Steve understands Istredd's meaning. It's true that first the mages of Thorne and then their counterparts in the Free Cities and Solvunn were willing to toy around with a power that they didn't fully understand or know how to control in order to bring them here. While no government seems to be directly involved in these abductions (as of yet), the group behind this had maybe been spurred on by the Summoned's arrival here. There's no denying that they've been specifically targeted.

There's no telling what the acolytes want them for yet, except that they seem to prefer them to be alive. Steve isn't looking forward to what might come next, but they need to weather it, no matter what it is.

When Istredd mentions being taken as a child and taught dangerous magic, Steve's head rears back and his frown grows. While he'd like to pick at that a little more, he knows now isn't the time, that they need to remain focused on the here and now.

"We can still try to protect them from the worst of it. You're right that there's no way they get out of this completely unscathed, but we'll do our best." It's all they can do. Steve's expression evens out into something more determined, his jaw set, as he nods to Istredd. "If you need a little more time here, take it. I'll head back and check in on everyone."

Nothing has happened to them yet, but everyone is on edge. He'll do what he can to keep everyone calm.