Page 58 - North Star Magazine 2022

”I was a soldier for Gryth. We were to storm the Verjk Mountains under the legion of Raimund the Ruthless, but I deserted the army and this was my punishment. A scar to remind the world of my failing,” Rilos struggled to look as if he was calm.
Based on the smirk on his face, Rilos assumed Lou liked this response. He leaned back in his chair and ran his fingers through his hair and spoke.
“Gryth was a corrupt man and now he is dead. Raimund and his eldest son, Moneth, are wanted criminals.” Lou slid his chair back from the table as he continued. “His son, Garen, now hunts the both of them in honor of the Empress. We are protected under the grace of Nessta, even dishonored old men like yourself.” Lou arose from his chair and placed his hands onto the table and leaned in until he was close enough to feel Rilos’s breath.
“You’ve nothing to fear from the loyal servant of such a merciful and just ruler. Collectors will be here at the end of the season to collect our portion of the harvest. We are done here.” Lou reached out his hand and waited for Rilos to respond. Rilos stood slowly from the wooden chair, his eyes locked on Lou’s and reached out his palm, moist from sweat, until it collided with Lou’s.
Rilos and Lou looked at each other with forced smiles, their hands locked together.
Lou returned to his entourage of guards and began walking down the hill towards the village. The group walked to the edge of town where their carriage was stationed. They rode for an hour before reaching a relay station for the guards. Lou exited his ride and entered the station. Men and women rose and gave him the salute of Mandla3 , with their left palm facing forward, touching their middle finger to their temple. He walked past and mirrored the respect before making his way to the courier.