People in the Mist
Chapter Twenty

…
Being around the mercenaries also put me in a position where they could talk with me, so I heard a man ask, “How much treasure do you think was buried with the couple?”

I replied, “So, we are going to become grave robbers?”

“Taking from the dead is better than taking from the living, as the dead won’t call the authorities on you.”

“So, you are willing to rob? Maybe you should work for Sterrig instead of Orintious.”

COVID shot me down for a good amount of time. Glad to be back.
People in the Mist
Chapter Nineteen

…
As Sterrig and Theria left, I looked to my valet and asked, “What are you doing here?”

He replied, “The determination of Sterrig and Theria had me concerned for you, Master Vernallor. I brought a change of clothes as a reason to stay and watch over the pair.”

“I didn’t tell you to hide the maps.”

“I just cleaned up and organized your room, Master Vernallor. Honestly, I actually feared Sterrig finding them.”

People in the Mist
Chapter Eighteen

…
"… Occasionally however what is secured is something no one wants to find. The locals do more to hide the things, as they fear it being found. Only ignorance will cause later generations to seek to recover that which was lost.”

I looked Father in the eyes as I said, “What you just said answered another question. We do not need the trunk to open this place.”

“That was actually never the intent of the trunk. There are different types of greed, Vernallor.”

People in the Mist
Chapter Seventeen

…
“I don’t want that. I don’t want the reputation of looking for the money even when my objective should be purely honorable.”

Therper pointed out, “Then you should desire the reputation of taking on the purely honorable causes.”

Lexonor added, “And since you made a princely sum from the last mission, you should be more than capable of doing so.”

I replied, “But I don’t have the experience. I would have to hire you, and with my inexperience you could easily manipulate things so your desires are achieved, possibly at the expense of my own.”

People in the Mist
Chapter Sixteen

…
“But it is evil, and it is there.”

“And eventually somebody is going to have to do something about it.”

“Okay. I understand. As I said, I’m going to Orintious then Mochsha.”

I stopped hearing the question, “You really believe you understand?”

People in the Mist
Chapter Fifteen

…
“Vernallor, you are facing the same problem as was true for Mochsha. As with her, the matter can wait, has waited, but really should not continue. There is a chance evil might win out.”

I replied, “I understand what you said, but the words will be repeated to Orintious. As to what I should do if he does not accept the mission, I cannot say at the moment.”

“If you return, bring a bird, preferably an owl, but a swan or goose is acceptable.”

People in the Mist
Chapter Fourteen

…
Taking a moment to look at him as he approached, I shook his hand while having to admit, “I don’t know if you will like the topic or not.”

“Then we can learn more about each other. What is the topic, Vernallor?”

“Greed.”

“Well, there are various types of greed. Let me see if the type you are speaking about interests me.”

People in the Mist
Chapter Thirteen

…
“Oh, I am well aware of his methods. He will start you on the path to become dangerous.”

Attempting to read into his words, I said, “You expect me to quit.”

“I have been raising you, Vernallor. I believe I know some things about you. Yes, I suspect you will quit, but I also expect the experience will teach you. I will simply wait for your next plan for your future.”

People in the Mist
Chapter Twelve

…
Simply to get my brother talking, I asked, “Why would Father be interested in a banker?”

“You’re thinking wrong, Vernallor. Why would someone take a baby and consider bringing him to Father? Maybe there wasn’t anything special about me, but somebody was able to move between worlds to bring me to Father. Same with you. Same with all of us.”

“But he found you interesting.”

People in the Mist
Chapter Eleven

…
“And you all can make breakfast. My valet can make breakfast. I traveled with you, Ochally. I have the best relationship with you.”

I kept my focus on the young lady as Heratin said, “No, Thursdeck. I do not want you making breakfast. As Vernallor said, I do have other ladies.”

As he left calling for another of his wives, I asked, “Ochally, what would it mean if you felt a need for an arcane source of power? Apostasy?”