Sunbeam Lair But I don't read those things anymore

The auxillary's expression remained blank and unreadable as she spoke. But her crude words did not tell him whether or not she would heed his warning and avoid the canyon. 

He had fallen deeply into his role as soldier; he allowed it to numb his feelings and his empathy, especially for those he did not trust. He didn't care if the strange woman had tried to make a joke, nor did it matter if he had never seen anything like her. At this point, she was a bothersome distraction from the many miles of patrol he needed to do today. 

There is a valley just east of here, the northerner told her, choosing not to answer her question. It was not claimed last I checked. You can find an exit from the mountains there. He would be kind enough to tell her where to go, but he would not allow her in the canyon. So he stood there, a statue of ice to ensure she altered her path and ventured away from their territory.