"If I am to trust you, I expect you to be capable of following orders," End continued, turning back to the empty table. "I do not expect absolute obedience; ingenuity and judgment are what separates us from our foes.
"If you believe my orders no longer fit the situation, or if they never fit, then you may disregard them as you see fit. However."
His eyes swiveled back to land on them, meeting the gazes of both humans with grim resoluteness.
"Any deaths that occur as a result of this will fall on your shoulders, not mine, and you will be punished accordingly if your decisions are foolish enough to cost us victory, or worse, men.
"If it weren't for the words of Mother's Branches, I would have your heads on a pike for what you have done thus far to our proud race.
