<span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="font-family:Open Sans">The young elf didn't act like any properly trained soldier who knew they might be pulled in for questioning if they got too close. He was frightened, and it wasn't an act, but Alrians were still prone to their suspicions and skepticism. Even Malta, who generally liked to think the best of people wasn't any different in the situation. Even under the threat of torture, he said he knew nothing, and Matla still didn't think he realized where he'd ended up. Malta helped him into General Vahit's tent where the Khry tried to compose himself with some dignity by not entirely leaning on him. He was still weak though, so it couldn't entirely be helped. Malta could have shucked him off like some, and tossed him to the ground, but he didn't. Maybe it was because even in his state, he seemed determined to try to hold himself up.<br/>
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Vahit listened to his explanation, brows drawing.<br/>
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“You didn't have your ingredients south?” Vahit repeated, trying to get the story straight. “You decided to explore this far north? What did you think you might find?” Clearly, the man was a little curious, and put that way, Malta was too.<br/>
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“It is a lot to risk. You simply got lost?” Vahit looked to Malta, trying not to laugh, wondering if the large man believed any of that.<br/>
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“He was wailing like a banshee. Sobbed the entire way back once he realized where he was. I don't really think he was certain before. Maybe got cold and disoriented. He claims he knows nothing,” Malta told him, relaying what had been told to him more than once. “He had an opportunity to steal my horse. If he was a proper scout, he would have jumped at the opening, half frozen or not. That makes him either a failure or someone dumb enough to get lost wandering for <i>ingredients</i>.” Whatever they were. Maybe he wasn't right in the head. Vahit raised his brow at Malta.<br/>
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“If you want him for the night for finding him, all you have to do it ask, Malta,” the General told him, thinking what Malta might be interested in keeping him around for. Khrys were known for their beauty if nothing else.<br/>
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“That isn't..” he started to say but realized it didn't matter. “I'm only reporting unbiased the circumstances. It's up to you what you decide you want to do with him.” Malta wouldn't pretend one way or another what he wanted done with their now captive. It wasn't his place. Vahit looked back to the prisoner, wondering what he might be able to gain from him before ending his existence and putting another of their enemies out of the equation.<br/>
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“You said you're an alchemist? I'm surprised you admitted as much. I'm sure there's <i>something</i> you can tell me.” The general was leaning closer over his desk, and he motioned the Khry forward. Malta would drag him if he needed to. “If you were smart, you'd tell me you have enough information to write me a book, and then some. I have no place here for useless mouths, so if you can't make yourself useful to me, I'll throw you to my men for the night and execute you in the morning. I'm tired, and I'm sure you'd cure boredom for some.” Even if only for a single night, and then perhaps more of making a spectacle of him on the execution block.</span></span>