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Without a single word, you lay the requested sum in your cousin's hand. Even he cannot quite believe it, and a rare throb of emotion rushes to his throat, which he in silence swallows down. He promises you shall have an equal share in whatever rise in fortune in he achieves. But your intentions were not so mercenary as that. You know he will go no matter what you do and you'd rather he have the protection than go without. You have so few family members as it is, it would be a shame to lose another.
He embraces you once more and begs you to stay with him a night in the castle. You politely decline. You have Gran to look after, and then you still have to speak with Mabel, not to mention it will be impossible to make it to the docks in time for the first catch tomorrow morning were you to stay.
About a quarter's way on the road back the village, you cross paths with the reeve once more. He is coming down on his ox-drawn cart, sitting leisurely in the uncovered barrow while one of his servants goads the oxen. He hails you as he passes you by and with a gesture, commands his carter to stop. He invites you ride with him since you are going in the same direction, at "no cost" he adds, sensing your suspicion.
You decide to:
>Accept his offer, even though you know he must have ulterior motives
>Decline his offer, you'd rather walk than ride with the likes of him
>Accept his offer, but insolently offer to pay a silver coin for his services
>Write-in