Pieter almost chuckled.

I'm a professional rabble rouser, doctor. I play crowds like a fiddle, and fear and anger are my strings.

"I'm pretty sure even the dimmest people, by now, realize the pies were poisoned. Even if they still trust you, you're working under the assumption that we'll let you. When lives are at stake, the law becomes but a vague guideline, especially when there's no one around to enforce it."

He arched an eyebrow. "How'd you leave Basdahl when they figured out what you were doing? Did you make an ally there, too?"