When Ewin steered the boat to the shore, a group of demons was already waiting there.
Ewin was delighted by this, because it meant another source of income. Demons had to pay a hefty price to cross the river; that was the rule. But he soon realized something was wrong. Weren't they supposed to be frost giants? Why were they demons?
Had the frost giants lost?
Naturally, the ferrymen knew the frost giants' objective. They had even traded that intelligence for a little money. After all, no one cared about Kostchtchie and the newly awakened Kardum pecking at each other like rookies, so the information had not been worth much.
Still, it did not matter. They had never planned to make a fortune from it anyway; the real money had always been in the fares. Now that the frost giants had not appeared, it most likely meant that those icy bastards had kicked the bucket.
Ewin was both furious and heartsick over this.
Of course, it was not because a Yugoloth had developed feelings for a bunch of lunatic demons. What angered and pained him was the loss of income!
Because he was unhappy, Ewin decided to make those demons on the shore bleed properly to soothe his wounded heart!
That was how Merrenoloth set their fares—they could charge whatever they wanted. If you did not like it, then do not ride!
When he and his companions brought their boats close to the shore, an unusual demon stepped forward.
"You're really slow. I've been waiting for an entire day!"
That self-righteous accusation made Ewin even more annoyed! Did I ask you to wait? Then don't ride, if you've got the guts!
However, Ewin did not say it aloud, because he could tell that the one before him was no pushover.