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Dimas took a moment before answering. “It seems a solid idea to me. And perhaps our only option, for that matter. But I also do not wish for us to split our forces again, and if the intention becomes to stay and assist Graves, what then shall we do about that? Will we all stay in Vantalay? Or will some return to Warrenhold?”

“Good question,” said Horatio. “I am also hesitant for us to divide ourselves again so soon after reuniting, but we have many non-combatants to consider, too. And Warrenhold is no short distance from here. It would be quite the separation.”

“That is a decision that must come down to each House,” said Santos. “If and when that time comes, every fighting man and woman among us should decide for themselves if they wish to stay or go, with the final say resting on the head of each House. At least, that is my view of it.”

“I can agree with that,” said the Lord Delaguna.

“I, as well,” said the Lady Octavia Redwater.

“And me,” said the Lord Dimas Sebolt.

“Here, too,” said the Lord Horatio Blackburn.

“Wow,” chortled Santos. “It sounds like we are already putting it to a vote. But before anything is finalized, surely we must hear from the other head at this table who has remained silent this whole time. Lord Valero?”

And all eyes turned to the very young, fresh-faced head of House Garza.

Of the ten Rainlord Houses of Sair, only eight heads were present, since both Zeff Elroy and Joana Cortes were missing, but there was little doubt in Diego’s mind that House Garza was in the most awkward position of all of them, at the moment.

Which was saying a lot, considering how awkward he knew the Blackburns’ position to still be, after their betrayal back in Sair contributed to the detainment of so many other Rainlords.

The problem for the Garzas was that their previous head, Lady Socorro, had been slain by Parson Miles back in Sair while the rest of them had already been captured by Sanko. Only a couple of their non-combatants had managed to escape, and neither of them was here, right now. Luciana and Elise Garza had remained behind at Warrenhold.

Perhaps they should have come along in order to help their family members come to terms with all that had happened, but it was too late for such thinking now.