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~~((National Do Something Nice Day Special -- Page 4 of 24))~~
Qorvass shifted on Asad's shoulder. 'He's screwing with us.'

That seemed pretty clear to Asad, as well. But messing with them was better than killing them. He went to work on his response.

"THIS FRIEND WOULDN'T ALSO HAPPEN TO BE A MASS MURDERER, WOULD HE?"

"OH, SO YOU'VE MET HIM!"

"HE DIDN'T MAKE A VERY FAVORABLE IMPRESSION ON US."

"COME NOW, THAT CAN'T BE TRUE! I'M SURE IT WAS JUST A MISUNDERSTANDING!"

Qorvass sighed. 'How long do you think you can keep this up for?'

Asad had no idea, quite frankly. And for all he knew, it might be an hour or more before Lamont finally got word and came to see what was happening for himself--assuming he would even show up at all, that was. Asad doubted that anyone, even Iceheart, would be very eager to face this particular monster.

And of course, Morgunov probably knew all of that and more. If he was willing to waste time toying with them like this, then he must have been supremely confident.

Or just totally insane. How strange that Asad might actually be hoping for that to be the case.

"WHAT WOULD IT TAKE TO CONVINCE YOU TO LEAVE SAIR ALONE?" read Asad's next sign.

"OOOH! ARE YOU ASKING FOR A LIST OF DEMANDS?!"

"YES."

"OKAY, OKAY! LET ME THINK FOR A MINUTE! I HAVEN'T MADE ONE IN A WHILE!"

And they found themselves waiting again. Asad tried to focus on his breathing and keeping his mind clear. His hand went to the Shards in his pocket unconsciously.

'Do you think there's any chance he would actually leave if we acquiesce to whatever ridiculous demands he is about to make?' said Asad.

'No,' said Qorvass. 'I've been following his career for hundreds of years now. Morgunov is the type to make us burn down our own home and then still rob the ashes afterwards.'