In the Commander’s Office of the Imperial Guard Barracks sat
Commander Acreas at his desk with a feather, an ink well, and a pile of papers
and scrolls. He was taller than Linvin and had a dominant physical presence,
even among humans. Were he to stand, his intimidating stature would become most
apparent. His long brown hair was bound together in the back making his strands
pull tight against his head. Dressed in his fine uniform he cast a mighty
shadow even from behind the desk. With his long sword beside him it was clear
that paperwork was not one of his favorite duties.
There came a knock at the door. “Commander Acreas, it’s
Captain Boshring. May I enter?”
Happy to have an excuse to end his task, Acreas set down his
feather and answered, “Do come in, Boshring.”
In walked a man who was still imposing, but did not cut the
broad lines of his muscular leader. “Commander, I have news for you.”
“We are alone, Boshring. There is no need for titles. What
news brings you here with such zeal, My Friend?”
“Firstly, I have had all the Imperial Guard Captains recalled
to the capital and given time consuming duties as per your instructions. I have
also moved as many guards into the city as the barracks can hold. The remainder
are camped outside the city. I told the men there might be a threat to the
Emperor and that was why they were here. In all, nearly 90 percent of the Guard
is in and around the city.”
“Excellent,” Acreas said as he sat back. “You are sure the
other captains will follow me if the emperor dies?”
Boshring nodded, “They are with you so long as you do not
betray your oath and kill your father yourself. They would see that as a lack
of worthiness on your part.”
Acreas took to his feet and swept the papers from his desk
in a violent stroke. Then he drew his sword and watched it as the light danced
across the blade. “My Father. If he would only admit to being that, this coup
would not be necessary. He thinks he is so smart by denying my birthright and
keeping me here to watch over. The only ones more incompetent than him, are his
spies. Oh what I would give to be the one to ram this steel through his heart.
Alas, that is not to be. Is there any word on Grithinshield yet?”
“That is the other part of my news, Acreas. The frost is
nearly upon us and still there is no sign of Grithinshield. For this plan to
work, we need him to kill your father. The Emperor is angered by the long delay
and has sent for Anvar Greenlith to see him in his courtroom. I thought you
would want to know.”
Acreas looked sharply at Boshring and replaced his sword in
its scabbard. “I must be the one to take Greenlith there. It is my only chance
to question him. Has anyone else been dispatched to get him?”
“A squad of goblins was sent, but you still have time to
intercept them.”
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