The time it took Mesina to check the grounds was the time Quintus needed to lift most of the stock onto the boat's deck. the remainder could stay aboard the vessel for the time being. He was climbing the stairs when he heard the woman's voice break the silence.<br/><br/>He paused, his body shiny covered in a sweat sheen that made his almost bronze skin gleam like gold in the sunlight. "This surprises you...?" he says his hands on his hips. "These people probably just fled after hearing of our work up river..." he smiled before moving closer to the others... "What did you expect, to be welcomed with open arms...?" he asked, his voice patronizing... He reached for a gourd of water and drank heavily from it.<br/><br/>