The feigned ignorance is so blatant as to be nearly laughable, none of it going far to improve the already poor perception Darlington has of his unasked-for new companion. "Taking however many wrong turns that have led us here is an easy mistake," he says. "And yes, I do think we owe it to whoever that is to at least take a look."

His next glance at Gaius has a pointedness to it, a brief, cold imperiousness that he doesn't quite notice. "Or would you rather be left to fend for yourself instead? If your position and theirs were reversed."