>>5203179“More then? I suppose it couldn't be simple. There have been a number of growing issues these last few months, from missing tax collectors to unseasonal northern raids. Could they already be here? We have to find out. Which brings me to the other matter at hand.” Alkaign holds out his hand and a sealed document is placed into it by Sir Graven, as always standing behind his liege. “My grandfather was a man of military bearing, his campaigns gave us the northern duchies you call home, Lord Campbell. His extensive war spending was of course unpopular, and revolts happened with some frequency. He had an answer for this: The Beholders. An autonomous spy organization tasked to maintain public order and protect the Empire from internal and external threats. It was very successful. Too successful, if my father disbanding it is any indication. I wonder how many bridges he built off of what used to be the order's budget?” He unfurls the scroll he holds, clearing his throat. “I, the Emperor Alkaign, in Imperial Year 630, declare the reinstatement of the Order of Beholders. Lord Uilleam Campbell, of good name and faithful character, is named Captain-General of the Order immediately. Castle Barython is relinquished from Imperial stewardship and bequeathed upon the holder of the office of Captain-General and all successors to the office henceforth.” He closes the scroll.
Every eye in the room is on you, and you have a hard time hiding your surprise. “My Emperor, this is too much honor.”
Alkaign barks a laugh. “Honor? This is work, Lord Campbell. You'll be cursing my name in nary a month. These damned visitors are going to be Depths' damned hard to root out. And the job is yours. I can't be barking at shadows my entire reign. So you will do it for me.” He points at you. “My first command to my Captain-General is to ride to Barython and take command. The garrison and staff are yours, as is the budget I'm having Honored Chen carve out of the treasury. Get the Order settled in it's new home, and then destroy these subversives by any means necessary. I'll expect a report when you first take one of their bastard heads.”
You rise. “It will be done, my Emperor, on my honor.”
“Considerable as it is.” He holds up a finger like he remembered something he forgot. “Oh, and do take Lady Alys with you. That stare of hers would put me in the grave short a month if I didn't send her with you. Now get you gone, I'll spare you the next few hours of Chen's damnable numbers and figures.”
You and Alys leave the council room as you hear Xia Chen dive back into her exhaustively detailed list of revenue changes and suggestions on how to increase the treasury. The heavy oak doors close behind you both.
