Thanks so much, especially for the comments on Gomo's characterization -- I was trying to think from his worldview. (I had actually wanted to say a lot more about Caz, but concluded much of it was things that Gomo simply wouldn't have seen, or been able to verbalize if he had!)

I spent a good two minutes imagining Caz's thoughts at this point, lol.

Hee! I wonder what you came up with? ;) I was thinking his first reaction might well be panic and remembered shame, until he realized how terrified Gomo actually was.

Now that you mention it, I like the idea of Gomo becoming Cazaril's loyal lifelong defender among the townsfolk of Valenda. Caz certainly does deserve a fan club!