Cedric listened carefully to the Constable's tale, wondering if this was really the adventure he thought he was signing up for.  Surely, they could simply thank the man, possibly help guard the hall for a night or two, and then sail on and let the crew Lord Rolf would send specifically to deal with this be the ones to face off against this hound.  

"We'll try our best to help you," the halfling woman said.  Cedric said nothing right away, but felt ashamed for his own cowardice.  If the halfling was willing to combat this beast, how could he refuse?  And what if Lord Rolf didn't send another crew, but assumed he and his companions were capable enough?  And so he nodded his agreement and listened to both Rockmar and Tarquin muse about what the creature could be and how to defeat it.  "If it were a hellhound, Tarquin, would a magical weapon defeat it?"

--

"Thank you, lass.  I'm sure that will help everyone sleep a little easier tonight," Leofwine said to Eve after she explained about the protection charm.  

He listened to the others as well, adding his own thoughts.  "It has weighed heavy on my mind these last few weeks and I can't help but think that it might come from the far side of the island, where Gallen the shepherd was first slain."