isn't it byronic

The mages have not shown a great deal of interest in where anyone stands on anything except their own cause. Which is to be expected. [ Meant for Benedict, mostly, to soften the criticism of this group he half belongs to—mage yes, rebel no—but with a look at Byerly too. Have some sympathy. ] If you are on fire yourself it is hard to worry about putting out your neighbor.

And whether Flint has a replacement for you in mind or not, By, he's clearly willing to entertain the possibility of finding one.