Vol's nose twitched. He could see the logic in it, but he could also see Penelope's purpose in suggesting it. She was thinking of those Green Skin men as much as she would think of her allies. She was sparing them the same kindness. In that effort, she used logic to try to appeal to Vol, so that they could both get what they wanted.
"Half," Vol said. "Half would not be such a blow." He raised his head as he said it, sending those words back to the officer who had protested earlier. "Do we have an agreement?"
"Half of our previous property, and the rest to be kept by your men as spoils?" The man repeated, glancing at Penelope. "The woman at least speaks some sense. If you claim us to be your property, as inherited from Jok, you ought not be treating us like enemies, and taking our goods from us."
"Half, I say again," Vol said. "Will you take it and serve, or will you forfeit your lives?"
