Paks looked at him a moment before answering. "Sir—Arvid, didn't you say?—" He nodded, smiling slightly. "You seem to be telling me that these people can't be trusted. Is that so?"

"I don't think I'd put it like that. I do think that those who live in small villages are more trustworthy to others of the village than to strangers. Haven't you found that to be true, in your travels? That these village folk stick together?"

"I suppose." Paks took another swallow from her mug, and prodded the remains of the tart. "It might be a reason not to trust them fully, but—pardon me—why should I trust you?"

He gave her a suggestion of a wink. "Ah—I knew you knew more than you showed at first. That mountain traveling is enough to scramble anyone's wits. Now I don't have anything to say about their character—everyone knows how honest the Girdsmen are—at least to Girdsmen." When Paks didn't rise to this, he smiled a little and went on. "But you aren't Girdish. Or of this village. I don't think they'd lie, exactly, but they might shade the truth. And if it came to your skin or theirs—?"

"I see your point," said Paks quietly. "But you have still to answer mine."

"My dear," he began, as he drew his dagger and carefully trimmed his fingernails with it. "You should trust me only because it is in your interest, as well as mine. I am neither Girdish nor a native here—therefore I am unlikely to sacrifice you for a brother's reputation or a friend's life. I don't expect you to trust me as you trusted your companions in Duke Phelan's company—of course not. But I have no good reason to kill you—and several to keep you alive."

"And they are?" asked Paks curiously. She picked up the rest of her tart and ate it, waiting for his answer. His eyes narrowed. He resheathed his dagger.

"I told you before that our interests might march together. I think they do. I wish the brigands no luck; I would be glad to see them dead. You need not know why. Obviously, no one official is going to encourage me to go after them—I'm not an experienced soldier, and that's what it takes. But if that is the charge they gave you, then I would be glad to assist. Perhaps to make sure it is done thoroughly."

"Have you a grudge against them?" asked Paks, honestly curious now. "Have they done you or your family an injury?"

"I will not tell you that at this time." Arvid turned a little, and signalled Hebbinford, who came over with a sharp glance for both of them. "Wine, sir, if you please." Paks shook her head, and the innkeeper moved away. "I perceive, lady, that you are of sufficient experience to have caution—but insufficient to recognize an honest offer. Nonetheless it stands. My word you would have no reason to trust—but I will tell you honestly that I will not kill you, and I will defend you within reason, if you accept me as one of your company. If you were wise enough to know what I am, you would know what that is worth."