Burn and slick

"ShadowLands require your assistance" The man dragged a wrinkled hand over a white beard before trying to hand him a bag of coins.

Markus denied it with a sweep of his hand. "I do not associate with Shadow City"

The man frowned and glared down at him "Why not?... I heard you take all the others! Is my information wrong?"

"I have already spoken. I have fifty other reserves and places to work for" He lifted his shirt to show the brandings scattered across his side "Why one more when fifty is what I can give?"