You're choosing to keep it. That is not a burden. THAT is a mistake. You're a grown man Kerag, a smart one. But that sword is a folly. You want to keep it fine. Don't say I didn't warn you.
The orc looked down at the sword, then back to him.
"Renquist thought I might be worthy of the sword, I've taken it upon myself to try at least. It's my nemesis, this I am aware. But if I don't try, then a fool will eventually find it and become a slave to the blade. If I can learn a way to control it, well...that's one less ancient relic of evil we have to worry about."
He turned away, nodding to Margrett, and walked for the door.
Grayell rested back in his chair. He lifted his left leg to rest his ankle on his right and slowly swung his chair left to right in a lazy arc.
Hm. Kiga was not hired. His contract expired elsewhere and he needed somewhere to stay. We are old friends so I gave him some gold to get him on his feet. He suggested he help out in my absence. I gave him information should it prove to be useful and advised him to aid you in any way possible.
I was worried Liseth might make a move on Wistvale in which case he would have been a great help. Zombies I did not anticipate but I am sure he acted in the interest of the townsfolk. He specifically asked that I not divulge his being in town to anyone. Should he not have been needed, I understand why. He is... reclusive. He has a hard time with people.
Pretty miffed. He very explicitly said he was hired. And implied it was by you. What else was I to think? You could have left me a note, or told him to tell me the truth, rather than lie for no reason...either way it was a breach of trust.
Grayell stopped his chair facing the window and looked at her sideways. He folded his hands behind his head and pressed the chair back, leaning.
He is a professional. He doesn't do favours. He has a written declaration from me to exercise his trade in the interest of the town. That would be his contract, he does not operate in any other way.
But, he was not to supercede your own authority, he is not a guard and in no way, shape or form have I any doubts in your abilities to run the guard and keep this town safe. But with a town full of hired goons, one professional acting at my behest shouldn't be considered a breach of trust.
If you must know Margrett, this occurred the night before I left. After I returned home. I could not see you again that night....
He sighed, just a little and smiled but shrugged it off.
Well. I had to walk away from you once. Twice would not have been easy. I apologize but it was not my intent to deceive you.
That doesn't explain why he didn't tell me the situation. Either he's stupid for trying to fool me or wanted to hide that you were doing him a favor. Either way, I don't trust him. You explaining everything does little to make me feel better. Should have thought it out beforehand. She narrowed her eyes.
This hired goon is different. He lied to my face, for one. If I caught anyone else doing that I would have the same reaction. The fact that you sent him either means you didn't trust that I could handle the town, or that you didn't know him well enough or teach him well enough to tell me the truth straight out.
Grayell was unphased, he was not going to let this upset him.
Lying perhaps. His line of work demands a degree of secrecy and I'm sorry if you find that unsettling. If he wants to look at it as a job then fine. Given that a whole swarm of zombies can just up and try to ransack the town, I might have to consider putting him on full time.
Now if you insist on thinking that this was some diabolical plot to undermine your authority and if you would rather he sit at home and practice his crochet, then I have little I can tell you. He doesn't work for you, he isn't affiliated with the guard in any way whatsoever. If that unsettles you then I suggest you consider what your jurisdiction is.
Why you are under the impression he is obligated to tell you everything makes little sense. He doesn't work for you Marg.
Alright, now he sighed.
If you're determined to be upset then fantastic. It was not my intent to break any trust, I trust you implicitly... to do your job. And I have a job to do as well. If you cannot accept that everything thing I do is not always going to be discussed or shared with you, then we have an issue. If you would like that to be the case then wonderful, you can help me with the leagues of paperwork that has been entirely neglected by my esteemed fellow representatives.
Someone has to run this damn town. Consider Kiga an employee of the council and no longer your concern. You and him are not affiliated in any manner and therefore, you should not consider it any bloody breach of trust. You are Captain of the guard, let your concern rest with your guards. You don't want me in your business and I don't put demands on you, let's try and keep it simple all round hm?
He rubbed his face and flung his hands forward before standing up. He turned, leaned against the table and folded his arms.
Look. I would rather we didn't do this right now. I just got back in town and whilst I fully anticipated you giving me all manner of hell, this isn't what I'd rather be doing. Can we move on? There's a lot we should cover and this... well this isn't helping.'
He looked at her, stared a moment and then smiled. Just a hair.
So. Not as easy as you thought I'd wager. This place is a mess. I doubt Serenity has even looked at it since she's been back.
Grayell stared at her with a raised eyebrow for a moment, tongue pressed in his cheek. His mouth pulled to one side.
No. But let's try this.
Why thank you Marg, you're looking rather good yourself. How was the trip? Oh it was fine, I almost died but achieved what I set out to do. How were things here? Oh really? Well that's good to hear, I'm glad you've found a new hobby. What's that? A bite to eat? Sure, I would love to.
He only chuckled, shook his head.
Ya know Blueberry, we are friends dammit. Working together is going to be tough. As your superior I cannot tell you everything. As your friend I want to tell you everything. You've stated you don't want anything from me, I've discovered we have a chemistry that makes things... unique.
He shifted off the table, place one hand on each armrest of her chair and turned it to face him directly. He leaned and stared at her, but was smiling.
I am sorry. If you can figure out how to make us work out all the time then you let me know. I don't want work to ruin our friendship. Really. You're too close to me to see this crap ruin that.
And I did miss you. It was odd not having someone giving me a hard time all day long.
She was silent a moment, studying him, and her cold graze cracked just a little, the corner of her mouth turning up.
I forgive you. I haven't forgiven him yet. He's still in trouble for lying without any real reason other than for kicks, and you're in trouble for not simply telling him to tell me the truth. You made a mistake, and you apologized. Now you're forgiven. Her eyes gleamed with a predatory amusement.
I missed having someone to condescend to. Welcome back, Grayell. Sir.