Szazzkur turned Bedge, "I preface a question with a monologue when we have the time and the need for them, Bedge. Preparation and complete understanding of any possible situation we might find ourselves in are paramount to our continued survival. My monologues are something somewhat preferable to our last breaths, I hope you'll agree.

"As for charm spells," he continued, "I do have such a spell in my repertoire, though I have not prepared one for today. In any case, such spells can be more curse than boon, as the person affected would recall what transpired, and it would require simply seeing the casting, being familiar with magic, or even being familiar with someone else who knows spells and their effects to reveal our rather improper way of making friends. I prefer honesty," he said, smiling. "I understand that the method may be unfamiliar to you.

"Furthermore," he continued on before giving Bedge a chance to reply, "we are unfamiliar with the political situation in the country we are entering. For all we know, leaving one angry town would be enough to start a full-scale hunt, possibly on charges of spying. Greeting baskets won't be of use to us at that point."