Seraphine rolled her eyes. "We're exactly what my husband said we are—hunters looking for supplies. Nothing more complicated than that."
"If you say so, if you say so!" Skreek didn't sound convinced, but he seemed willing to play along. "Well then, mysterious definitely-just-hunters, what can Skreek do for you? I know everyone in this market, know all the best deals, and know which merchants are honest and which will try to cheat newcomers!"
Julian studied the crocodile-man carefully. Despite his annoying mannerisms and squeaky voice, Skreek seemed genuinely knowledgeable about the market and its people. Having a local contact could be useful.
"Information," Julian said simply. "We've been in the wilderness a long time. What's the news? Anything interesting happening in the Hermes Kingdom?"
Skreek's expression changed dramatically.
"You... you really have been in the wilderness for a long time, haven't you?" he said slowly. "If you don't know what's happening."
