Lillith raised an eyebrow at Verdan's ominous comment. She didn't know for certain, of course, but she was intelligent, and could see no reason why the bodies should rise again without further exposure to the gas, and even then they might not - she had no way of being sure. Either way, she no longer regarded them as a threat, considering the terrible state they were left in; and if the mercenaries left, there would be no one for the guards to hand off their jobs to, so they might actually do them. All in all, the concept didn't frighten her.

She simply inclined her head in a slight nod in response to Vlad, Milo, and Joseph, accompanied with the singular word "Good." Her speech was straight to the point, without wasting time, as usual.

The raven on Verdan's shoulder cawed softly, as if in acknowledgement. It was difficult to judge the tone of a bird, but it certainly didn't seem antagonistic or critical. It simply seemed to understand its situation and have nothing more to say on the matter.

Lillith listened to Mark attentively before speaking. Then, after a moment's consideration, she said "My apologies. I don't recognise the name, and I doubt I'd recognise the girl either - I'm afraid I don't get out much except when on assignments from Reave Bosko. There are a few dwarves in town, though. It might be worth asking around."

It was only a few seconds later when Emil returned from retrieving his arrows. Lillith listened to his request. It made perfect sense - an enchantment this narrowly focused would hardly be worth much, anyway, and if it was true that this Krusczek could track the witch with it, this would improve his chances of success. No feat of persuasion was necessary for her to reach that conclusion. However, she also wanted a chance to study it, and perhaps try to replicate the enchantment, maybe with her own adjustments. Some time with it might prove useful. So she gave Emil her offer: "If you would like the ring in place of payment, that is acceptable. However, I would like to take some time to perform some research on it first. Would it suit you if I gave you it either later today, or tomorrow, when I provide the reward for the others as well, so that I have at least a few hours with it?"

[hr]

The Laughing Knave was the largest building near the palisade, the ten-foot wall of logs sharped to points that ran around the town. Less than fifty feet from the gate, this two-storey building was the home to most of the travelers that might arrive in Sveto. Its owner and barman was the halfling Barric Strindle, a middle-aged fellow with short, ginger hair and impressive mutton chops. He always seemed to be cheerful, disconcertingly so, a trait which may have resulted from stupidity, or it may have been an intentional act in order to make his customers enjoy themselves more at his inn.

The inn was mostly empty at this time of day, and Barric had little to do, but the moment Vlad had walked in, he picked himself up and stepped onto the board which was nailed to the back of the bar so that he could see over. "Somethin' strong you say, sir?" he asked enthusiastically. "Right away!" Barric immediately reached for a bottle of cheap whiskey and began pouring Vlad a glass. "Oh, I say, sir!," he continued as he did so "Whatever happened t'your eye?"