"I have thought about it beforehand. Anyone who is close to me that I trust either has motive to kill me by the advancement of one of my lieutenants, or would not hold enough respect to sway the clan without looking biased to one lieutenant. That's why you're the only one I have told. Not even my wife knows." Jerrick looked up with a glint of hope, "Actually, Najirra might help you. He's an old man, he stays away from conflict. However, he has helped enough people in the clan that he garners respect." Jerrick looked to Meesei, "I can pen a note to him, and that should be sufficient to vouch for you...there's just one problem." Jerrick pursed his lips, "He hasn't left his room since we moved here. He has daughters that tend to him, but his hips make it painful to walk very far." Jerrick resumed looking at the opposite wall to him, "It's a hope, though. If the traitor puts blame onto you, and don't doubt it if you mean to set a trap or a guard, then having Najirra on your side will maintain your authority."

There was a pause where Jerrick recalled the previous point, but he answered before Meesei could talk. "As for trying an ambush, there is no way I would be able to find somewhere to stay without the inner circle noticing. Each of them are master hunters that would be able to follow my scent. The risk is too great if I die somewhere else. You will get the greatest blame, no matter how many respected people we can get to vouch for you. If you want to try an ambush, I must still be the bait."

The crowd vocalised in tune with the movements of Lorag and Harriet. Harriet's counter was less effective at gathering ground than she would have liked, but she was still learning about Lorag's style. He was testing her, that much was clear on how little he committed. She thought she might try a gambit and attempt to tackle him if he tried such a move again. If she could overwhelm him there, it would be his own fault for being inattentive. That plan had to change in her mind when it seemed as if he was going to pounce himself. She could have also pounced to meet him in the air, but by habit, she simply reared and braced to stop him. It was a trick on Lorag's part. His pounce went to her side and now she was badly balanced to face him immediately. She had to react quickly, but she still had her eyes on him. She kicked off one foot and attempted to charge into his side and barrel him over. It was not the most powerful pounce that she could muster, but she needed to keep Lorag from being in control if she wanted to have a chance.

With all the noise coming from the main chamber now, Fendros kept glancing to the corridor that led to it. Although it might have been interesting to gauge the strength of one of the lieutenants, he didn't really have a desire to watch the fight while they had the moment to themselves beside the fire. "Do you think maybe we should take this opportunity to find someone to speak to about the clan's leadership? It looks like the only people left are those...less interested in watching a fight, I suppose." Fendros didn't know how else to describe those that remained. They seemed to be spread out in age and appearance about as much the clan as a whole. There were a few people repairing clothes, some people still eating and talking amongst themselves. And Grolak, of course, but he seemed to be a sentinel of the rations more than just a caretaker. Janius scanned the chamber as Fendros did and came to about the same conclusion. Even the group accompanying Sabine were all still there, except the two boys that were with them. It didn't surprise him that they would disappear to watch the fight as well.