Xenk tilted his head back, testing his restraints.

“You don’t have to do this,” he said. He tried to remain calm, but a current of desperation carried his words. “The Red Witches will not reward you for my capture. This will only bring you suffering.”

In truth, he was terrified. Returning to Thay meant torture, death, and resurrection as some sort of undead servant. The thought alone sent shudders of fear through his spine. Still, he tried to keep a calm, neutral expression.