Aurich nodded, smiling and thanking Ashton for this information.  Speculation was fun, but perhaps best saved for later when there was more information on hand.  Still, a rebellion?  Is that what was happening here that the mercenaries were hired to suppress?  Howard, upon hearing the same story, seemed resolved and a little angry.  Of course there wasn't a rebellion - they had lived peacefully and productive like always.  What was worse, he could no longer blame himself for the recent raid.  The mercenaries weren't here because he showed weakness in asking for their help, they were here on someone else's orders...<br/><br/>Finishing the last of his drink, he shot straight up which obliged Aurich to follow, ever curious when his friend seemed determined about anything.  He was at his strongest when he had that look in his eye.  Aurich tried not to smile too obviously when he realized Howard had decided to march up to the mercenary captain, her axe and grim attitude still in hand, and held his breathe for a second and maybe more interesting conversation.  The knight bachelor took a spot standing next to Cecilia's knight, called Claire in stark contrast to his armor but clearly fitting for his jovial personality.<br/><br/>Howard looked like he wanted to apologize, but tipsy enough from the drink to be a little indirect.  And of course his pride was aching for an apology from her as well.<br/><br/>"The contract is still in effect... the bandits are along the road to the fort.  If you disperse them, the payment is rightfully yours.  But it is in their hands, not ours anymore."