Hoffmann Ironfist had completely abandoned any thought of assassinating the Elven Queen. The elves were already preparing to withdraw and head home; the dwarves would be wise to go along with the current rather than fight it.1

If anything were to happen to Catherine now, the elves might change their strategy—and at that point, they might not be so easy to talk to.0

Although no concrete agreements could be formalized during this informal meeting, his exchange with Catherine alone made it clear that this was a real opportunity for the dwarves.1

If they could fully absorb the territory of Alkhemia, the dwarven kingdom's population would instantly double. More importantly, it would gain a complete set of facilities for alchemical mass production.0

This had once been Alkhemia's exclusive advantage, which other kingdoms had envied.0

A healing potion cost Alkhemia half as much to produce as it did elsewhere, while its output exceeded other kingdoms' by more than an order of magnitude.1

And...5