The Archaic System - 55 Ancient Ruins

“SIR TROY!”

“SIR TROY!”

“Ughhhh.”

I groaned as I rolled over. The mental and physical exhaustion of last night could not be made up by a few hours of sleep. My eyes slowly opened to reveal a panicked Matilda screaming my name.

I begrudgingly said, “What is is Matilda?” Even though I already knew the answer.

“Sir Troy, Sylvia has escaped from her room! Somehow she managed to escape her shackles and pry open the window that was nailed shut.”

Of course this wasn’t actually the case, Sylvia has been beneath a ring of Adarnas for hours. In actuality, after deciding to give Sylvia one last chance instead of hanging her, I pried open the window to make it appear she had escaped in case she denied my offer. If she had accepted, it would be simple for her to close it herself after returning to the room. Since she had denied, this served as my explanation for her disappearance.

In my best attempt at shock I stated, “How did this happen? Have everyone look for her at once!”

Matilda swiftly responded, “I have already sent out the guards to search for her. However, she is no longer on the grounds.”

I nodded, “This isn’t good her hostility towards me remains a threat. Report this situation to my brother Morrow and request additional guards.”

Event though I knew this was unnecessary Matilda would expect at least this level of response. Additionally, it would show Morrow that I “needed” him when I was in danger, further allowing him to trust me.

“Matilda I will entrust you with handling this. I will be spending the next couple of days taking care of my necessary duties as Captain.”

This was mostly the truth, I needed to give Morrow concrete plans for the Intel and Punishment Divisions as well as create a selection exam for the Intel division. However, I was also working with Valerian to create an intelligence/militant network among the local G’eth and to create a plan to deal with Ward and Cratagus.

I spent the following week mostly working out of my study in the Central Wing of the Captain’s Manor while occasionally going for a stroll in my garden to meet with Valerian. Additionally, I’d make the occasional trip to Morrow’s Mansion or the Guards Barracks to discuss Captain’s Business. Finally, at the end of the week most of my work was done. The divisions had been restructured, the Intel division was ready to have their first selection exam in a few days and the roots of Valerian’s Group were slowly gaining ground. At the minimum we were finally able to keep track of most of Ward and Cratagus’s movements.

From what we had learned so far it seemed Ward had resumed his regular duties as a bandit and was keeping a distance from the G’eth Village. Cratagus was also keeping his distance and didn’t seem to have any more interactions with Ward. I could only assume that they were waiting to see how things shook out with me taking over as Captain.

Just as I was beginning to feel relaxed Matilda entered the room.

“Sir, a Lieutenant Jeffrey Tate is waiting for you in the Courtyard. He says he has urgent new for you.”

Tate, he is the brown nosing Lieutenant who I met at the gate when Morrow held the ceremony for me to be the new Captain. I remembered I wasn’t very fond of him, but because he had a good relationship with the other Lieutenants I hadn’t tried to remove him yet. If I recall correctly he is in charge of the Land Division. Their weren’t many guards under his charge, but they oversaw the development of properties throughout Black Lion Village. For instance, if you wan’t to claim a piece of land as your own. You would need to go to his Division to get the paperwork handled before paying the financial division a fee and finally Tate would personally sign the deed giving you the rights to the land. His position gives him a modicum of influence, but since he has to work in conjunction with other Divisions he can’t throw his weight around too much.

After thinking for a moment I said, “Thank you Matilda.”

I got up from my chair and went down to the Courtyard to meet Tate. As I exited the Central Wing I was greeted by the big toothy grin of Lieutenant Tate.

“Good Afternoon Captain!” Said Lieutenant Tate a little too enthusiastically.

“Yes… What can I do for you today Lieutenant Tate?”

Tate took my awkward pause in stride, “Lord Morrow has sent me to get you so you may discuss something important!”

I couldn’t help but wonder if Morrow wanting to speak with me was tied to that event. This is around the time it occurred last time. However, last time I was too insignificant to even think about participating. My actions have certainly caused some ripples in history and this one might significantly help me.

I nodded to Tate, “Very well.”

Fortunately, I had started to receive my stipend as Captain and had the Tailor, Conner O’Dell, fashion some casual wear that still allowed me to conceal my inner armor and daggers on me without it being obvious. Since I was already prepared, I left with Tate.

On the walk over he showered me with unnecessary praise and asked inane questions and was just an overall nuisance. However, I nodded politely and spoke when I absolutely had to. After what felt like an eternity we finally arrived at Morrow’s Mansion.

“Thank you for the delightful conversation Captain! I hope we can chat again soon!”

I nodded my head towards him, while secretly wishing I could slit his throat. As I was passing through the corridors on the way to Morrow’s Office the guards saluted as I passed without question. After all it was a common occurrence to see me walking by at this point. I knocked when I arrived at Morrow’s office door.

“Come in.”

I could hear Morrow’s voice from inside and opened the doors. Morrow was sitting at his desk staring at a map and documents spread over his desk.

As I entered he looked up at me and asked, “Troy, have you heard of ancient ruins?”

I could barely keep from breaking out into a huge grin.