"Those skills would be useful," allows Rien. "Do you think he can be trusted?"

Lynae laughs. "I don't think anyone can be trusted," she says. Especially not you, you filthy rat, I think. "But he was loyal to Jet. And like a good enforcer, he isolated himself in service to Jet and his band, who the humans have now eradicated. He is cut adrift and in danger. If we provide him with haven, I believe he will see the wisdom of loyalty to our purpose and the value of our work in time."

Rien nods. "I can see that."

Enturi bows his head submissively, and then looks up inquisitively.

"What is the purpose of these meetings with the other ward bosses? What do you hope to accomplish, and how might my talents assist you?"

If I wasn't chained to a wall and probably about to die, I would laugh. Looks like there will still be plenty of opportunities for Enturi's annoying bootlicking, starting right now. Damn pretty boy.

Raichon looks to Rien, who nods.

"It's like this," explains the necromancer. "We are too few to make sure every elf in Elftown learns about the escape and is directed to the path out of here. Building an organization capable of that just isn't possible. It would take time, and incredibly good luck to recruit only those who could be trusted. So our plan is to approach the ward bosses the night before we are ready to move. Convince them to help us, to use their forces to gather as many of the elves in their wards together as they can at the beginning of the night. Some of us would address each of the gathered ward groups, telling them about the exodus and helping them to escape."

"We have what we believe to be a compelling argument to convince the ward bosses to help us. We will tell them that Jet was just the first to be taken down and that the humans are bringing the red tide to every one of our organizations. Fear can be a  powerful motivator. But nothing is certain, and some of the bosses may not believe that. They may be intransigent or simply disinterested. They may be skeptical of our intent. They may not believe that we are capable of carrying out our plan. If you could use your power to persuade to assist us in convincing them to do what we want, it would be very helpful. And save many lives. Without the help of the ward bosses, we can only rescue a small portion of the elves here. That is not what we want. We want to leave no one behind."

I have to admit, it sounds like the perfect job for Enturi and his creepy power. Except his power to persuade is not creepy, I have to remind myself with my newfound insight. It is most likely a common elven enchantment, a form of charming.

Enturi agrees. He nods his head slowly. "I could do that."

The three elves in front of us seem satisfied. Rien turns to me. 

"And this other one? This Arq?"

Lynae shrugs.

"His talents are more mundane but may yet be useful. He is a killer, ruthless and efficient. His melee fighting skills are impressive. He can function in a team. We could use him as well on the night that is coming. He could be a deadly addition to our strike and cover force."

Raichon stares at me with narrowed eyes. Does he still suspect that I am the one who invaded his tunnel and killed his apprentice? I stare back, unflinching.

"And his trustworthiness?" he asks. "You think this one is worth the risk as well?"

"I'm not sure," Lynae admits, flashing me a brief apologetic look. "I like him. But he is volatile, unpredictable. He also was loyal to Jet, but he had a tendency to do things on his own, outside the scope of his authority. I want to believe he would be trustworthy. But as I stand here right now, I lack the confidence to vouch for him on that score. We could use his skills, certainly. But at this stage, any risk of disclosure is too great."

"Oh, really?" I say to Lynae. "You have an opinion on whether I am a betrayer? Nice."

I want to remind her of how she threw me to the human guards. How she betrayed Enturi and me earlier this very night. But I decide, belatedly, to keep my mouth shut and not antagonize her further. She has the grace to look away, embarrassed. But she doesn't retract her opinion.

"I say death," says Raichon. "Not worth the risk."

Rien considers. Then he nods. "We are in agreement then. Keep the sorcerer, kill the killer. Lynae?"

She unsheathes her rapier and moves forward, smiling sadly. 

"I really do regret this, Arquë," she says. "But our work here is almost done and we cannot jeopardize it."