"The demons are determined to turn the Far North into an impregnable fortress. We can't send all your clans in at once."
"But I think sending only your high-ranking troops will be enough for you to gain a foothold in the Far North."
A Ratfolk Elder of the Rodent Clan cried out, "Without Slave Rats, what are we supposed to eat?"
Like low-ranking demons among their own kind, Slave Rats were both fodder for the Rat Tide and a source of food for the Rat Swarm—
That's exactly the point, Annan thought. If they have plenty to eat, why would they come begging to me?
Corrupting Ratfolk was like seducing a woman. You couldn't show your hand. You had to let her glimpse your intentions, draw close and pull away, and leave her wanting what she couldn't have. Eventually, she would fall for you.
The Rodent Clan's dissatisfaction with Annan showed that they had no idea where they stood. Annan needed to shake their confidence first so Little Smo could carry out his plan afterward.
The Rodent Clan's Elder stared at the Ratfolk Elder and Maria, apparently hoping they would negotiate on the clan's behalf.
Annan suddenly took Maria's hand, his voice turning cold. "You aren't thinking of threatening Maria into doing your bidding, are you?"
"I'd advise you not to. The Stuen Clan should treasure the friendship we've worked so hard to build."
Faced with this naked threat, the Rodent Clan's Elder shrieked, "Human Thing, you—"
"Cockroach Snake, Annan Thing is helping us," the Ratfolk Elder said, siding with Annan.
He had figured Annan Thing out long ago. Annan responded to reason, not force.
The good news was that Maria mattered more to Annan Thing than he had imagined. The bad news was that she was slipping somewhat beyond