"Jonas. I understand and respect your concern. Sometimes the forces of law do not act with... the grace we might wish. Part of this is repugnant, but I do not believe it is evil. These operatives have been watching us while we remained unaware, and they have taken our travelling companion without a great deal of dissembling. Were we to pursue these tracks, it is possible we should catch up to them. If it is your wish, I will go with you. But it is as likely that the tracks will lead nowhere that we can travel."
As she says this, Courage is loking Jonas in the eyes directly. She has pulled out a cloth and is wiping her axe clean. Later, she will wash the cloth in water. But for now she is thinking, and then she decides to continue.
"May I tell you something? Not everyone knows this, but Paladins have the ability to see into people's hearts, to know if they are truly evil. I had the ability to look into Vorien's heart, yesterday, or even when he was sleeping--into the hearts of any of you. But I did not do so, because it can be seen as an invasion by those who are good. Hmm. It's a paradox, and a test. Many people believe these things are relative, but there are absolutes in this world, as you, Jonas, of all of us, should know. Had I done so, we perhaps would have known more than we do now. Perhaps we would be at peace; perhaps we would not have begun this journey. But the question remains, should I have examined the hearts of each of you as you slept last night? When I was a paladin, I would not hesitated to have done so. Perhaps you have the wisdom to answer me with that."
She smiles at him, wiping badger remains off of her chin. She looks to the creaturte -- is it still there? was it perhaps magically summoned? -- and then back to Jonas.
"So," says Courage, raising her voice so all can hear, but still speaking primarily to Jonas, "Do we proceed, or do we follow these tracks?"