<blockquote>“Those charms on the eaves,” Rugg began. “Some trouble here?”
Pong nodded, grimly. “Sour conja trouble.”
“That why them all out there were ready to gut me? They think I did it?”
“We know you ain’t a witch, Mister,” Loop said. “It’s what else you is burns the blood.”
Rugg gave him a steady look. “I know lot of soldiers brought awfulness to little vills like this. I wasn’t one of those. Served in the king’s guard. Never stole any woman’s chickens or goosed any man’s daughter.”
“Was that before or after you became a spellbreaker?” Pong asked, refilling both of the men’s cups. Loop downed his in one gulp; Rugg only sipped.
“Wasn’t one before the other. Daddy taught me to soldier, momma taught me about witches.</blockquote>
