In hindsight, Vikus probably ought to have introduced his guide to the children earlier.

However, Vikus also knows that if that had been the case, this quest would have been futile from day one. After all, what Regalian would willingly travel with a rat?

Solovet knows, of course. He is not one to keep secrets from his wife, and she would have found out even if he had not told her.

He prefers not to think of how many spies she has keeping tabs on him.

Part of the council also knows. He is not one to keep secrets from the council, either, however impractical this may be. But he is wont to bend the truth just a little if it suits his needs.

He prefers not to think of how many spies the council has keeping tabs on him, either.

In either case, he believes he will get to follow this plan through. There is no better guide in the land of rats than the rat himself — even if the stories tell that there is no worse ally than the rat himself.

Well, perhaps Vikus is looking to amend those stories.

The prophecy calls for a gnawer — here is a gnawer. And if anyone is to object, he tells those who attempt to refute his idea, the prophecy does call for four of the twelve to die. Is it any waste if one is a gnawer?

Yes, the words leave an uncomfortable sting in his chest.

But what doesn't?

This plan has been in the making for two years.

Vikus had meant to tell the quest party earlier. He had not meant for Ripred to make a dramatic entrance with a witty opening line.

But what Vikus had meant is for naught now.

He will just have to hope nobody acts with temerity.