Howler is not bleeding, his armor and natural agility having turned the worst of the piercers blows from gashes into future bruises. He sees the tears in Vayne's clothing, and thinks, "Looks like she got lucky. Damn, I was too busy beating that priest around the neck to make sure til now. Sotter's distractin' me from the primary objective. I'll have to beat him for it later." The gaoler takes a flask from his pocket and offers it to Vayne. The smell of strong booze comes from within. "Right, some sorts need a touch of liquid courage after a brush with death, specially if they haven't seen it much. No shame in it, we're all green the first time out of port."
Howler's tone changes for his response to Joe. "Head back? We haven't done what we came to do. I'm not stoppin' now, and even if I wanted to, I'm sure as hadeys not goin' through that circus cavern again!"