That slight well-disposition, mostly unconscious, deepens a little as he straightens. She hasn't always been shown respect in her life - too poor, too Catholic, too much from a line of Irish convicts who insist on continuing to steal - but there are standards for most people. Standards so few people here know, leaving her adrift and clinging to what she knows. She's been here for so long, but habits are habits, and she still responds to the posture and manners of others.

"Not heard of Stokholm games," Kate says, giving him a curious look. "But, aye, I'd agree with the makin' us feel grateful. If it's somethin' like a party, we can use the food and drink over the next few days. Helps stretch out our stores." Which is good. She hadn't put in place the daily meals at the Inn just to fill in the time: food is important. Making sure she and her fellow captives don't starve is very important.

"It's because of that it's hard not to agree to play, if you catch me meaning, sir," she goes on. "We rely on their gifts because we haven't managed to be self-sufficient here yet. Too many of us, and mostly folks from the cities or that fancy future where no one farms."