"He's a Ratfolk!" the Ratfolk Elder corrected Annan loudly.
"All the more reason he shouldn't go back. Wouldn't your Ratfolk bully him to death? Ratfolk Thing, can you honestly say you'd welcome Albeck?"
The Ratfolk Elder opened his mouth. "I would welcome—"
"Bullshit!"
"There's only so much power to go around. If the Traitor comes back, you'll have to give up some of your power and interests. Welcome him? Since when did Ratfolk believe in sacrifice?"
Annan sneered and pointed at Black Monkey, who was watching the spectacle. "Look at Black Monkey's face. Does he look like he welcomes you?"
"My face has always been black!"
Dragged into it for no reason, Black Monkey had no choice but to explain. "All Greyfur Rats are children of the Great Horned Rat. We're one people. No Ratfolk would shut you out—"
"I don't believe you."
Annan cut him off before he could go any further.
Black Monkey and the Ratfolk Elder exchanged a glance and had no choice but to join forces for the moment. "Albeck, we promise you'll receive the same rights and resources we do in the Clan."
As a people who fought humans tooth and nail while also making deals with them, Ratfolk understood the value of treasure just as well as anyone.
Annan acted as though he were backing down. "You'd better keep your word. Otherwise..."
He glanced at Albeck and discreetly raised a hand toward him, signaling a fifty-fifty split.
"I'll be back."
Black Monkey and the Ratfolk Elder led Albeck and the others away, leaving Annan where he stood.
"I'm an Envoy! I want to see the High Priest too!" Annan shouted.
Black Monkey said the High Priest had to perform a ceremony to welcome Albeck first, then had a Ratfolk subordinate take Annan to the