"...yeah that's fair. And wow this guy's creepy, damn."

"It's probably a reasonable strategic move, to a priest of a god like Dionysius. All the more reason to stay away. Who knows what might make sense next."

She frowns.

"Yeah. I don't like him much either."

"Is there anyone else in the picture?"

"Sisters of the Torch? They're notable enough that Jeremy got their support before making his move, but they're votes not skill. Not much use if it's a fight."

"Votes?"

"Numbers. If there's debate about who to accept as Lord afterward, you want the faction with a lot of voices on your side."

"Fair enough. Who was Lord before the current one?"

"A series of short-term barely legitimate ones who couldn't defend it. As far as I know there never was a really serious Lord before him."

"Hmm, so he's not that established. Do you know why his current retinue decided to be around him?"

"Pretty established. It's been a century or two.

If retinue means the security at his door, it's because he pays them. Other than that there aren't many who decide to be around him."

"Retinue means all these people, the Sphinx and the Eye and the Shepherd..."

"The Sphinx isn't with him, not really. She'd probably back anyone who looked like they'd win and hold it at least that long. The others I don't know. They act loyal but don't talk."

"The Sphinx sort of wants stability and I'm not sure I could promise her that."

"Yeah. Maybe if we had a strong, predictable candidate in mind, but getting rid of the Lord and not replacing him would be the worst thing. From her point of view."

"I'm not sure it'd be so good from the city's point of view, either. The power vacuum could be—bad."

"You think we might end up with someone worse than what we've got?

The Sphinx would back the obvious contender. I'd move afterward because it's Jeremy, but the vacuum probably wouldn't last that long."

"Would she back the obvious contender if he weren't contending, though?"

"No reason he can't after we win."

"Right but then would the Sphinx back us at all?"

"Probably not. Chances are we're on our own. Well, us and your diabolist allies."

"Which is why I think we need to lay low and—get more power, get more allies, find a way around Jeremy's oath, maybe..."

"The first part is easy. I can pretend I fled the city or died in the fire for a few days. Power and allies... I have an idea there, but it's not much."

"Oh?"