iPrologue/i
"No, anyone but him, Velanda. Surely you have another suggestion."
"No, I don't, Lord Helseth. Not if you want the very best."
King Hlaalu Helseth and his councilors were discussing a matter of utmost importance, directly involving the Great House Hlaalu. Eerie happenings were taking place in the city of Balmora, the district seat of The House. One month ago a member of House Hlaalu went missing. An investigation was of course conducted by hired investigators, but nothing came up. The case was eventually ruled that the member, in this case a low-rank Dunmer, had simply ran away to an unknown location.
However, just two weeks ago two more members went missing, and again the disappearances took place in Balmora. Now the leaders of House Hlaalu have since then taken the matter very seriously, and have also since then become very angry. For one, they are upset because the previous investigators were obviously wrong. And two, they are now going to be forced in hiring the one many they had exiled long ago.
"You do know Sirius is currently a struggling merchant in Caldera, correct? The last I heard, his little business was on the verge of collapsing, and that was two years ago."
"Yes, but agents never forget their trade, my lord," Mistress Velanda Omani claimed.
Helseth stood up from his chair and walked over to a wall and stared at one of his paintings. It was a large picture of him and an Imperial, both grinning from ear to ear. The two were once ivery/i good friends. About a month after that same painting was created something happened, something awful and unexplainable. Now the two haven't spoken in nearly four years. Helseth didn't want to make contact with him, but he knew it was the only way to ensure success.
"But he's a traitor, Velanda. You know this," Helseth said, still looking at the painting.
"That is true, my lord, but I'll have to agree with Velanda on this one," Master Crassius Curio announced. "Something is happening in Balmora; something that needs to be dealt with swiftly."
"That is right, my lord," Master Yngling Half-Troll said in agreement. "Unfortunately I don't see any other option."
The king of Morrowind turned his head and walked back to his chair and sat down. "What are your opinions?" He asked towards Master Dram Bero, and Mistress Nevena Ules, the remaining Councilors who had yet to speak.
"I won't lie; I do NOT want to hire the scoundrel," Nevena said. "But, as Yngling has just mentioned, I don't see any other way around this either. We have to contact him, my lord. He is the only one capable of the job it seems. The others failed, and I doubt you'll be talking to them ever again."
"Oh no," Helseth said, sort of chuckling afterwards. "They'll be lucky to still be alive next week. Because of those fools I've lost three members, all with the potential of becoming wonderful assets to The House," He said, referring to the previous investigators who had failed.
"I don't want to have anything to do with the piece of scum. He almost destroyed everything we've strived for, and now you want to re-hire him? That is ludicrous!"
It was obvious to everyone that Master Dram Bero didn't agree with them. His anger was obvious, but Dram doesn't even like foreigners anyhow. None of the Councilors did very much, but Dram's hatred was purest.
"Then what do you suggest we do, Dram? It is easy to sit there and complain, you know," Velanda said harshly.
"I don't want a traitor working for us! That doesn't even make any sense! Just think about it!"
"There is no other way, Dram! And again I ask you, what do you suggest?"
Master Bero sat there with his arms crossed, angry because he knew he wasn't going to get his wish. Deep down inside he knew it was the only way. He just didn't want admit it.
"Fine, do what you want. But don't come crying to me when he stabs us in the back once more!" He then stood up from his chair and walked out the door, slamming it forcefully behind him.
"What a damn child!" Velanda exclaimed. "It's a wonder how grown beings can act so immature and selfish!"
"So…it's agreed?" Helseth asked the remaining councilors, ignoring the argument involving Velanda and Dram.
One by one they reluctantly nodded their heads. They didn't want to do it, but they also didn't want to see anyone else vanish.
"Very well, then. I'll send a courier immediately."