"They tried that already with the first batch. Even if we're not being outwardly useful, I think we're still useful to them. Symbolically. Enough to deal with the enemy to get us back." The enemy being the Free Cities, although they barely interacted. But they did allow emissaries from the Free Cities to use their little technology birds around Thorne territory. That doesn't come easily.

He knows that ultimately the other Summoned are who rescued them. They put in the work to get their people back. Who knows how long it would have taken the factions otherwise. Too long. But he does think Thorne likes having them.

Istredd looks genuinely baffled at the very idea of him not excelling at everything. He might have said as much if Lucifer wasn't looking at him in that particular way that goes straight to his soft heart. "So you do want me to come back with you? Even if I throw up on you?" That last part is a joke. If he has yet to throw up, he's not going to, but his gaze back is warm too.