[He almost started to argue; “using kids” hadn’t been what he was doing, but he this wasn’t the place to start this fight. This was a time for union, an alliance, however strained it was. There were larger things at play.

So he smiled and he sipped his drink and raised an eyebrow.]

And no more breaking into my home to either murder, maim, or kidnap me? By you or companions, I’m assuming. [The glass was lowered as the smile drifted away.]

You will have to forgive me for wanting to be thorough and have all these things in order before we begin.