[center][h2][color=#b3ccff]Esben Mathiassen[/color][/h2][/center]
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[color=#b3ccff][i]"That[/i] particular idea can remain deep within our list of backups,"[/color] Esben said flatly, cutting off any further discussion on whether or not to hand Cid over. [color=#b3ccff]"I'm not yet convinced she [i]isn't[/i] in league with Valheim or their agents, beyond whatever her faction in the church might be trying to push—and let's not forget that, among other things, they've developed the ability to siphon power away from the Eidolons and raise the dead as weapons. I will not risk losing one of [i]our[/i] greatest assets to an adept white mage and whatever benefactors she may have."[/color]

Not to mention that, with more thought in the matter, he could imagine ways in which this new school of thought in the church that Isolde seemed to espouse could have been planted by the invaders or those sympathetic to their goals. Deny the Eidolons, minimize the other gods, turn the defenders of the faith on each other and leave everything open and exploitable in the chaos. Typical part of the playbook, to his eyes, just at a much higher profile than he'd normally have dared consider.

Not [i]many[/i] would, to begin with. The little information the Garden had on Valheim's intelligence operations didn't suggest such work was within their capabilities, something that he'd expected to ring true after everything Cid had said about the state of things across the ocean. Even when engaging in a military operation, such totalitarian regimes would be expected to keep their intelligence more [i]internally[/i] focused—or specific to finding their targets.

He tapped the side of his bowl thoughtfully. [color=#b3ccff]"I may have to see about ferreting out some of her fellow schismatics once we've dealt with the major problem. But I propose we stick to the plan I outlined three days ago, to start with. Chisato, I haven't asked—were those sketches Rudolf did enough that you think you can identify Isolde without issue?"[/color]