[He only nods at the first part. Things could be better, but they could be far worse. The knowledge that they could be worse might be part of what secures the Summoned's cooperation, but overt threats of that nature have been few in the time he's been in Thorne.]

They think we can be useful that way because they can't do it themselves. [There's mild disgust in his low voice, more than he has shown in most of this discussion.] They can do other things, but not much of that. Power, but not always the sort they need.

[His expression becomes walled and inward for a moment, and then he straightens his posture and gives a sharp nod.]

Right. Still a few more to go today, [he says soberly, referring to the bodies.] We do what we can when we can, aye?