"Thirdly," he continued, his voice calm, almost indifferent, "your long and honorable career as a mighty warrior proves you a man of great physical courage, and you are still strong and active enough for a dangerous task."
A wry smile touched the old man's lips. "Then I am expected to earn this wealth you are offering me?"
"Of course. I am not noted for being a charitable man, noble Heglar."
"... Are there other reasons?"
"Lastly," Vokal said imperturbably, "as a nobleman you have the freedom of Jaltor's court and may come and go there as you please."
He looked sharply at the older man as he finished speaking and for a long moment they stared into each other's eyes in silence.
Heglar was the first to speak. "Now that you have listed my qualifications, what use do you expect to put them to?"
Vokal bent forward and fixed him with his penetrating gaze. "I must call upon the first of them before this conversation can go any further. Will you give me your solemn pledge that not one word of this will go beyond the two of us?"
"... Yes."
"Good. I want you to forfeit the few remaining moons of life left to you."