Yeah, I've been pretty surprised by some of Dame Brionna's expediency, as well, although I think that the use of assassins in war-time to eliminate enemy leaders would not actually violate a paladin's code of conduct. But thanks for the praise.
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The drow woman, clearly fairly young, entered and genuflected, waiting to be addressed. The drow assassin would probably be attractive, except that her entire upper body was covered with nasty scarring, clearly from innumerable whip blows. She moved smoothly, but Kit noticed that her eyes roamed the entire room, stopping three times: once on the secret door to the security passages; once on the credenza, which Kit knew contained a secret compartment; and once on a spot on the floor about six feet to Alistair’s right. Kit resolved to check out that patch of floor thoroughly. While the drow remained kneeling, Dame Brionna held out her holy symbol and scanned her for evil. She was pleasantly surprised to learn that the drow was not evil.
“Rise,” said Alistair. “We would like you to describe your position in your mother’s house and your understanding of what your mother intends for you in our service.”
“I am the Sixth Daughter of the Ruling House of House Dispani,” she replied, speaking that phrase both like a rote formula and with a clear sense of pride. “As the Sixth Daughter, I am my mother’s emissary, but not her ears. I am your … servant.”
The Archducal Council thought about that for a moment. It still did not answer their basic concern. Alistair tried again. “What can you tell us about the structure and the ranks within your house?”
“Within the House, first there are the daughters, and then there are the sons. Below them, there are all those who have sworn allegiance to the House, the craftsmen and merchants; then there are those who owe unto us wares; and lastly there are the merchant clans. Below that, there are only the prisoners and those who break their word. But that is only my family and its direct followers that I have spoken of.
“Within the Great House, my family comes first, followed by the 22 families in other cities. Below them are the merchant clans, then the freemen who owe us service, then the lesser races-- especially the troglodytes, may I never see another one. After even the lesser races are the oathbreakers, the prisoners, and captives from battle who have not been ransomed, and finally the driders.”
Her answer assuaged some of their concerns, but Kit pressed a little further. “Who of those would your mother consider her slaves?”
“The prisoners. When you commit a crime, you have forfeited your rights.” The Drow paused for a moment, then added, “And sometimes some of the lesser races, particularly the troglodytes. Do you have troglodytes?”
“No. Or at least, no appreciable numbers,” Alistair reassured her.
“Good. They are disgusting creatures, and I saw enough of them on my journey here to last for millennia.”