She sticks to business.

“You would like that, no doubt, but that isn't how I make my coin.” Monika isn't in the mood to play around. “Let's stick to business. Is this thing really magical?”

“Don't know,” Nevin again leans back in his chair, “and I don't care, I have several buyers who are **** enough to pay a lot of gold to see if the legends are true.”

“Where can I find it and how much you paying?” Monika asks.

“My sources inform me it is owned by someone in the port city of Ranth, in the red light district. Who it is, and where he or she lives, I have no idea. I'll give you 4,000 gold on its safe delivery and pay for your transportation.

“The usually is 25% upfront and 5,000 for a job like this.” Monika counters.

“For a veteran thief," Nevin shakes his head in disagreement. "But, you're new to the game and failing your last employer hasn't left you with many job offers of late, has it?”

Monika doesn't answer, again knowing Nevin speaks the truth.

“So, 4,000 coin for the artifact or not?”