"No, of course, you don't have to," says Vandelin agreeably, leaning against a bookshelf because he has learned nothing. "But things will get so much more comfortable for you if you do. Maybe--although I make no promises--even to the point of loosening those chains."

That sort of thing's got to be a reward for good behavior, doesn't it? Not a show of good faith. Vandelin doubts he's got the authority to do anything with the chains one way or another, in any case. He's only been tapped for guard duty because he'd mentioned that he spoke some rusty Tevene, and that's more of a party trick than a necessity for communicating with the prisoners.