"So, Goren?" Thorne inquired later. "He controls a sizable area, much larger than ours. He's been relatively quiet towards us, until now."
I propped my feet on my desk. "He seemed prepared for conflict, didn't he?"
I nodded. "Is he probing our strength, or does he intend to encroach?"
Thorne shrugged. "Unclear, but I suspect he's planning to move in."
"Great," I said, feigning calm. "Can we negotiate, or is this war?"
"Are we prepared for war?"
"Absolutely not," I retorted. "I've only controlled this territory for six months. We should've seen this coming. Damn it."
He agreed.
I exhaled deeply. "Alright, how many enforcers are on our payroll?"
"Six, excluding those permanently stationed."
"And our financial status?"
"Solid."
"That's something, at least. Any ideas?"
He looked uneasy. "I'm not sure, Viktor. Is a conversation with him worth it?"
"I can't say. We lack information on him."
