Joining the two of to the side.
"Best ask a little more. He saw one go in and stay, the other got hung. Should get a little more out of him to make sure and see if he slips up too."
When Thomas speaks to Oleg.
"I am not against it. He is dead, what's done to the body does not matter so long as it gets taken care of in the end."
In the north they made corpse tree's, criminals hung from the branches of a mighty tree. See one of those and you take your crimes somewhere else. Worked for them. He takes his leave to question the bandit again.
"Oh I am pretty sure you know something. The question is if it's useful. Maybe you should think on that, we decide what you deserve. Like the location of the camp, numbers, resources, and the bandits there. Maybe you could tell us how you found yourself as a bandit after your misfortune. Or any skills you may have? Maybe even about your elf boss over there? You see plenty to tell and you would do well to tell it. Life is not easy but death may not be any better you know, may just be worst given your recent activities."
Nodding at Tyanos' words Dendarial adds And I'd like to hear what happened to the farm down the road. Even if you were not in on that you should know something.
Oleg grumbles, but nods. "Fine, have it yer way. A ditch for these bastards, then." He turns back towards his wife. "Lana, get the shovel, would ya? I'd like to get this all over with before noontime."
Meanwhile, Tyanos has another go at Tork. The man squirms again, paling even further. "Ye-yessir. Um, the camp... it's a few hours on horseback. To the south, in the 'Marches. Sits on a riverbank. Near a ford in the river. Not sure of its name - there's too many damned rivers around here - but it's a pretty big one. We'd had one of the shallowest parts of 'er." He moves to scratch his head, but finds himself still bound. Tork looks a little embarrassed at the gesture, catching himself and trying to look as civil as possible. With his bloodied underclothes, unkempt beard, and mottled mess of hair, he wasn't doing a very good job. "Oh- I know Kressle works for someone. Some mean fella, from what I've heard. No idea where he might be, though. I've fortunately never met him. I've only been with these folks for near enough to six months now. Spent a few on my own prior... doing... things." Another pause. He opens his mouth to continue, but decides to skip over the details again. "'Fore that I was out Mivon's way. Long ways south. Heard about an expanse of open land and thought maybe I could make my way in the world again. Didn't work out quite like I'd thought."
And I'd like to hear what happened to the farm down the road. Even if you were not in on that You should know something.
Tork looks legitimately (or very convincingly, it is hard to tell) surprised at the mention of the farm. "You mean ol' Garrsen's place? What about it?"
What were you doing in the months prior to joining up with this crew?
His tale sounds valid, but not sure. I should have asked the inheritor for the ability to determine the truth today.
Thomas then quietly speaks to Hadin I cannot be sure, but I am of the opionion that he is telling the truth.
It was hit by bandits.They killed everyone. Even the farm animals. That is who you are working for. Dendarial says with some disgust.
The man's eyes go wide. "Dead? Garrsen's dead? And... Teyra too? But- that's not- I can't-" Tork stutters, trying to make words. Eventually, he composes himself and does his best to continue. "It couldn't have been us. I mean, not this group. I mean, not the group I was a part of. There's a whole lot of bands, see? Working for this big angry guy. I heard he's living it up in some castle hidden out in the Narlmarches, a fortress from the Age of Darkness."
He looks back at Thomas, defeat in his eyes. "As for me... well, I did what I did. I tried to make it good on my own, but I weren't much of a hunter. I tried to build a little homestead, but carpentry weren't never my strong suit neither. Eventually I happened upon a group of explorers, trying to map out some little bits of the 'Marches. When one of 'em had gone out for a bit a' wandering... Well, like I said... I ain't proud of what I've done. Eventually I ran in with these folks, and they offered food, shelter, and a bit a coin in exchange for another swordarm."
With a cold voice I see
Thomas then walks over to where the others are off the side.
I think this one is salvagable. You ?
The giant reptile gazed down at the youth reacting in fear and blinked slowly. I have no desire to eat these people... Such misconceptions were common though. It was part of the reason the nobles had visitors observe him, Wetscale learned.
He wasn't about to put truth to that suspicion though. With the latest disclosure, he asked the youth one question: "This fortress ... what is it made of?" His speech - probably a surprise in and of itself for the man - was, perhaps unexpectedly, slow and calm.
In a queer twist of circumstance, the terrain here was quite similar to that of where a substantial number of his kind were known to live. Maybe they have similar structures... Wetscale's inquiry was aimed at curing his curiosity about his heritage as it was tactically determining how hard of an obstacle it was that lay against them.
As Thomas gives his verdict, the monk gives a silent nod of agreement.
Hadin listened intensely to Tork's tale, trying to discern if the young man was telling the truth
He knew the people on that farm on first bame basis, and seems genuinely surprised...Could this one be redeemed and saved?
Hadin touches his holy symbol, seeking to perceive any taint of evil on Tork
Hearing Oleg talking about digging graves, he truns and shout to their host
Tork shudders as Wetscale speaks to him. The action very visibly unnerves the man, particularly Wetscale's calm and measured speech. The disconnection between apparent beast and its manner gave Tork great pause. He speaks slowly, as though unsure of whether or not Wetscale can fully understand him - or perhaps merely cautious of Wetscale eviscerating him. "I don't know... I've never seen it, thank the stars. I've heard it's a hell of a place. Ebony stone pulled from the earth by demonkin, decorated with the bones of fallen enemies! Kressle's bad enough - I can't even begin to imagine who she works for!"
You believe Tork to be legitimate in both his surprise and his story. You also do not detect any evil taint upon the man.
Oleg raises an eyebrow, then laughs. "Oh, right. Of course. Grave. That's what I'd meant, obviously." He nudges Svetlana. "Best get the other shovels. Maybe cook up some grub, too. Soon 'nuf we'll have a whole damned funeral for these bastards."
Hadin, lets put him in the stable beside Runt while we question the boss.
Thomas then goes out to bring in the elf.
The ranger asks By your own account you are guilty. You have robbed and likely killed for profit. You certainly attacked us with murderous intent. You have not been apprehended by the authorized authorities of this land. What sentence to you think you deserve?
The man shrugs. "I am. I wouldn't blame anyone for putting me to the noose."
Dendarial, he had turned to banditry for survival. I think we can figure out a suitable punishment, that does not involve the death penalty.
But for now, we can keep him over there by the Runt
Thomas then continues to go get the elf.
The elf is still mostly out of it when Thomas grabs him. He seems to regain consciousness as he is dragged across the yard, but only enough to laugh the mad laugh of a condemned man.
As Thomas throws him into one of the empty stalls, he looks up at his captors and just smiles.
"Kressle will enjoy murdering you lot," he murmurs, "You're a feisty bunch. She likes when her prey fights back."
Well, let us hear what you have to say for yourself.
Dendarial, he had turned to banditry for survival. I think we can figure out a suitable punishment, that does not involve the death penalty.
But for now, we can keep him over there by the RuntThomas then continues to go get the elf.
All I did was ask the man what he thought his punishment should be. Its an interesting position. Many murderers regret their crime. But they are still murderers. If this man committed crimes to eat we have to recognize that one day he may be hungry again.
"Tork won't be helping dig graves, I'll put him in a stall," Karina says, leading him into one of the stalls, then ties the end of his rope off to a beam within. Afterward, she makes her way to the group and the bandit leader. She fixes the elf with an even gaze and says, "Two choices: information or the rope. Decide."
Tyanos turns to Dendarial.
"Well sadly we do not take the prisoners opinion on their punishment into account. Otherwise more would go free then not. Every living thing does what it must to survive. Do you blame the wolf for killing the deer or shed tears at the prey you kill. Willful and unrepentant acts of death are evil. Not survival by any means left out of desperation. Guilt is a sign of remorse and possible change. Otherwise everyone who has blood on their hands of any kind would be considered a murderer and so deserve death in return. Such an endless cycle of death until the last being in this world would kill itself for murdering the other murderers, by that reasoning. I am not in favor of the death sentence for Tork, rather I favor another punishment instead."
With his position and agreement with Thomas he makes his way to the other elf and seemingly mad boss. He voice light and pleasant as he begins.
"Ah dear sir what is your name? For I wish to know he who's baseless bravado is endless and without reason. After all consider me a fool for I do not see how this Kressle's supposed greatness influences or effects your fate? After all it seems your bound for the chopping block less we are convinced otherwise. Personally I see that as a great challenge for you indeed."
His voice grew deeper and harder towards the end until it bore a razor tone that seemed to stir his very bones.
"Heh," chuckles the elf. "This is all so charming, really. Threats and demands - at least this one," he indicated Tyanos, "seems to get it. At least a bit. I don't care for you or your threats. Out here in the Stolen Lands you're either the hunter or the hunted. There is nothing in between, and in time we all become the hunted. It is only a matter of encountering that one wolf that you cannot slay. Instead," he says with another sly grin, "It slays you. And for you, that will be Kressle. Or the man behind her. Or the man behind him. Or the man behind that. In time, you will die as we all do. Like sheep to the slaughter."
He pauses, letting it sink in while he revels in his own words. "My name, for all it matters, is Saerin of Kyonin. I was myself a great hunter of men and beast alike - but, alas, it seems I have met my match! Fortunately, I know that my captors will themselves fall! The very fact you've kept me alive to hold this mockery of a trial, or whatever it may be, proves that you lack the mettle to survive in the Greenbelt. You think yourselves so civil. Look a man in the eye when you stick him with your blade - not this coward's errand! Cowards do not survive. If not Kressle, then others. More will come, and they will pick your treasures from your corpse as the carrion eaters pick the flesh from your bones."
Saerin looks skyward, though the stable's roof obscures his sight of the sky. "If you wish for me to beg for my life, you are sadly mistaken. But do not believe yourselves to be some heroes of men for hanging me as a criminal, for I am nothing but a man. Your law has no merit here. The wilderness belongs to no man. Its laws are its own." He looks back at Tyanos. "You, perhaps, understand. And if you have even a scrap of intellect, you would turn tail and run before the wilderness chews you up."
Hang him. Dendarial says. I'll start the graves. Den then leaves the barn to find a shovel.
Aye, convicted of his own word.
As much as it pains me, Saerin or Kyonin, for unrepenantant banditry, you have been found guilty. Sentence is death.
Thomas then looks over at Hadin
Give me a hand getting him to the rope.
By the inheritors name, I hope we don't have to do this to often. And we still have to figure out what to do with the other two
Karina looks the elf in the eyes, draws her knife, and speaks. "This was no trial. Nor a mockery thereof. This was an opportunity to gain intelligence on our enemies. It didn't pan out as I'd hoped, sleep well." With her last words, she cuts the elf's throat, staring into his eyes till he falls unconscious.
"Bury him," she says, and walks out of the stables looking for a place to wash her blood soaked hands.
As Karina cuts the man's throat, he fixes his eyes to hers with a cold stare. Even as death overtakes him, he does not flinch away from her, the evil in him bubbling just below the surface.
Oleg walked in as Karina departed.
"Well, what's gotten her all riled up- Aw, damn." The trading post owner looks down at the bloody mess in his stables. Having replaced the javelin with a shovel, he leans upon it and gazes upon the adventurers. "Now I know one of y'all is gon' clean that up, right? Because I sure ain't touching that. And, uh, we've got enough shovels to go 'round. If'n ya still want 'em." Oleg averts his gaze from the pooling blood around Saerin. His eyes were sullen, as though this whole endeavor had taken a great toll upon him.
"Also, I'm uh-" Oleg grunts, something like a cough and a growl mixed together. "I'd like to apologize for coming off a bit, uh, grumpy, I'm guess'n? These buggers just've got me so damned angry and the worthless Brevic poltico sure ain't helping matters none. I think y'all deserve a proper thanks. So's, thank ye. Yer all welcome to stay as long as ya want. Free o' charge. Yer good folk, and that's something we don't get too mucha round here."
Hadin looks at Karina in shock
Why? I mean... I don't like the idea of hanging someone, but cutting his throat, just like that... There's no way putting someone to death, however evil he is, should be so...cold blooded. Or we are really no better than the men we killed.
Tyanos gets closer to the elf, his eyes shifting in colors. He looks him dead in the eyes with a slight smile devoid of any warmth.
"Spiders need not prove the worth of their venom, nor vipers, even tigers do not bare their claws at trees. You thought yourself a wolf Saerin of Kyonin. But you proved yourself but a dog. Do not accuse us of being such lowly beast as yourself. In my land where the very air kills you without care, these southern lands are a bread basket. Great hunter, no you were a dog in a pen. Perhaps you will find true freedom in the next life or at least a bigger cage."
He showed no remorse and that his worth was none. So be it, mercy was earned as was pardon. Those to cheap of character would go without. He walks away with that.
After Karina's actions and Oleg's entrance he merely states.
"I am weak of arm so will have to decline any work. As for the mess, well if you insist. I would direct you to the lady who made it to clean it up. Anyways I am willing to part with some ale in place of my lack of work. One must do something to earn his place."
He then quickly goes over to the two bandits left alive to see if they are of any further use. Stopping a moment by Hadin.
"I did not expect her to do that, nor does it overly bother me compared to many other deaths I have witnessed. But if you feel her actions over stepped I would suggest you speak to her. Taking a life at provocation or in a manner not agreed upon by us is something I do disagree with."
He pats him on the shoulder and moves on.
A bit shocked by Karina's actions.
By the Inheritor, hanging would have had the same result, but it would be a lot less personal.
With that, he goes to help dig the graves.
Now to think on what we can do with the two remaining
Leaving the two arguably redeemable bandits tied to a post - separate posts, obviously - in the stable, Oleg motions for the group to follow him to the makeshift burial ground.
With all of the assistance, it only takes an hour or so to dig suitably deep graves at a reasonable distance from the trading post's walls. Oleg leans upon his shovel, and Svetlana stands nearby, one eye on the trading post while the other is on the adventurers. Softly, she speaks up. "Sad affair, this. Bandits though they may have been, let them travel safely to the Boneyard."
"Aye," Oleg echoes, "it'd be a damned shame if'n they never made it to Hell."
Tyanos claps his hands.
"Well nothing like a little death to make you enjoy being alive as they say in the north. Let me fetch that barrel of ale for supper. Oleg would you mind helping me. I need to have a chat with you anyways."
Once Oleg has helped him with the barrel.
"The two remaining bandits have shown both guilt and remorse. So we have chosen not to sentence them to death. Still we have to do something with them. I was wondering if you would be willing to help grant them a second chance so to speak. After all they have to pay for their crimes in some way. Runt is little more then a boy, it was banditry or death for him as well as a recent profession he was ill suited for I might add."
He gives that a moment to marinate with Oleg before starting anew.
"Runt in fact has only been a bandit for a couple of months, or would be worm food for as long. Has yet to bloody anyone from what I gather. You could use an extra pair of hands around here. That helps you as he works himself out of debt for his crimes. If your willing we could go over the fine details of it. I think it would go far in restoring your outpost, at least faster then going at it alone."
Oleg gives a curt nod, already walking away from the graves. "Awright then, lad. Let's go grab the ale..."
An unconscious twitch on Oleg's upper lip reveals just a hint of his revulsion at the idea. "Keep 'em? The bastards who done nearly wrecked my life? I don' really care for how long the man's been a bandit - he's done wronged me!" The man is on the verge of shouting, his face red. After a deep breath a moment of silence, he regains his composure and speaks in a normal tone. "You can't be serious about this, surely? Sure, okay, forgive the bastards if'n that's what ya want... but keeping 'em here? No matter how many hands I can use 'round here, that's a hell of a thing to ask me, lad. Can I really trust those boys around my Lana? Around my goods? Around my gold?" He stops again, this time leaning forward to prod Tyanos with the authoritative finger of a protective husband and businessman. "If'n you can prove these folk mean no harm, I'll consider it. But I can't make no promises, ya understand. This place - Lana - they're my everythin'. I can't risk having 'em taken from me again."
Tyanos puts up his hands.
"Easy friend, I understand your position and how your feeling."
He puts his hands down and gives a sly look.
"But come now do I look like someone who gives free chances and easy trust. Your right they wronged you and that's why they'll work for you to pay off the damage they have done. But you know I never said I would leave them both here. The boy is young and new to that life, unwilling as he was. So he is the one I would leave under your care, as I have no doubt a wet eared unarmed boy trying to do right is well with in your and I dare say wife's ability to deal with. Should he need prodding back on the right path, which I personally doubt but would not insult you by assuring. As for Tork he is more seasoned as a bandit and could prove a problem should he revert to that life. Which is why I would keep him with our group for now. So you see you will have but one to keep an eye on. You can use the other eye for everything else."
He pats the barrel of ale.
"Anyways you said you would consider it and I take you as a man of your word. I will say no more on the matter until you make your decision good Oleg. Now perhaps we should make sure this stuff has not, shall we say spoiled on the journey here. A little draw hmmm, mind fetching a pair of mugs."
He drums his fingers on the barrel. He would of preferred mead but not out of his pocket, ale was fair too after all if not as sweet.
Oleg, do you have a workshop I might be able to use for a bit?
With that, Thomas goes over to the shop to try his hand at repairing the crossbow.
Quietly listening in on Tyanos's solution.
Probably for the best, as this way, if he reverts, he can be dealt with there.
He continues to listen in, while having lunch and a coffee.
After cleaning herself up, Karina quietly approaches Svetlana and acquires some cleaning supplies, then cleans up the mess in the stable. At dinner, Karina appears no worse for the wear, as if unnafected by her earlier actions.
Hadin remains silent and thoughful, trying to make himself useful at Oleg's place, working on the roof or anything that could need his skills. He doesn't seem happy.
Oleg, do you have a workshop I might be able to use for a bit?
"Ain't much of a workshop, persay," the gruff man says. "But I've got a few benches and hammers and what all ya can use out back behind the stables. You're free to use 'em."
Stuff.
Oleg quietly nods for a bit, pondering the proposal. "Fair 'nuff," he mutters eventually. He heaves up the cask of ale and indicates back towards the others. "As I said, I'll right consider it. If'n ya don't mind, I'll think upon it and let ya know in the morn. But for now..." Oleg smiles, perhaps the first kind-hearted and legitimate smile you've seen out of the man yet. "It's time fer some well-earned drink, I think."
He heads out of the door of the storeroom, then turns back to Tyanos and cranes his head towards a small pile of tin cups. "Grab those, would ya? My hands are a tad full!" Oleg heads outside, sets the cask of ale down, and sets to cracking it open. Immediately filling the closest glass for himself, he takes a good, long swig before attending to anyone else. "Eh, bad manners maybe- but at last ol' Oleg's free of those bastards!" Svetlana, returning with a plate of various vegetables and a loaf of bread, smiles and laughs.
"It was mighty kind of y'all to risk your lives like that. I don't think we'll ever be able to truly thank you for what y'all've done."
Oleg continues to pass out mugs full of ale to everyone at the table, even those who may have politely declined. "Aye," he agrees, "But what about the rest of 'em? If'n I don't hang those broken bodies from the walls-" he shoots a glance at Thomas "-how'll they know to stay outta my business?"
Tyanos takes a sip of his own mug.
"Well I got this charter about mapping the region. So that's what I intend to do. We got information of the general direction the bandit camp is in so we can map on the way there. May not solve the bandit problem in the region but it will solve yours and this area's I think."
Normally he would avoid the whole thing. But he knew how petty bandits were and more so when their targets were in easy reach. A mere days travel from the information they had gotten. No doubt the bandits would stay away long enough to gather their resources and prepare for an attack. They only had a day or two before those at the camp would miss their comrades he guessed.
As the inquisition proceeded, it was clear to Wetscale these bunch were talkers - much like the nobles which had lorded over him in his path. Even the captured elf had quite a speech. Is everyone a diplomat now?
Though the monk felt bad for the youths, he harbored no mercy towards their master; the man as as evil as they came. As his life drained away, his steely eyes gazing in stubbornness back at Karina were proof enough of that for him. Yet hate him as he may, there as truth in his words: A greater predator was always out there.
At dinner, he reminded the group of that last point, dousing the banter a touch perhaps. "Karina, you did what should have been done with their leader. Thank you." The manners were perhaps not well-suited to the topic, but subservience was common in Wetscale's history. "But those escaped will bring others to strike at us. I think we should take the fight to them. Otherwise they catch us off-guard."
While no master of a battlefield, the lizardfolk was a master of agility and understood counterweights, even if he couldn't put it into words. If they push us first, we fall where they make us. If we push them, we choose the direction of things.
So in the morning we ride to where the bandits are camped ?
Then we can map it properly on the way back.
Thomas then looks over at Oleg
Oleg, could I continue to borrow this until I can get one of my own? indicating the longbow.
Den is quiet the rest of the day and does not partake of the ale. He stays well clear of Tyanos completely and makes multiple trips to inspect the prisoners and their bindings. He fusses with his arrows and maintains his gear, content to leave the owl up on the wall on watch. At dust he moves up onto the wall and watches for a while to let the owl hunt.
When the topic of bringing the fight to the bandit camp he comments We are not ready. We likely lack the experience and equipment take them down. I recommend we begin exploring and see what we can find first. I make this recommendation even though I understand the threat to the trading post.
Oleg, could I continue to borrow this until I can get one of my own?
"Hm, I don't see why not. Just don't be running off with it, ya hear? I've had enough trouble with that lately!" The man smiles wide and laughs at his own joke. He's either a lightweight for his size or he's been drinking more than you'd thought.
I make this recommendation even though I understand the threat to the trading post.
The master of the trading post takes another long swig, then gives an exaggerated shrug. "Wouldn't be no threat if'n ya let me hang 'em from the walls. Nothing keeps a bandit away like good ol' fashioned justice. I had hoped the guard woulda be doin' it, but we all know how that turned out." He looks at Thomas, then gives a hearty laugh and raises his cup high. "But fair enough, we'll be the better men here. And women," he says with a grin, nudging Svetlana. "A cheers to our unlikely saviors is in order, I think!"
Svetlana follows suit, her soft cheeks reddened from the ale. "To our rescuers."
Thomas raises his mug, And to our hosts. and then takes a deep drink.
The ranger will also tend to the horses the bandits had. He is skilled handling animals and makes sure each beast is brushed out and the tack is oiled and put up correctly. He will also make a search of the saddle bags and other gear with the horses.
A frontal attack against a bandit camp would be senseless. We managed to get the victory against the first bandits because we had the eement of surprise, a strategy, and a defendable position. The bandits know the surroundings, we do not. We should get into the coutryside, maybe find some allies if we can. We cannot fail Oleg and Svetlana, because they will pay the price.
Agreed. Dendarial says, moving to stand with the Paladin.
Knowing the surroundings is important, but I don't think we should leave that camp there.
Every day that we leave that camp there, is a risk to Oleg and his wife, and I think we should minimize that risk as soon as we can.
Tyanos joins the toast and listens to the ensuing talks. Joining in by shaking his head.
"We knew the bandits were coming and where. Look at the damage we did. Now if roles are reversed with greater numbers and more resources. That is what we would be facing if we do not strike quickly. Or they simply move their camp and we lose their location, taking the chance that we stumble upon them in the wilderness. In the mean time they take their time massing all they need to assault the post. Ether scenario bodes ill for us. In this case it is best to attack, while they like those we have dealt with. Are unaware of us and confident that they have nothing to fear, there by keeping their guard down."
I agree with Tyanos, as they have not had time to call for additional people, due to not knowing they need them.
Thus my point about their camp, we should clear it and then map back, thus giving us knowledge of the area, and pushing the bandits back.
We were barely equipped well enough to reach this trading post and had a hard fight of it when we were prepared and outnumbering out enemy. We have not had a chance to fight together and become a team. And now you propose to take a prisoner who could easily give us away and will certainly require effort to watch. And with this prisoner we are to march into unfamiliar lands to attack a bandit camp of unknown strength with a leader of such known prowess and reputation that her men expect she will dismember us without breaking a sweat? I honestly do not know what to say.
Dendarial, you make it sound like I advocate riding in horns blaring, band beating, and standing upright.
There is no reason, that we cannot ride to a couple of miles from them, dismount, scout the camp, and if there is too many, we back out, and make other plans like ambushing them.
As for the prisoner, I agree with you, in that we should do something with him other than bring him along.
As for the working together, we need time to figure out how everyone will react in a fight. This will come with experience and time
Sitting quietly, Oleg nods his head as the adventurers confer their plans. When there is an opening, he leans forward and speaks. "Well, we're much appreciative for all ya done. It'd be a shame if ya were to go and get killed... so try to take care, alright?"
Svetlana quietly agrees with a nod of her head. "We'll send another missive out to Restov when the next traveler comes through. Hunters and traders pass through 'bout two or three times a week. Shouldn't be too long 'afore the guardsmen come out proper." Her husband shakes his head, grumbling.
"The guard ain't worth nuttin'. They coulda been here, but they weren't. It's best to think we're on our own. Frackin' Brevic Politicos don't care none for us. It's up to us to protect ourselves!" He makes an exaggerated slashing motion with his hand. "I'll take down seventeen bandits with my own hands, if'n I have to, 'afore I let them have my place!"