"It's too bad," Vex comments breezily, a tone that would seem to indicate it isn't actually all that bad. "I bet you clean up nicely—like taking the tarnish off a silver coin."

It's a very specific compliment, but Vex feels that it's fitting. Even down on his luck, Percy has the air of money, and with his white hair, his ice green eyes and fair skin, he does make a good silver piece. The fact he's still so young only highlights the fact.

"But I suspect we'll both be grateful to get the smell of the prison off."