"You have her word, she'll keep her promises and your secret." River sincerely doubts anyone will suddenly as for a roll-call on creatures that are sustained by blood and can't manage in the daylight, but six impossible things before breakfast and all that. If there is just Conrad right now then there is a chance another will show up.

That might not actually go so well, which is why it's good that he brings up fighting again. River stretches her arms over her head as she walks.

"That there are options: teach or be protected. Not a debt to be returned or owed, but a gesture. Which do you pick?"