"Ri'vashi and I are of a mind here, Sabine," Vera added. "I am sorry, but with all the measures this man has taken against the clans, we need more proof that we can trust him."

"I agree," said Oswall.

Sabine held her breath for a moment, trying to hide her nerves. "I trust him," she said. "Even after everything, and after nearly killing me when they ambushed us some time ago, I trust him. He swore his life to me and would do so again. He followed me into a fight against an old and powerful dragon, knowing he could die. And he knows that I could have killed him at any point. He took no opportunity to either escape, threaten me, or kill me when I escaped my bonds. This was even when presented with such opportunities. This was even with a trusted friend that could have helped him kill me many times over. And now he fully at our mercy. It is now impossible for him to do worse than what he could have. And he has done nothing but obey me. I trust him."

Darahil blinked, which was somehow enough to give himself attention. "I believe, in matters as absurd as our final plan..." He panned his eyes over the council. "...we need all the help we can get."

"There is one more thing," Sabine interrupted. She blinked a couple of times, unsure. "Ri'vashi. I know how you feel about Rhajul. I do not expect you to forgive him. But you know him as a monster. Rhajul?" Sabine turned her head to him. She spoke with the utmost gravity. "You have not had a chance to speak. Do you have anything to say to Ri'vashi? I believe you know what you had done to her people."