Concerning the Horde Economy and a Good Steak Pt. 1

"Excellent work, gentlemen!" exclaimed Drevann as he gazed upon the piles of coins, precious stones, and bank notes that littered his private study.  He stared in wonder as his greed slowly began to overtake him.  A slight cough from one of his hired lackeys stole his attention momentarily, bringing his thoughts out of the cloud of dreams, back to the present situation.

"Right, right, good fellows.  The business at hand must be concluded." Drevann opened a drawer in his desk, and pulled out several slips of paper.  He scribbled his signature on a number of them and handed them to the figures standing before him.  "This is your compensation for a job well done.  I trust the amount will be to your satisfaction. As promised, you have earned ten percent each.  Spend it as you will, but remember discretion.  Money in these amounts will lead to jealousy of your peers, and will most likely end up with your bodies being discovered in a ditch somewhere.  You worked well this evening, and I would hate for such useful burglars as yourselves to go to waste."

The two gentlemen, both slightly haggard and with hard faces, counted the bank notes.  They did not seem to notice the slight scowl that crossed their employer's face and with glints in their eyes, congratulated each other and saluted their thanks to Drevann.  They made their way out the door and down through the foyer to the street below.  Drevann could hear their raucous laughter and singing through his window, and cursed them silently for fools.  "They will be caught soon enough if they keep that up." Drevann grumbled.

He went back to his silent watch of his newly acquired wealth, and smiled in spite of himself.  These riches would certainly help his cause and increase his standing in society.  Though he generally thought of himself above society and its rules, he nevertheless liked people knowing he had money and power.  Money and power...  These two principles had governed Drevann's life since before he could remember.  Knowing that he had a king's fortune brought an easy smile to his face and a giddy and sudden sense of silliness to his head, which he quickly subdued.  He must keep a clear head or suffer the same fate as the hired hands were certain to bring upon themselves.