[ Elias leans forward, elbows resting on his knees. ]

I could use the help. It's a long walk back to the ships, and my men are in poor condition. And you can help me loot this place.

[ He gestures behind them at the palace. ]

It's not as if Ish will miss any of it.

[ And then, just as casually: ]

You deserve a chance to invent an opportunity for yourself.

[ If it's manipulation, it's not obviously so—although it is difficult to turn off his instinct to play his opponent in every conversation. ]