Keystone considered the Paladin's words, and thoughtfully began, "It's not gold what motivates my hesitation just now. If I had to lay my hand on something, it'd be a hangaround sense of obligation. Whilst I was choking the poor bastich out, I told him I wouldn't let him come to any hurt. Buy us some time to talk without anyone getting dead."

"Don't get me wrong, gold's a right lovely motivator. Let's talk about that more in a bit. I can see the pull his tower would bring, but I think the two of us are I'll-equipped by our lonesome to go rummaging without getting hit by lightning or turned into a newt or given 'orrible, nightmare-inspirin' flatulence."

He looked to Erepar, noting the wizard's growing distress. "You look like you'd rather have a longer talk later. What do [I]you[/I] want to do now?"