[He's aware of Yennefer's history with Thorne. Mostly, she was one of the first Summoned to be locked away simply for being brought to an alien world without their consent. He had sensed a stubbornness regarding Ambrose when they had spoken before, but it had simmered under the surface, merely implied subtext -- this was understandable, all things considered, and it made her decision to stay within the kingdom more notable.

Now, with how she speaks about the High Mage, he can tell it's a little fierier than that. Her opinion of the man isn't just dismissive, it's challenging; obviously, her discontent runs deeper than she lets on as she navigates the political web of Thorne's halls. Well, if there's anyone who can play the game, it's her. She's already made a name for herself in the castle, whereas Stephen--even if he has turned a few heads, too--gets a headache just thinking about keeping his head over the waterline of political machinations.

Although, yes, that's exactly what he's discussing doing right now.]

Yes. [He squeezes his horse with his legs to encourage it forward. Thancred is being kind by letting Stephen catch up, but he really does refuse to slow this traveling party down, even if it means he'll come away with a newfound appreciation for all those Western films he hasn't seen since he was younger.] What's the alternative? That I continue being the most reliable errand boy for the kingdom?

[Yes, he could still help this world in surface-level ways, but only in ways that simultaneously benefitted the kingdom, the larger picture obfuscated from him through lack of information. He doesn't want that.]

It'd be a risk, but a calculated one. And a hypothetical one right now, too, but I'll take it if push comes to shove.

[And if they're all okay with that, then so be it.]