"I'm not saying you're a damsel that needs protecting," that was exactly what he was saying, "but the fact remains that if you're there with me my attention will be diverted between you and the beast. Here you can help protect the villagers. I'm told it takes at least three people every time often before anyone is aware of it. Sometimes as many as eight. I need you to prevent that from happening because if it does eat them it will become even stronger and harder to kill. Trust me," he said. And he was just as stubborn as she was.

"I won some money playing with that, um, lady. I think luck is on my side lately."

Gawel gave a single nod. "You can make real money off it in the cities if you are any good. Of course, if people find out you're a sorceress they will refuse to play you or accuse you of cheating if you win. It's bad enough with witchers at times."