The others were acting in a similar fashion, and there was a constant shifting in seats. Even Darcea was now more animated, and more than once her hands rose, an accusatory finger aimed with cold severity. Only Shorack remained impassive, his head rolling now and then, but otherwise he did not move. Nor did he speak.
After what felt like half an hour—but a surreptitious glance at a screen on a wall let Leopold know that only ten minutes had passed—Shorack raised both hands, palms face down. He didn’t open his mouth, but the movement was enough. Everyone in the room stopped their talking, and all eyes turned his way.
“I’ve heard enough,” he said, his voice calm. “Crevan, I appreciated that action might turn out for the best, but I have to side with caution. I have to do what it best f
