Porcupine Ridge catcalls and mercy blows

Within Anselm two factions warred: the first warned him this man was egregiously dangerous -- look at those scars, his physique, the gruff roll of his deep voice! But the second faction spoke plainly: if he wanted to kill you, he would have already --  he can help you.

Anselm lacked the years of experience to disguise the hopeful prick of his ears as he heard the stranger speak of Paleo. "I'm from Paleo.. just.. kind of got lost."