"Eight..." the old woman murmured as if taken aback by the revelation. But instead of squicked, her grin widens. 

"Caitlyn Stritzel at your service, darling!" the woman cooed, and she was sitting restlessly. "I'm a [i]talent[/i] finder you see, and my specialty is on the exotic beasts man like you." she giggled 

"But worry not, this lady is not here to snatch you out. Fufufu! His Highness has beaten me on that. But If it's alright with you, I will satisfy your curiosity about the talent I need and where they will be needed. I needed guards, for my little garden, my assets, and to protect this little old me..."

He inched closer and caressed Cedar's forearm.

"The rebels are getting bolder you see. Yesterday they trampled on my tulips, all for naught but to kidnap my poor gardener for a meager ransom. They also hurt My Teddy, oh my sweet boy. He is also a smart bear like you. You will meet him soon enough if you change my mind."