[ Kahlil has a middling to low opinion of the noble families in Basawar. Too many of them care little about their own people, and the things that the sons of lords from their grand houses will squabble over are often petty.

There's open curiosity in his expression when Claude talks about his decision, his lack of regret. It should tell him something that this whole time Claude has reminded him of Alidas instead of the little lordlings he protects. Nanvess Bousim never would have willingly given up his power had he lived and been named heir. And a weak heir who would've shrugged off any responsibility would quietly be disposed of. Claude had said he was a commander in a war. Kahlil doesn't sense that the man is talking himself up. ]

I've heard similar things about the initial arrivals. [ From Julie and Geralt. Neither of whom he knows all that well yet, but given the way Thorne operates it's not all that hard to believe. ]

I don't believe our summoning was an accident either. But... [ Another frown. ] In Thorne we're in a gilded cage, and all of our tasks so far voluntary. [ A far cry from the way things used to be, it sounds. ] We're not being told we must join their army. We're not being questioned or studied - as far as I can tell, for our connection to the Singularity. They clearly don't trust us when we arrive, but they keep bringing more of us to their world.

[ It's just... odd. There's something else going on. He lets his gaze drift to the tea kettle for a moment, then lifts to Claude's features again. He thinks of his most recent conversation with Julie. ]

Do you expect to go home one day?