Percival was well aware that Leiland believed him to be playing some kind of game. Toying with him and setting him up for some kind of fall. But the simple fact of it was that something about Leiland spoke to him. And, try as he might, he had a soft spot for the pactwraith. He was something of himself, the self he'd once been, in how desperate Leiland was to please, to do good and to make people happy. And it pained something in him to see him constantly put down and pushed aside and disappointed. He knew, because he had eyes and he wasn't a moron, that Leiland was in love with Zaul'Nazh, and it was obvious that the Dark Lord toyed with that adoration, using it to manipulate the Vinguri. The way he toyed with most people.
Leiland deserved better. And Zaul'Nazh didn't deserve the loyalty and devotion. Percy couldn't help but feel like Leiland would be better served by giving those gifts to someone else. Someone who would appreciate them.
"You're far from stupid, Leiland," he said. "It's not about wishing us to fail. It's about power plays. Ridiculous, petty power plays. Gogmawth was toying with us, exercising his scant power. And I did Zaul'Nazh the service of showing him why that was not a good idea. Efink will recover in a few days. And when she does, hopefully her visions will be clearer." He made no attempt to appear remorseful. There was no point in it. He was not sorry for what he had done. It had been a necessity and nothing more.
"You would not have found the crown there," he said. "Or anything at all. Gogmawth's game was a waste of your time and talent. I will look more carefully for the crown and should I find anything, you will be the first to know."