Xarces probes deftly, and manages to learn a little of the man who you're paying to guide you into the jungle. He - claims - to be a survivor of Brall d'Cannith's ill-fated expedition to Haka'torvhak, and even to, from a particular place in the jungle at a particular alignment of the moons, at sunrise, to have seen the way to the city open. He was wise enough, he says, not to enter. To back his claims, he produces a small shard of obsidian, clearly volcanic in origin.<br/><br/>You learn, from certain whispered comments and warnings elsewhere, that he's by certain folk to be a madman - Haka'torvahk is mere legend, or if not, surely its mountains of gold are also real, and no man who's raided the city would be languishing here. Some name him a con artist or trickster. Few he's led into the jungles have returned - but their supplies have, with Gunthar, and he's made a fine profit selling them. Other simply offer to take you for a cheaper price.<br/><br/>Confronted, he readily agrees with the character assassination. Often, he explains, groups insist upon Haka'torvahk as their destination. He's willing to show the way to the city, for a steeper price, and he'll wait in the jungles for the group's return. Most do not, and those few who do are sore in need of the medicines he insists upon, and the supplies make for a slower, easier return to Adderport. You'll note, he points out, that he bargained for no percentage of their haul, and you realise that he thinks, even at the lesser temple you mean to visit, there is a good chance you'll not return at all.<br/><br/>Or maybe those are just convincing explainations. Maybe that's just what he<span style="font-style: italic">wants</span>you to think. You just can't tell.<br/><br/>Although you've bought food and beer - deduct a gp each, please - you've yet to pay Gunthar, and still have the option to reject him and go it alone. He's still more than willing to provide trade goods, if you so wish - though if you do so, the price will be 115gp, to account for his additional commission under those circumstances.