"And what alternative do you propose?" Selphira asked. She swept her hand over the glowing map, causing ripples of light that highlighted vulnerable territories. "Start a war that we're practically certain to lose? A war that would destroy our families and might even end what we don't yet understand?"
The ancient Ashenway proceeded to explain about Ren's current limitations in purification but his future potential, about his almost unexplored capabilities, about how his methods could radically transform the city's combat readiness... if only they had time.
She deliberately withheld certain important or sensitive details for herself alone, for now...
"If Yino were so certain of their victory," she concluded, "they would have attacked already. The fact that they wait, that they maneuver politically, suggests they harbor doubts. We can use the time these doubts give us to observe the first results."
The brothers exchanged glances, uncertainty visible in their features.
