All of this, too flimsy to tempt Ellis. Tertia's proposition and Ellie's offering both met with only a shake of his head.

"We have nothing to leverage with."

The no is winding its way through Ellis' tone, though he has yet to say it aloud.

"And there are Imperials soldiers in the town, outnumbering us. They'll come if he calls."

And they have shardbearers among their number.