Fidri's performance had lightened the mood, weighed down as it was by the heavy tale, though it hadn't made them forget the real problem.
A candidate who had discreetly overheard bits of their conversation decided to speak up.
" If they're not Awakened, then we had no reason to join forces with a country like this. What we needed was their strength, not weaklings we'd have to protect. "
" And you? " Elizir asked, pointing a finger at him.
" Who invited you to this meeting? "
The candidate raised his voice so the others would hear him complain.
" It's our lives on the line, not yours! You could just run away at worst, you'd fail a mission. But we get to decide what to do with our lives, not people who don't give a damn! We're more than just numbers you can sacrifice. Isn't that right, guys? "
" Yeah! "
" We're more than that! "
" Our choice, not theirs! "
