Barcus does wish he had more detail to share on what exactly Caldera's problems were, but going into the fact that the moon just attacked them would really make him sound insane. Best not to stretch this man's credulity any further than he has to. He lets out a soft huff of amusement when he comments about Bel wants to tinker. "Well, obviously. That's the best proof I could offer that I know her, isn't it? She's clever. I wish she'd come around the workshop more often, actually. She's made me a few fire-resistance potions in return that have come in handy."

He quiets, gaze trying to search the stranger's face from a distance, and then he nods his understanding. "Which direction do you want me to go in?" The soft sobriety of the question ought to tell Sorrel that he understand the full weight of it. Barcus' village had scouts, too, and they were meant to shoot strangers on sight. Sorrel could send him right into a trap or ambush; the gnome is offering his full trust here.

When pointed, he'll go without question, hands resting loose at his sides, and count out the distance in his head before he stops and sits on a fallen tree to wait and see what happens next.