- So you've been here for, what, 30 years? How small are you? And you don't look small to me!
- We don't grow up by time or size, Your Grace. A troll becomes big and strong when he's had a good meal. I'm weak, and I don't get enough to eat.
Now the vampire understood. It was a vicious circle and all he could do was feel sorry for the poor creature. There was nothing the knight could do to help him.
- I can tolerate the light of demur, my lord. I can work day and night!
- Work and light are not the most important things. You know how we treat non-humans, don't you?
- I do," the troll said in a low voice.
- Don't be upset! We'll try to think of something! - In an attempt to support the troll, the vampire put his hand in the palm of his hand and involuntarily, on automatic, started the process of withdrawing drops of blood.
In the next instant, Alexander found himself on the ground. On one knee in front of the giant. Those present at the conversation, simply lost the power of speech and only in confusion watched the knight. Who in turn tried to put his thoughts in order. It didn't take long, and in a couple of seconds the vampire was on his feet again.
- Don't mind him," he said nonchalantly, "It happens. It's a peculiarity of magic.
The relief on the faces of those around him told him that the explanation had gone well. The principle - if you don't know how to explain it, explain it with magic - worked well in almost all cases. But the excuse for the locals and their perception of it was not important for the vampire. The troll came first. The creatures were not at all what they looked like.
Brute physical strength and power were of secondary importance to them. Intelligence was what set them apart from other intelligent races. They were essentially living computers. Or at least that's how they were perceived after familiarizing themselves with blood memory. They needed a worker like that. A microscope has no business being in a mine or on a construction site.
- Listen, how would you feel about working for me?
- For you, my lord?
- Yes. What if I suggested you come to my castle and work for me and my men?
- What would you have to do, Your Grace? - The troll asked cautiously.
- I think we'll find something for you to do. At least I'm still building the castle. And then there will be work. I don't abandon loyal servants!
It was obvious that the troll was at a loss, not knowing what to do and looking at the priest hesitantly. On the one hand, this is a solution to his current problem and for a couple years he gets a stable job and some promises for the future. On the other hand, nobles have never hired servants from non-humans, especially not directly.
- There's no need to go to war for me. Most of my subjects are mages," the vampire listed the benefits of cooperating with me, and observing the doubt on the troll's face, he added, "Payment in meat!
The latter decided the outcome of the deliberations.
- I agree, my lord," the troll muttered.
- That's settled," Alexander said, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.
Having negotiated all the details, the vampire went up the shaft to the surface, where the centurion was waiting impatiently for him. It turned out that the archmage didn't trust everything to chance and had reinsured himself by sending a dozen soldiers to guard the Magister.
Of course, the head of the garrison and the temporary administrator were more interested in his actions in the conditions of dual power, rather than the role of a messenger. But he began with what seemed to him to be pleasant news about a dozen soldiers for the guard. It was only on the way from the mine to the main building that he spoke of what was really important.
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