"A few hours," the Constable answered Wimena.  "Before he tires of this and goes off to kill livestock.  Sometimes he returns during the night to try again."

"But I was watching him," the little girl said, seeming slightly reluctant to leave her spot.  "And getting ready to slay him!" she proclaimed without an ounce of fear, showing Tarquin her knife, a small hunting dagger.  "My papa made it for me."   But then she nodded and moved closer to the center where the residents were huddled.

"Unfortunately not," Leofwine turned toward the elf, "at least not within this building."  He gestured toward the little girl, managing a small smile.  "If only we all could find her bravery.  Her father leaves her here at night while he and her older brothers protect their sheep."