Zeb is supposed to be the one paying you. And seeing how he’s lost his weekly wage, and his crank engine: He isn’t paying you. 

So unless you can find another way to make this worth your while, you’re not putting yourself in danger.

What?

Why aren’t you helping Zeb? You said you’d make an effort to do better.

I said I’d try something, not risk my life needlessly for strangers.

Tell that to Iron. He risked his life needlessly for you back home when no one else in the town would. Remember that? You were doing your dance routine at the tavern, and caught the attention of—

That’s enough. We are not talking about that.

Fine. But remember, the only reason we’re still here is because a stranger stepped up. Now stop being a Gnomanyan and defend Zeb.

You start playing the part, “Look, I’m not from around here, and Continental isn’t my first language. I don’t know anything about how this Circle does their… business in these parts. At least where I come from, we do things— differently.”

You slip in that lie at the end.

He nods, “Smart girl… I’ve noticed a unique growl to your tongue, and a Sorrova this far east makes you quite the exotic species. May I inquire about your origin?”

“Gnomanya.”

“So far away, then. Well Gnomanyan, here’s how The Circle operates in this domain: As we stand as true hunters, we use our innate gifts to help facilitate the cycle of nature. Our pack in particular upholds a responsibility by culling the poisons of a free world, ancient and new.

He glances to Zeb, “And as my curious ears had picked up on your captive’s Herdish caterwauling, I couldn’t help but deduce that you are in possession of an… interesting individual; An agent of the Nanzuul Order I presume.

“N-no. No no no! I’m not Nanzuul! I hate the Nanzuul!”

“Really? That’s a pity. We like the Nanzuul…”

“Oh. Y-You do? Well, I mean… I’m like—kind of Nanzuul. C-Cause I’m Herdish? Heh.”

“…We like how they taste. It’s something about their hubris—their way of thinking they can destroy the Circle along with every hunter, that makes them all the more savory. And speaking of savory…”

Squeak.

You’ll pass on freaking him out with a sharp object to his throat. You should probably take Zeb to a calmer environment. So you grab him by the scruff and start dragging him away, like that maternal thing. Though you’re not sure if that applies to his species.

You drag Zeb back the way you came. “Look, it was nice meeting you, but I’ll be making off — with my prize.”

“Just as I was getting to know you? Like I said, I only wish to help.”

“No. I’m good, thanks.” you drag him back some more.

Also, you should probably check your surroundings.

“Who’s your new friend, Yenkaran?”