He took one look at her, before he started laughing at her. "Oh, that is quite funny. No, the real 'villains' as you put it, are nowhere near here. They set this in motion from a lair, den, tavern, or palace chamber somewhere, and are now sitting back, waiting for results. Or worse, starting other plans in case this one fails. Welcome to the world of modern villainy. You may understand politics, but you need a crash course in the practicalities. Which explains why your mother stuck you in with me. Smarter woman than I thought. Wonder why I liked her so much. No, we can't attack. But I already countered the ambush, if it is one, by limiting them to a certain number of individuals at the meeting. You are to be with me, and if you sense someone other than the group outside the clearing, let me know immediately. I have a plan. I am just hoping they aren't going to have artillery. That would make this much more interesting. But that was why I brought you. Blind sense and the sharp senses your people have."