Lucien replaced the mirror in his pocket then began methodically cutting into his meat. He fed himself a forkful, chewing thoughtfully as he looked out to the rest of the Great Hall. Only after swallowing did he address the woman again. "You still don't get it, do you? These are underage, undereducated children. I don't need them for anything expect target practice and leverage." So no, he was not trying to bring anyone over to his cause and did not think the threats thus far had been swaying them.

"Those who want to join us already have. And I trust you'll find my men to be enough--most of them can cast a decent fire spell. We're creating a new world, those who cannot adapt cannot survive." Most of these children had proven they had no intention of surviving. "So I'm not surprised they protest. They're lazy. THINKING is too much work for them. That doesn't mean you did a good job." In case she'd honestly been patting herself on the back for such a pathetic display of discipline.

Again, he worked at his meat.

"I have many other mirrors like the one you've just seen. Quite a few of them are in your size. Look around you, Recard. My army is growing. At this point, it may be easier to slip you into one anyway and have one of this bumbling ruffians take your job. They wouldn't be as gentle with the children, but they would do as they're told."

Was she getting his drift?