"Lord Commander, might I suggest that you try a smile? It would set the men at ease. You might make this an occasion of celebration for more than just the three men," Vale said.
"Indeed," Baterick said. "You've established a unique hope for a raider. Strange as it is to see… You have not announced it, but it is implicit, and the men are already discussing it. You've a village now – talk is that performance in battle could net you a wife. I wonder how much harder a man might fight for a wife than for coin?"
"Oh, not much harder for me," Silverfish said. "Coin is quiet, and shiny. If it ever dulls, you polish it. Women though… They'll talk your ear off, and leave your brain to rot. Ten minutes here and there, that's all a man needs. Marriage is a step too far, I say."
