[The castle is a welcome sight. Groans and mumbles disturb the peace; the last attempt of a captive to earn his freedom. He laughs to himself at the fact he might share anything in common with his companion. His utter lack of desire for chatter. The blunt attitude many would consider rude.

His ride back feels as eventful as that towards their destination. He needs to lean forward to keep himself focused - until he stretches back in his saddle after a while. Now he can consider Stephen's advice.]

That I am. Only an armed escort is an inadequate solution.

[He slackens the reins and looks around the land. How strange to feel for its safety.]

People deserve to gather without fear. In the grand scheme of things better we prevent criminals than control them.

[It would be more productive to purge the vermin. But somehow he thinks Stephen would not approve.]