"Outlaw?" asked the captain, and Stark shrugged.
"Mercenary is a kinder word."
* * * * *
Rogain studied the pattern of stripes on the Earthman's dark skin. "Why
did the Lord Ciaran, so-called, order you scourged?"
"I had thrashed one of his chieftains."
Rogain sighed and rose. He stood regarding Stark from under brooding
brows, and at length he said, "It is a wild tale. I can't believe
it--and yet, why should you lie?"
He paused, as though hoping that Stark would answer that and relieve him
of worry.