"You've got that right. A warm room and a nice fire always makes the ale taste better!"

One of the men calls for more ale.

"Most of us have been working for Misha for years. He's a good man to work for. His caravan route is fairly easy; only a few spots were you gotta be mindful of bandits. It can be hard to be away from me wife and wee ones for so long..."

The others nod.

"... but in the other hand, it's nice to be away from the wife and wee ones for so long!" The table erupts in laughter.

"So what made you want to give up the soldier's life for guarding a merchant wagon? We're not judging, mind. Most of us fought in the war. I'd rather face bandits that enemy soldiers any day."