Snippet #1189826

“As far as I can figure, you did me a rare favor: my people don’t make it out of the desert very often. It’s humid and miserable here, but I walked down a main avenue in plain sight and nobody tried to kill me. It was a very refreshing change of pace. Come-on, sit down, no need to be formal with me: I spent more than one evening caged up in your hold, which practically makes us married!” The former stowaway had accepted the pirate and his new-found comrades, smiling at him. Jack returned the smile with a small one of his own, and sat down.

"If we were married, my lady, I'm sure I would count myself very lucky." He replied. "That said, should you require passage back to Sarife, you need but ask. As it was the Batavian that brought you here, it would only be fair that she bring you back as well, should you wish for it. I shall arrange more comfortable quarters for you on the return voyage should you wish so." Soon, Jack's new-found companions arrived as well, and the knight declared the first round to be on him.

"That is very generous of you, Sir Knight." Jack Highwind said with a slight smile. "You do your Order honor by your generosity. As for me, I'd rather not drink this early in the morning, though the gesture is appreciated."

"Bwahahaha! I for one will hold you to that, brother!" The giant spearman said to the knight, slapping Caim heavily in the back as he immediately began to heave his first tankard. Highwind studied him curiously while, himself, only touching the food that was served, and confined himself to drinking water. Meanwhile, Vinsces threw a side-glance at Osefi and Caim, who were whispering in-between, though about what, the giant didn't over-hear. He placed his tankard in the air in front of them, and said: "This is a time for drinking, not talking! Bwahahaha! Cheers!"

Jack's attention was drawn from the burly giant human to the knight and the orc, who were whispering in-between. It didn't take a genius to figure out whom they were talking of. But the pirate was far too well mannered to interrupt or eavesdrop on their discussion, and so, it wasn't until the two looked at him as if to ask a question, that he turned his ears and eyes to the two.