I was silent. I looked at him blankly for a while, then suddenly nodded. "Is that what you think? I learned the business from the greatest since I can count. Do you think any sane businessman goes with one plan? Or five?"
"Still arrogant. I'll break that from you with the time I have. Before that boy offers himself in replacement for you."
"But you intend to kill all of us, even me eventually. Of course, I cannot kill you, but I just might be able to hold you off before help comes."
Then I looked at those cowering Awakeners and said, "Is there anyone willing to take a gamble and stand with me? Risk is part of business after all. Anyone?"
Most of them looked away from me and soon sneered that I was too naive and didn't know how the world works, but there was a shuffling of feet and then someone stepped forward. It was Lord Owen.
I laughed. "Well, Lord Owen, I'm going to make you very rich, but for now, all you have to do for me is guard this! Equip!"
