Frank

"Quite right, my friend. Emberline, however, is very much in reach," Barracks returned with a casual note, as if they were discussing shoes and sandals.

"Barracks, I did as you asked. I came here, just as you asked. Now let go of her," Nicholas's voice dipped, suddenly pleading with Barracks.

"Ah. You came here just to do the heroic thing. How sweet. But you were so hasty in doing so, you hurt my feelings," said Barracks, imitating a hurt old woman, though Nicholas knew he had no such feelings. "I would never hurt a woman or a child for personal gain. That is simply not part of my trade. I would never lay a finger on a woman, be it noblewoman or a country rat." Barracks bobbed his head left to right and back again, as if his neck was far too weak to support his thin head.

"How noble of you. A murderer having morals."

"Have you never killed before, Nicholas? Never?"

"I'm not like you," Nicholas spat.