clear and sparkling after the short rest, a grateful smile crept on his lips as he gazed at the waiting youths.
"Thank you for your dedication."
He said, emptying his pouch of the last gold coins he possessed.
One of the dwarfs moved to take the glinting coins before his eyes narrowed in a silent question.
"There are five more than we agreed," he said after counting twenty-two.
"I'm satisfied with your teaching. Accept the extra coins for your efforts."
He nodded, a warm light illuminating his eyes.
"No, no. If anything, we are the ones impressed by your tenacity. Seventy hours non-stop? I've never heard of anything like that!"
