He paused before adding, "The key is to make sure Clan Leader Titus... wakes up a little more slowly."
Edwin's heart clenched. 'Does Collins mean... for us two brothers to move against the Clan Leader?'
"The last person who tried that isn't even cold in their grave!"
His fingers clenched abruptly, nails digging into his palm, but his expression remained unchanged.
"And what's your part of the plan?" he asked, his face calm.
"I will handle things externally. In my capacity as the eldest son of the Hawkwood Clan's direct line, I will raise 'appropriate questions.'"
Collins lifted his wine glass, swirling the contents against the light.
"Questions like... how the Justice Clan's cooperation with a suspicious foreign Wizard might affect the long-term relationship between our two clans..."
He set the glass down and looked at Edwin.
"Of course, we won't bring these concerns directly before the Elders. We don't have that kind of clout yet."
