by nothing more than principle." His old shoulders seem to shiver a little. "Most dangerous thing in the world, that. Bloodiest, for sure."
Jeschonyk's eyes came back to him. "A 'hostage'? And so what? Tomsien's incapable of understanding the thing, because his own daughters are nothing more to him than bargaining counters. But you—"
It was Demansk's turn to look away. Corrupt those old eyes might be, but they were still wise.
"You refused to pay ransom for her, now didn't you?"
Demansk rose abruptly from his couch. "I don't see any point to this."
Jeschonyk made a little rueful gesture. "You're probably right. Just do me a favor, when the time comes?"
Demansk stared down