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‘You do not mean that, surely,’ said Kalikos. ‘It was by your design that I have become this way. Do not think I did not notice or have forgotten.’

Caster held up his hands defensively, though he was still laughing. “Don’t be mad. You know we’re better off, now.”

And when Kalikos made no response, Rezolo took the opportunity to chime in. ‘You are truly rooting against Abolish in this war? Do you not still count yourselves as part of it?’

“We are Freemen now,” said Caster. “As are you, no?”

‘We are,’ said Rezolo, ‘but it’s my understanding that the Fellowship’s goal is to change Abolish from within, not annihilate it.’

“Yes,” said Caster. “But if our internal rivals were eliminated for us, then that task would be made quite a bit easier, wouldn’t you say? Or does that sound too cold to you?”

‘I suppose not,’ said Rezolo. ‘I’m just surprised. But either way, I doubt things will go smoothly for us. If our side does suffer losses as great as you are suggesting, then do you think the Vanguard will care to differentiate between Freemen and non-Freemen? If such a time indeed arrives, then I imagine they will be as ruthless as anyone in Abolish.’

‘Right you may be,’ said Kalikos. ‘Which is why we should preserve our strength. Manpower will be crucial in the days to come.’

Rezolo had no response for that, apparently.

Loren wanted to ask about who they planned on recruiting next, but a sudden tremor arrived, pulling trails of dust from the rocky ceiling.

“Looks like it’s begun,” said Caster, looking up. “We should be safe down here, though.”

Loren stared at him a moment. “...You came here in order to avoid the fighting?”

The small man returned a slight smile. “There’s nothing up there worth risking our lives for. In fact, we should probably just skedaddle. I hope you’re a strong swimmer.”

Loren’s mouth was open, but he didn’t know what to say. This wasn’t exactly what he’d been expecting from his fearless leader who also happened to be one of the most powerful servants he’d ever met.

Caster seemed amused by his reaction. “Are you disappointed, Lighteyes? I thought you were tired of me dragging you into fights all the time.”

Well, he was. But this was different. Or was it? Loren was confused. “I... just... thought that the enemy might be down here...”