They refuse

The four leaned closer to each other and started whispering among themselves, discussing the offer and all the possibilities – especially the consequences if they accepted and succeeded. After several minutes of discussions they reached a decision and once again faced their would-be client.

“One of the reasons we have never failed is because we know when to refuse an offer. And this is one such case.” The first man started. “The answer is ‘no’. The task you’re asking us to undertake is simply too dangerous. Trying to steal from royalty is never a good idea. Nobles – and especially royalty – are people with power, and people with power have the annoying habit of doing something about it when they discover that they’ve been robbed. Things like sending various dangerous people to retrieve the items stolen and to get rid of the thieves. If we succeed in stealing the spheres we’ll become targets for quite some time – the people hired by nobles tend to be quite persistent, especially when there’s a significant reward involved, or when succeeding will get them on their employer’s good side. The three thousand you offer us are simply not worth all the trouble. For something like what you have asked of us you’ll have to offer at least ten thousand, and even then it may not be enough.”

“I understand.” Answered the woman, disappointment evident in her voice. “I guess I’ll have to find someone else, then. Or maybe I’ll have to think of some other way to get the spheres. Anyway, thank you for your time. Goodbye.” The woman got off her chair and quickly left the tavern.

Following the departure of their would-be client the four decided to remain in the tavern for a bit longer, in case someone else had a job to offer them. To their surprise they didn’t have to wait long.

Just a few minutes after the woman left a man entered “The Roasted Boar”. His face was also hidden by the hood of his heavy leather cloak. Upon entering he took a quick look around the room, examining all the people present while at the same time all conversations died down temporarily while all the people in the room examined the new arrival. When he saw the four in the corner the man immediately made his way to their table and sat in the same chair the woman had previously used. All the interrupted conversations resumed.

“1000 gold coins.” The man started without wasting any time – and without an introduction. “That’s how much I’ll pay you if you manage to recover a certain item.”

“Can you tell us a bit more about the task?” The first man asked the new-comer.

“Only that it should be easy for a group of four people. If you want to know more you’ll have to accept my offer. So? What is your answer?”