The Chronicle of Heroes ~ Of Fiends and Shadows

[Aaronock]

Ezekiel's hands shook in frustration at his sides upon hearing the final lines of his next mission from King Ernst. The king seemed to speak with an affable tone, explaining the current situation in Geffen, recapping what happened in Lutia a few weeks ago. It droned on, but never did the king's diplomatic voice waver. Ernst's polite demeanor would fool many, but it wouldn't break Ezekiel. One couldn't trust someone acting so kindly, people like him took advantage of weakness the moment an opportunity presented itself. Ezekiel...he knew this too well, as the true man underneath the masks he wore bore a soul that desired a more compassionate world than the one he was born into. The built up paranoia he experienced with others had often saved him from hurt and broken promises, but it also robbed him of potentially good relationships too. The cost so far had seemed worth it. But Ezekiel was beginning to have his doubts about his current judgements of the King, perhaps they required revision.

"...So, you understand why you need to go meet with the mayor of Geffen, right? Only nobles were contacted for this particular mission. We have strong reasons to believe Eudoxie and Ostellos grow bolder, and are trying to amass further forces through backhanded methods."

The master rogue's head shook in protest, "I do not like it one bit. But it is already implied you are not interested in my opinion, only that I follow through on our agreed upon contract. I am to perform like a loyal, well-paid mercenary til Eudoxie and Ostellos are subdued."

Ernst frowned from his chair in the office, and then added, "As long as you act carefully nobody will discover you're both nobleman and rogue. I've ordered you to go on this mission because you can be trusted. You'll be given quite a bit of leeway just like the others when you go to represent Rune Midgard. You did well with the fae, I'm sure dealing with the orcs will seem like simple by comparison."

"Then I am but one nobleman serving his liege and country. And since you will give me the freedom to act as I please on this mission..." Ezekiel's voice trailed off.

Ernst looked firmly at Ezekiel, "...You'll do your best I assume?"

With a huff, the Rogue, after considering the situation, decided to prepare himself mentally for the coming days. Ezekiel bowed deeply, "Do not worry, King Ernst, I, Fazil Reis, will represent Rune-Midgard properly on this mission, and get to the bottom of this precarious situation involving the orcs."

A smile crossed the king's face, with a wave he began to wind down the conversation, "Thank you, for your trouble, please, stay here at the castle the next few days. If you should need anything before your departure, do not hesitate to ask the servants around for assistance."

Ezekiel bowed again, he understood too well it was a perfect chance to practice putting on a facade that he hadn't worn in over almost four years.