"Huh," Nodrick exclaimed in surprise as the woman backed down. "Well I'll never. Is a 'nevermind, sir' too much to ask for in these parts?" He shrugged. "Have it your way, sellsword. I'm disappointed. You lot generally put up a far better show than this." Nodrick looked up and noticed the position of the sun. It was getting a bit late, perhaps a tiny bit of haste was called for. "Lads, I'm of a mind to get going between now and soonish. We're expected at castle Esperglow, and if we hurry, we might just catch luncheon." He looked Belgrax up and down. "Well, Eldon and me, anyway. Unless you're hiding a fiefdom under that hauberk, you'll have a hard time getting in." "But!" Nodrick continued, "I could pass you off as my bodyguard, and get you into the servants quarters. I'm sure the cooks can whip up something half passable for you, Hermes, James and Bernard, and we could send a chamber maid or boy your way to brighten the evening. Eh? Eh?" There was nothing disingenuous in Nodricks tone, it seemed like he honestly thought he was doing Belgrax a good turn, despite addressing him as an inferior. "Right, one small bet and then we get going. I add ten gold to the victory of the Drunken Goose." Then somewhat louder, "Drunken Goose one, Frosty Barbarity nil. We go to best of three. All agreed?"