Shall I warm them up for you, then? And if you really so desire, you can help.

You're welcome. —here's one of our scout's reports. I have yet to review it myself. Tell me how you believe we should act upon her intel.

Because. One, I would kill you. Two, you wouldn't be able to live with yourself after the fact if harm befell upon me.

Did you want me to sit you down and go over the situation now? Speak plainly.

I can. There's also a fireplace we might as well use. Ferdinand isn't chopping wood for show.

—my voice sounds like gravel. [But he rises to gather both wood and flint for the fire.]

You truly believe that? You're an absolute fool. [Sparks fly when he strikes the flint, catching upon the logs beneath. A fire crackles before them. Dimitri takes a seat on the ground, hunched over.] But every fool has an audience.

All this ruin. And for what.

Every step feels heavier than the last.

It astounds me how vermin will consume their own, down to the bone.

Imagine being cannibalized by your own brethren. Oh wait. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭.

Why am I here?

Is that all you know how to do?

If it keeps them in line. I could just as easily threaten you at spearpoint.

The former. Do you intend to resist?

Live to fight another day. Coward.

Is there something you'd like to tell me, Claude?

Announcing it only earns you everyone's ire.