Sparhawk will take any answer that he can get. And the fact that this answer isn't flippant, or barbed, and seems honest, gets a nod from Sparhawk.

"And did you mean it? Would you have guided me to the gate home, and let me pass through, unharmed, unhindered, alive, and away from you?"

He looks away from the water, and looks straight at Martel. He hopes he knows his brother well enough to detect any sign of a lie (and he's dropped the former part of the title that he even mentally gives Martel).