TheOnlyCamelot

Malnas looked at the gentleman with suspicious eyes. “Just visiting and looking to find a settlement of my kind. If you’ll excuse me, I need to find some supplies for my journey.” he tells the man before walking towards the bazaar. “No need to get all huffy!” the man would respond, remaining in place. Malnas walked over to the bazaar, eyes wandering around all of the different supplies available for purchase. He fiddled in his pocket – and to his dismay, remembered that he didn’t have any money – he had snuck his way onto the ship. Malnas sighs and returns to the man. “Hey, friend!” he yelled as he approached. The man turned to him, smile slightly wavering, before returning to a grin. “What can I do for you, lad?” Malnas dug through his bag and found what he was looking for. “Would you care for a small wager?” he’d ask the man. The man turned on his heels and fully faced Malnas, clearly intrigued by Malnas’ offer. “Perhaps...” the man began, hand caressing his chin. “Of what nature is this wager? I’ll have you know – I seldom lose.” The man said chuckling. Malnas kept his composure, yet this was excellent news for him. “A simple roll of the dice, though I’m afraid I don’t have any money.” Malnas said sheepishly. The man laughed, chest heaving as he did so. “Then what sort of wager is this?” he’d say, tears forming from his laughter. “Perhaps I could work for you to repay my debt should I lose.” Malnas offered, frowning. “I have a better idea!” the man mused. “How much are you wagering?” he continued. “Well, I’m sure a well dressed gentleman like yourself can do... five hundred mina.” Malnas said confidently. The man howled with laughter. “Five hundred... is nothing... to myself...” he’d say between laughs. Malnas kept his composure and asked, “What if I lose?” The man stopped laughing slowly and looked to Malnas. “You mean when you lose, you will be my stable hand until your debt is repaid solely through the sale of... manure.” The man would answer, bursting into laughter once again. “Very well.” Malnas said, cringing at the idea of shoveling and selling manure. The man stopped his laughter and looked at Malnas. “Come with me, I’d like to win in comfort.” the man said as he gestured for Malnas to follow. They approached an empty stall by the bazaar to use as their rolling surface. The man extended his hand, awaiting the die. Malnas complied, handing it to the man. The man rolled a 5/6. He began snickering. “You’d better start walking to the estate, lad.” he said with a smug grin. Malnas ignored him and picked up the die with his left hand. He stretched, raising his arms in the air and arching his back a little. He approached the table and lightly tossed the die from his right hand – rolling a 6. The man’s jaw dropped. “What?! That’s not-“ He protested. Malnas quickly stored the die and extended his hand, awaiting his payment. The man scowled, but produced a sack of mina and handed it to Malnas. “Beginner’s luck...” the man said, evidently flustered. “Thank you kindly, sir.” Malnas said as he waved and headed for the bazaar. He chuckled as he hid both his normal and loaded die into his satchel.