"Does this money come from the tributes?"

"One way or another."

She frowned as an odd thought occurred to her. "I always thought we were paying to keep him from destroying our towns...but I don't think that would happen...do you?"

"No."

"Then why did this business start"

"Way I hear it, he did some service to the people in these parts way back when. I suspect it's got something to do with keeping this coast clear of invaders, though I honestly couldn't tell you." He was chewing thoughtfully on a piece of cheese.

"So it's payment then...not blood money?"

"Well, it is now. That's how folks see it, so that's...