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The Lord Zabat wasn’t done. “If this is true, then even if we do choose to stay, he will undoubtedly find some other reason to keep us close after things here in Vantalay are settled. In fact, perhaps his promise to help us retake Sair could be considered part of that. It would give him an excuse to remain in our company.”

“Or,” said Diego, deciding to jump in again, “if the first reason is not true and he really does want our help, then he could still just be biding his time with us until Vantalay is secure. Once we’re no longer useful to him.”

“Also true,” said Santos. “In all likelihood, he is working multiple angles here.” And he paused to look directly at Diego. “Knowing all this, if we are to test him, then it must be on the matter of his trustworthiness, yes? And on something relevant to our current circumstances. Something which provides him with every motive to deceive or betray us. And if he still does not, then perhaps we can trust him.”

Geez. It felt like Lord Santos was already way ahead of him. “I was thinking,” said Diego, “that maybe we could just... leave. And see how he reacts. See if he actually lets us go. If he does, then maybe we could circle back and help him out. If not, then... well...”

“If not, then we are fighting him,” said Santos. “Interesting. If he tries to stop us from leaving, then he will give us no choice, but at least we will know his true character. And in such a case, we would have had to fight him eventually, anyway, whenever he finished whatever game he was playing with us. But it is still a great risk. And we would not be able to enact such a plan until our business with the RPMP is settled.”

“That won’t be much longer,” said Diego. “And I don’t have a better idea for a meaningful test, so unless someone else does, then...” He looked over the table.

As did Santos, until he landed on the head of House Merlo. “What say you, Lady Rayen?”

She leveled a stare at Diego. “I still think it would be best to leave and not come back, but... I do not hate this idea, I suppose.”

“And Lord Dimas?” said Santos. “You’ve said nothing at all so far. What are your thoughts?”