"Frankly? I didn't believe you were who you said you were. Why would Riftwatch come after someone they'd asked that we quietly do away with? Much more likely that you're the freebooting mages Rowntree was traveling to meet claiming otherwise."

Arlyn flicks the point of his attention to Derrica, and to Derrica's stave, and then back again. Lots of mages in the road at present, aren't there?

"I haven't ruled it out yet. Not that your armor isn't compelling when viewed up close, Lady Seeker Hart. Now, might I have the names of the rest of your companions? The Mother will want to know I've done my due diligence. Particularly as we've lost a man."