"No basil to be had, at any fair price," Gunthar replies. "You don't have to like it, but if you want to trade with the Blackscales, you've got to bring what they want to buy. It's important to look tough, not succulent," he says. "You're lucky to be with me. If I end up in the cooking-pot, then they know their seasoning won't be so fine in seasons to come." He pauses. "I'd apprecate you not spreading it around, though," he continues. "Folk round here wouldn't understand. The Blackscale's have to find meat for the pot somehow - and this strategy'll only work for one, anyway."<br/><br/>{If you wish to try to see a lie behind his words, sense motive, please. Also diplomacy. You need that to see if you've offended him by asking the question.}