"How cruel," exaggerates Aurich with a so-corny-it's-charming flair in his voice.  "Coin is coin to you or I, but honor is in blood for a merchant.  We seal our pacts in it, exact retribution in pounds of flesh for malicious exploitation, and we fight in the streets with our guildmates to settle disputes with other guilds.  What I mean is a mercenary would make a fine merchant... and a merchant would make a rather fine mercenary."<br/><br/>He wanted to stop her, but wondered if she was willing to to force him aside with her axe rather than fist.  The former was dangerous and not worth the risk, but the latter somehow interested him.  "Surely your men will want to join together with the town in their rest?  They've many nurses and caretakers, and what better way to earn back some trust?  For both of you," he added, looking to Howard who glanced aside in agreement, but didn't exactly like the idea himself.  Ysena's reaction didn't seem to make her or her band as any less violent or rapacious as the others, but he did owe Aurich for going through with the deal and taking the brunt of the loss.