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“Don’t be stupid,” said Gerald. “The others won’t come to your aid. And neither will I.”

Roman’s eyes narrowed. “What?”

“The opponent is Abolish. You think killing two of their members will make them give up?”

“It will,” said Roman. “Think about it, Gerald. They only sent two servants. Atreya obviously isn’t a priority for them. They’re busy waging, what, three different wars? More? We don’t have to win. We just have to make conquering us more trouble than it’s worth.”

Gerald shook his head. “Foolishness. We don’t know how valuable they deem this country. If they believe it could be of real strategic value in winning one of those wars you mentioned, then killing the ones already here will just make them send stronger people to deal with us. Imagine if they send Ivan or Dunhouser or Jercash or any of a dozen others. Forget about causing trouble. We wouldn’t even be able to run away.”

Roman furrowed his brow. “If we do nothing, they’ll destroy Atreya.”

“All the more reason to leave the country.”

The Queen had been watching quietly. “Please,” she said. “I assure you that your assistance would not go unrewarded.”

Gerald smirked. “You don’t even know who we are, do you, Your Majesty?”

She merely eyed him stolidly.

“I’m a smuggler. The best one you’ll ever meet.” He pointed to Roman. “This idiot is a thief. Probably the best, also.”

Helen folded her arms. “I believe such transgressions are inconsequential at this point.”

“Indeed,” said Gerald. “But I want you to understand that he and I are greedy bastards and that your offer does not fall on deaf ears. And that I am still not going to help you. If you’re as intelligent as I think you are, Your Majesty, then you’ll take this chance to flee the country, as well.”

“You must not think me very intelligent at all, then.”