A rich-looking townsman with Janno's reward.

"So, Janno, I have finally found you," a voice called from behind him.

Janno put down his dinner knife and turned. A plump townsman with silver-buckled shoes and a better cut of clothes was looking at him expectantly.

Across the table, Kassi inclined her blonde head. "Not much of an adventurer," she said quietly. "Perhaps he has a job?"

He stepped up to Janno, ignoring Kassi. "Q. Pertinax, Esquire," he introduced himself. "You would know me had you been longer in Woodhaven. Magistrate, baron's agent, notary, moneylender, and Grand Marshal of the Summer Festival. I'm glad I returned to town in time to catch you."

"Yes?" Janno asked, frowning in confusion.

"As the sole survivor of Rocko's Free Companions, you are entitled to the reward for vanquishing the band of ogres who were preying on Woodhaven. There are a few small business matters to settle, and a will to read which names you as executor."

"A will?" His back tensed up. He had thought he was leaving his party's tragic end behind him.

"Yes, Janno. We can discuss this later in my office," he said.

Janno sighed. "I suppose I must," he said. He straightened his shoulders and looked at Pertinax.

Janno arranged to meet Pertinax the next morning.

That afternoon he spent sparring and cleaning weapons with Kassi at Woodhaven's neglected militia armory. She was quick with her small sword, which reassured Janno that she was more than a sharpshooter with her bow. She repeated her bow marksmanship on the targets on the archery range, proving her earlier shot was no fluke. And in between their practice bouts, they talked about possibilities for building a new adventuring party and what Pertinax's message might mean.

"Pertinax said there was a will," Kassi said. "Do you think you might inherit a fortune big enough to turn you away from seeking your living adventuring?"

Janno snorted. "No chance of that, if it was a will from someone in our party," he said. "I am wondering what he meant about being an executor. That might mean there's some other heir that you're obliged to go find, or some nasty property tangle to sort out. I am half tempted to go the road."

"If there is a reward coming, you could help use it to build up a new party," Kassi said. "Or at least travel in style."

Janno nodded. "I expect it would be at least enough for a good horse. Though I've been told I sit a horse like a sack of turnips. Perhaps just a big horse would be my choice."

The next day, Janno spent all morning in Pertinax's office going over the "small business matters" and the reward. The reward was substantial, but it seemed that between lodging, various supplies and services Rocko had gotten on credit, healing for Janno and burial expenses for the other party members, only a fraction was left. But what remained of the reward was a good stake for starting his new party, so Janno grunted his agreement and marked a paper to settle the party's debts and claim the rest of the reward.

"And now we come to the other matter," Pertinax said. "Rocko left a number of items in my safekeeping, including his will for what should be done with them."

Janno nodded.

"Rocko's will stated that you -- actually, any party member in order of seniority -- was entitled to claim the items in safekeeping," Pertinax said. "They are in this chest," he said, patting a medium-sized, iron-bound container resting to his side. "But there was one duty he pressed on the executor. To return his sword and gold ring to his native village of Skycliff."

Skycliff was weeks away, high in the mountains. But this was the time of year for the journey. Later, it would be hot and dry in the foothills, and there would be thunderstorms in the high valleys. Janno nodded. "I'll do it," he said. He sighed. At least he could do something for Rocko's memory.

"Here is the key to the chest," Pertinax said. "I do not know what is in it, but it is yours. I will step out to bring some refreshments if you wish to inspect it before you go."

Janno nodded vaguely. "Yes," he said. "I should do that."

Pertinax stepped out.

Janno opened the chest.