"Can't say I've ever used a crossbow," Joel says with a shrug. "Not exactly common where I come from."

He raises an eyebrow at the girl's statement, then shakes his head. "Principles are nice for people who can afford 'em. For people who come from places where those are choices you can make. Where I come from, you use what you have, or you die. And if you bring a knife to a gun fight, you will die."