The merchant remained grim and resolute in his position, knowing the town was behind him, but at once recognized the Laplace lady on her unmistakable mount.  And so did the crowd behind him, who finally decided they were looking at Cecilia for real and not just a rumor.  With a cheer they began to crowd around her pegasus, though not too close knowing the poor creature's constitution, and praised the goddess for her safety.  While most of the womenfolk (and young bachelors of course) idolized their lady, the merchant continued his conversation with Ysena in a calmer aside.  Forgiveness, though, was not readily given, but he did spare Ysena the spite of a mob by refraining from telling the rest of the town that she was the leader (however removed by rebellion) of the mercenaries that just attacked them.  He was a braver man than most, having nothing on him to defend himself if Ysena did decide to hack him down.<br/><br/>"It's because we were foolish to ask you in the first place that this happened.  Your politics mean nothing to my charge.  They've got to eat, and such warrior poetry about felling old comrades will mean nothing to them.  They were the Advent, they called themselves as such and you just admitted they were once your friends.  There's nothing left here now, they took your payment and everyone else's, and the village as suffered enough.  We shouldn't have to pay because your band could not control its own men.  We're thankful to the Lady Cecilia, it was they who fought and freed us just now as everyone saw.  I've no interest in disrespecting your men - if they wish to rest and eat they are free to do so at the town.  We will welcome their coin as we've none for ourselves now.  But that doesn't mean you've earned our respect, my lady.  Whatever pay and respect this town had for the Advent name just took off with all of it toward Vyn fortress east of here, where they've made their nest."<br/><br/>With a great, nervous sigh he seemed to have run out of energy now, unwilling to say anything further.  The sight of Claire made him less anxious than before knowing the temperance of the man himself.