The three guild members glanced at each other in astonishment. Finally, Adsden cleared his throat and attempted to broach the concern lightly. “You speak of killing the marquis as if it is nothing more than culling a diseased horse from a herd. A marquis!”

“Do not concern yourself with the marquis. I am leaving soon, and I need to make sure things are running smoothly,” Rezkin replied.

“Wait. You just took over five minutes ago, and you are leaving?” Adsden asked.

“I told you that I do not have the time or desire to be guildmaster. I leave that in your capable hands.”

“But, how will you know we are doing as you ask?” asked the new guildmaster.

“Because you know if you do not, it will be the end of you,” Rezkin said as he held Adsden’s gaze in a deadly stare so cold Adsden thought for certain he could see his breath in the air.

“Today, you were smart enough to be accommodating,” Rezkin continued. “You wanted something from me, and I provided. I was able to walk in and assert my authority. Do not delude yourself into thinking I could not have done so without your cooperation. If you turn on me, you will suffer—each and every one of you,” Rezkin said as he met each man’s eyes.

Adsden had to focus to stop his hand from shaking so that he would not spill the wine from his goblet. He mentally derided himself for such foolishness. Never had any man gotten to him in such a way. It was terrifying and enthralling, and Adsden realized he did not want the alluring young warrior to leave. The new guildmaster’s eyes slid over to the younger Diamond Claw who was still trying to blend in with the wall. He glanced back at the new leader and wondered about their relationship.

Rezkin caught Adsden’s questioning glance at the young sneak. “Ah, yes. Perhaps I should introduce you to the young man over there. That is Benni. He is to apprentice with the Serpents. Choose someone Skilled who is also capable of teaching.”

Adsden glanced back at Rezkin in surprise. “But, he is a Diamond Claw!”

“He is one of my personnel,” Rezkin replied with a pointed look that warned the man against challenging him further. When the challenge did not come, he continued. “He has excellent potential as a sneak, but his advancement in the Skill has been limited since he has surpassed his guild mates’ abilities.”

“I see. I will see to his training myself,” Adsden replied with a slight, courteous bow. Poor Benni looked like a doe caught in the hunter’s sights. His face had gone pale, and Rezkin thought the young man might have forgotten to breathe. In truth, Adsden was simply relieved that the young man’s accompaniment of the new leader was of an official capacity and not because he was the warrior’s companion.