"Save them?" Murphy withdrew his gaze and looked at Elizabeth again. His tone betrayed no emotion. "The Ironspine Duke might thank me, I suppose. After all, a territory's prosperity depends on its people. And if they want to live, they'll ultimately have to walk back on their own two feet."
Elizabeth bit her lip. "Regardless, it's because of you that they even have the chance to 'walk back.' They won't forget this kindness, and I... I won't forget it either."
Murphy was noncommittal, merely giving a slight nod to accept her gratitude.
His gaze drifted back up the ridge, toward the ever-intensifying flashes of light and clamorous explosions from the core of Blackstone Fortress.
"It's safe here now. Follow the soldiers and retreat to the Inner Castle as quickly as you can," Murphy said to Elizabeth, his tone flat but carrying an undeniable weight. "The outside is no place for you yet."
With that said, he lingered no longer and turned to leave.
