3
"My mother," you begin slowly, keeping your voice calm and steady. "She was from the Sea Kingdom, same as you, it seems." You nod towards the aristocratic sounding bandit behind you. "Born and bred in the heart of the kingdom, she was a warrior in her own right before the wars."
You glance at the old woman with the ledger, her wrinkled eyes squinting in the firelight. "There's no ransom for me, old woman. Those who might have paid it are long gone. You'd be better off letting me go and avoiding the wrath of Vankred when he hears you've been meddling in his affairs."
You turn your attention back to the brigand leader, your gaze unwavering. "And as for being the real Pon Para, well, I suppose you'll have to take my word for it, won't you?" There's a moment of silence, then you add, "Unless you'd like to test me, that is."