Ulric kept a relaxed stance, cigar dangling loosely from his lip and his hand well away from his weapon as the old man and his guards approached.  His gaze swept over the village, taking a quick survey of the number of huts and armed men, as well as places that might offer a tactical advantage should things go very wrong in the next few moments.

He cocked an eyebrow in surprise when the old man spoke in the common tongue.  That was unexpected, but certainly made matters easier.  Even better, the elder seemed to be anxious to cooperate.  "Then no need to trouble you further," Ulric said.  "Which way did you run 'em off to?" he asked, pulling another cigar from his breast pocket and offering it to Matahari, knowing that sometimes a small gift could buy him all the information he needed.