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Léof’s answer of Erbrand did not sound bad. Quin began to think that perhaps the tanner was not quite so evil after all. He wanted to think good of these people here, and he certainly believed that Scyrr could have easily provoked Erbrand to fight, if his temper was known to flair easily.
But the questions concerning lord Athanar caused Quin to think soberly for a moment. “Lord Athanar is a fair man, but he does not have a great deal of tolerance for reckless or undisciplined behavior. I do not know for a certainty, but I think my lord believes that Erbrand attempted to kill Scyrr and then ran because he knew his act to be wrong. By the law, Erbrand is subject to death if he had killed Scyrr. Since he did not kill him, quite, Athanar may be lenient on him and not execute him. He may order him to be branded, or one hand cut off.” He paused. “I am not sure, quite honestly. For as long as I’ve been in his household, no one has ever done anything like this.
“As for someone helping him…I don’t know if I quite understand what you mean. I guess Athanar would see it as a sort of disobedience or disrespect for his command. If it were one, say, like you or I, he might be flogged, or perhaps forced to leave in disgrace. But what do you mean by help? How would anyone help him?”
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