Money

"I could look at it, for, let's say, 30,000 zand."

"THIRTY-THOUSAND ZAND!!? You want money?! What kinda clergyman are you?"

"Now, now, young man, no need to shout. Yes, I ask for money, but not for myself. No doubt sister Monica told you about my attempt to keep this church holy in the eyes of Utoness? Well, this involves more than peperwork being filled out. It takes money. And besides, this church is beginning to fall apart. Not this room, but my office is in dreadful condition. Therefore, yes, I ask for money for services rendered. That is fair, isn't it?"

Sagus turned to his companions. "How much do we have?"

The woman in blue pulled out the money bag in her hood. She counted it out. "We have exactly 30,000 zand. We can pay him, but if we do, we'll go hungry untill we get more money. who knows when that'll be." Aktheus cleared his throat.

"Pardon me, but I couldn't help overhearing a woman's voice. Who's was it, if I may ask?" The woman in blue stepped forward and curtsied. "It was mine, father. My name is Marianne Valengard." Aktheus closed his eyes and inhaled deeply as she spoke.

"Miss Marianne, I hope you won't think me too forward, but your voice is that of an angel." Marianne blushed. "Um...thank you, father," she said quietly. Aktheus examined her from head to toe. Her face was hidden under her hood, but her body was visible. Slim, but curved in the best places. High B-cup breasts, perfect hips, petite build, but obviously mature. Aktheus smiled. "If you cannot pay, maybe there is another way for you to pay me for this service."

Sagus spoke, excited. "What is it?!"

Aktheus cleared his throat. "I will examine your arrow for no money, IF.....Miss Marianne will give her body to me. For one night only."

Marianne shrunk back, but Sagus stepped forward. "Father! I can't ask her to do that!"

"Then I hope you all had large breakfasts this morning."

They hadn't. In fact, they hadn't eaten anything in three days. The 30,000 zand was supposed to have bought them supplies, including food. Marianne knew the situation, but still, allowing a horny priest to do whatever he wished to her filled her with fear. To her, it was no different from being a prostitute. Besides, her purity was meant for someone else. She couldn't deny, however, that the money was needed more than her personal wishes. What could she do?