"They've no choice, really. It's already been proven that the best anyone other than the knights can do is support us and continue living under the impression that we're going to win. We've managed it for 40 years so far," he shrugs, noting Zafika's renewed tension.

"Most people just want to lead an enjoyable life. They don't mean any malice, they're just preoccupied with their own problems and perhaps don't ponder predicaments outside of their own as often as they ought."