He is reading over one of the scrolls again in the silence, leaning back as much as he can in the seat to make himself comfortable. Long trips are never good for his short legs when he can't stretch them out every once and awhile.

Her question made him look up, his mouth twisting, "The art of manipulation - I learned at my father's desk. The finer touch, the lighter swing, using honey instead of a blunt weapon? Words instead of swords? I taught myself."