"Are you a member of the Abyss?"
Simon went still.
Of all the questions Zarven could have asked, he hadn't expected that one.
He studied the First Merchant's face, searching for anything that might tell him how to answer.
Should he admit it? Lie? Pretend he had never heard the name?
How had Zarven even connected him to the Abyss?
Simon knew nothing about the relationship between the two sides. They could be allies. They could just as easily be enemies.
He quietly drew on the Seed of Wrath to sense any sign of anger or hatred within Zavren or any other family member present.
But he sensed nothing.
No anger stirred within Zarven at the mention of the Abyss. Neither did Simon sense any hatred from the others.
But that didn't necessarily mean they were friendly.
'Damn that Sovereign. Would a few more lines have killed him?'
Eventually, he decided against lying.
Zarven was dangerous, but Simon wasn't helpless. If things went badly, he would find a way to survive.
