[b]Leytan[/b]
The moment Ephraim began to speak again, I braced myself for conflict. When he drew the blade, my hand was hidden, clutching a leather bola to fling at him if he lunged forwards. I almost sort of relished the opportunity, these were all men of action here, and trying to speak to men of action with niceties isn't how it is done, at least, that's not how it is done well.
Yet Nasharia spoke, I felt the room calm. She was clearly the one meant to lead us, the only woman in a room full of boys. 
Knowing how I am unliked by the coarser members of the council, when I speak again, it is carefully,
"Master Calfrace.. I am aware that you are an imminent undertaker here, so perhaps you could announce for us the plausible cause of death to claim is what happened. Your words will lend not only the authority vested in you as a Guardian, but also you would be acknowledged as an authority in these dealings."
I don't know where Calfrace stands with me- he has been one of those who didn't come out of that place whole.. The opposite of me, in fact, but I'm aware that enlightenment graces only a few. So coming to him for advice, and acknowledging his superiority in this instance, should either make him hate me less, or he'll think more warmly of me. Either outcome is a win, I suppose.
It is at this time that my student returns, his breathe slightly short as he clutches the slip of parchment to his chest.
Handing it to me, I casually unfurl it, scanning the inventory like list. Rolling it up, I hand it back to him.
"Guardians, I am able to offer the services of 80 of my students, these are my final year students or recent graduates, and are the ones currently unemployed, or would be willing to leave their current occupation and instead help the city."
I can actually call for about 200 students fitting this description, but I decide that if I only offer 80, they'll either accept, and I've made them underestimate me, or they ask for more, in which case I can 'scrounge around' for students willing to help their old Master.