[ Shen rolls his eyes, stifling a sigh. Either his quarry now is too obtuse or too wisely wary; either way, it's beginning to try his patience. He shares a sympathetic look with the perturbed reflection of Childermass in the nearest mirror.

Once more, then. ]

What you should say is what they are so that I may decide whether or not playing your escort is worth my time! Perhaps time is an inconsequential currency to you, my man, but I assure you to me it is not!

[ His tone pitches and ebbs at first at a deceitfully cheery, frenetic jaunt, then ends on a harsh rash. His reflection gesticulates with a wing-like sleeve by the head of John's head, striking it with fingers that seem just a little too long on the way to settle upon his own breast. ]