Belloq quickly scrambled back to his feet and brushed the dirt and snow from his trousers, muttering in French as he did so. Then he recovered and returned to English to answer Visscher's question.

"This is my first time putting my skills to the work of finding people who are still living, but I have explored many wild regions sometimes under harsh conditions. And I know how to find caves and structures and places where people might find shelter, as those are the very same places where one finds artifacts. It seemed right, then, that I volunteer to assist in this mission."

What he didn't mention is that he'd heard rumors that somewhere out in the wilderness of Quadratus there was a pillar of pure gold. With that incentive, he'd take every opportunity he could to leave Blackway and see if he could find any clues as to its whereabouts.