“Like I said, it was a terrible accident that you happened to be on the same job I was.” More laughter. “But yes, I have been gone quite a while, hired as a bodyguard if you must know, to a deer fellow from the Greenwoods up north.” The crowd hushed. “Ah, got your attention, have I? Good. See, this deer fellow was a rather lively, trusting sort. But he was free-spirited and not one keen to being tied down. Why, not even by a hired sword whose job it was to look out for him. Such a pity. I could only get him to take me along by gaining his trust.”