Ask her a few questions, for now

"I'm making my mind up on that at the minute," you respond flatly, quietly reminding her of her place, and she closes her mouth, eyes wide. "Who do you serve, Fiona?"

"Master... Master Gerild," she stammers, eyes searching yours for a hint of mercy. "He was a master smith for the Athenapolis army... for the officers, I mean... he made the livery and embellishments for their armour..." Her breath caught as your spear wandered up slightly, away from her cleavage and towards her throat. "But... he also worked on many other projects! He worked with gold a lot... silver too! He made lots of fine things for people!"

"Would any of these fine things still be in the house, perchance?" you ask - though you want to get your rocks off, and needed to fill your stomach, it was always useful to know where the valuables were kept - especially as you didn't want to hang around too long.

"Maybe... a few..." she stuttered, growing bolder as she states: "I know where some are. Ones they would've forgotten." She hurriedly explains what she means as you raise an eyebrow. "The mistress kept a small stash of gold and jewels hidden in the floorboards, in case they were ever robbed, or needed emergency funds."

Not a likely possibility, you think, recalling the lavish hallway, which screamed wealth to your impoverished soul, even in a house stripped of the most valuable possessions.

"And how come you haven't gone with them?"

"They left me behind... they were supposed to come back, to get whatever they left, but it's been several hours..." she bit her lip, looking down nervously as you withdrew your spear-tip slightly. "I don't think they're coming back."

"Probably not," you say bluntly, but you draw your spear back, both of you relaxing a little.

She looks down, then back up at you nervously. "I... want to suggest a deal."

"Oh?"

"I'll show you all the secret goodies in the house... If you take me with you, I'll help carry your stuff... I'll cook for you, clean your clothes and... keep your bed warm... as long as you protect me from the other soldiers."