The response from the Sanctuary arrived six days after Rod sent the inquiry.
It did not contain a scout.
A gnome contract clerk appeared through the communication plate in Dorran Stonewake's office. The connection showed her from the shoulders upward, seated behind a desk covered with numbered folders. She confirmed Rod's identity, repeated the reference code attached to his inquiry, and asked whether everyone present was authorized to hear the response.
Rod looked around the private room. Lana, Dirk, Dain, Nessa, and Renn sat around the table with him. Dorran remained near the door because the reply had come through his business plate.
The clerk opened the first folder.
"Your request produced seven responses. We removed two before forwarding them because the applicants refused background verification. One misunderstood the assignment and believed you wanted armed protection for a survey expedition. Four remain."
Renn leaned toward the plate. "Can any of them do the work?"
