If the population was small enough and their situation checked out, taking them could be worth the risk.
Labor was useful, fighters were useful, and populations with every reason to hate the Kharov were not something to discard lightly.
But she wanted verification.
So Vaeren was given another task.
He did not complain. In truth, part of him already understood that if the roles were reversed, he would have wanted someone to at least ask.
He took a small escort and crossed toward the waiting group while his own people continued loading in the distance.
The young leader stepped forward the moment Vaeren came into view.
He was trying very hard not to look desperate, and failing.
"You're one of the ones they came for," he said.
"Yes."
"Then speak for us."
Vaeren studied him for a moment. Young, frightened, stubborn enough to still come anyway. Not stupid. Just cornered.
