"Guildmaster," one woman began carefully, "this is already more than some of us have earned in years."
"That's why it's called a reward," Sage replied. "Take it."
The reaction that followed was quiet but emotional. Several adventurers bowed their heads deeply, while others hugged the sacks against their chests with stunned expressions.
One man looked close to tears but coughed and turned away before anyone could notice.
Boren, who had also received a sack, wrapped both arms around it and rested his cheek against the rough cloth.
"My beautiful child," he whispered.
Gregor stared at him. "You have known that sack for three seconds."
"And I already love it more than some relatives." Boren shot back.
Mina abandoned her counting and rushed toward Sage. "Where is mine?"
Sage tapped the pouch tied around her waist. "You stole enough coins inside the treasury to count as an advance."
"I did not steal them. I rescued them."
"From what?"
"The bubbles."
