It didn't matter how many times Fendros saw it. Ahnasha could be terrifying when she needed to be.

"Jespric," Fendros spoke and put on a pained expression to regain his attention. "You betrayed Clavicus Vile by failing him at the meeting spot when we ambushed your band. He finds any excuse to take a debt like a soul." Fendros tilted his head. "When your agreement was laid out. When you signed up for this deal. Was it detailed that you would get any amnesty if you were captured? Can you say with confidence that they will forgive you and let you carry out your debt after your leader died and you lost your captives? Do you think going up to them holding the gems that contain Aneitta and Eleninne's souls will give them sympathy? We could arrange that so you trade them in as a forgiveness-begging down-payment. They [i]might[/i] accept that." Fendros shook his head. "But it's not worth it, Jespric. You know it's not worth it. And I don't want you to have to do that."

While Jespric thought, Fendros wandered to a bag at the side of the room and brought out two empty black soul gems. He laid their rigid forms out, one by one, on the wooden table. He may not have known how they worked, but Fendros had already made it clear what the outcome would be.

At that point, however, Ahnasha would more likely take all three souls for herself.