Thaddeus didn't reply immediately. He took the sword from Edward's hands and moved the cloth to take a peak at the blade. He inhaled sharply -- this was orcish make, no doubt about it. It had been years since Thaddeus had seen a sword like this. He looked Edward in the eyes, seizing the boy up. He looked afraid and wary but there was a resilience to him. No surprises there. Anyone who manages to part an orc from his scimitar must be of tougher stock. 

"For starters, you can help me by showing me where you got this sword," he said as he handed the blade back. He nodded to Rook as the gambler joined their table. "This is Edward," he explained. "He's why we're here." Thaddeus hadn't told Rook why they were coming to Merryspring beforehand, as was typical of the Watchful. Thaddeus took another look around the inn and saw that more of the others had arrived. [i]Excellent.[/i] He would gather them all soon. 

He turned back to Edward. "I know you're probably hesitant to return to Woodhaven, but I ask that you show me and my associates where the orcs came from. I've been looking for a solid clue to their presence for weeks now. This sword of yours," he nodded at it again, "is the first such thing I've encountered. Will you help us?"