"I don't wish to sound less than trusting, sirs, but I would care to see my payment first." Empal stated while he looked at them with wariness.
A huge monastic guard came to Empal's kiosk and glared at the two men, and Empal. He saw the strange crow, now back on Boyce's shoulder and squawking at him.
In a booming, but tinny sounding voice, the guard spoke to the strangers and Empal.
"Do these men give you trouble, Virunese?" he asked Empal.
"No!" he answered. "I just wanted payment for my goods before I give it to them!"
The guard looked to Lloyd, who took another bite from the apple that he had in his hand.
"Pay the man, vagabonds!" ordered the guard as he put his right hand on the case of his electrophore.
He watched the younger of the two men throw a gold bit to Empal and Empal put on a half-happy, half-surprised expression, while he filled a small basket for them.
The guard turned to Empal after he saw the gold coin thrown to him.
"It would be wise not to judge strangers on their appearance, vendor.
You never know what wealth you may accumulate from them!"