"I see," said Lady Selora, a bit hesitantly. She was not verbally attacking Sterling so much as trying to find words to express her concern. "Your offer isn't made out of any loyalty to Yarfell, so much as revenge. What happens to us if for some reason you are not satisfied with our bargain?" She looked uncertainly at Lord Tolan.
Tolan briefly rubbed the brige of his nose, feeling a headache coming on. How was he supposed to accomplish anything with this new council if the Councillors, other than Drax, were too timid to really speak their minds?
"Unlike Venger," he said for the benefit of everyone as he answered Selora's question, "we do not go about double-crossing those who work or fight for us. If there is disagreement, I believe it can be resolved to everyone's satisfaction." He sighed, feeling nearly torn apart by the different directions this situation was pulling him. In his mind, he weighed the risks of this venture against his instincts that told him to trust the Outworlders and their associates. And the risks to him personally, by how easily his actions could get him labeled a traitor to Yarfell. Choosing his words very carefully, he finally went on, "I have seen Venger's army for myself, in perfect sobriety," he added, aiming the last bit at Drax. "I truly believe that Venger never expected this to be a peaceful transition. When his army marches on us, we are lost. And if this offer of yours is a ruse, Captain Irzen, we are still lost. Either way, we are just as lost. But if your intentions are honest, and I believe they are, we may have some hope." He stopped for a moment, staring out the window, as if searching for a sight of the mercenary company. "How many men do you say you have, Captain?"
