"That I did not injure him is unfortunate," said the Merchant, casting a glance at Aeron, who was cradling his arm. The brat sister who had sprung upon was also beside him, her arms draped about his shoulders. He rolled his eyes.
Ravion frowned and said, "That is indeed unkind and unjust."
"If his arm was injured, he might learn not to use it for unlawful things," said the merchant, easing himself beside the fire. "Since you are loathe to part with the boy for some unknown reason, what will you do for me?"
He stared into the ranger's eyes, wondering why he was protecting the boy, why he would want to protect a thieving vagrant. A chuckle escaped him: the ranger would know his mistake when the lad would rob him blind and then escape with the sister.
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