Somewhere in the back of Sparhawk's head there is a voice that is rolling about in hysterical laughter. Martel with a Kurik of his very own. He'd think that Kurik would be flattered that he made such an impact on Martel.

He lets none of this show on his face, keeping his slightly grim expression intact (it's what you need for dealing with tricky people). And the watchfulnes of Ewar doesn't escape Sparhawk either.

"Are you worried I'm going to do something rash to your Lord?" Sparhawk asks politely.