LOKI

I would like to begin this letter by giving my sincere condolences concerning the death of your father. Odin was a wise and excellent king, and I am sure you and your family are still mourning his loss.

I rolled my eyes, recognizing the beginning of the letter as one I had seen countless times before. I could already guess what the rest of the note would read-I was so happy when I heard you had become king! I always thought you were the right choice. Then, more subtly, whichever lord or lady was writing would ask for more supplies, more men, more money. With the changing of a king came a changing of favor, and now everyone was vying for mine.

Of course, there is still cause for celebration in the realm. Your acceptance of the crown was a truly joyous occasion for my family and me, as we all believe you will follow in the footsteps of your father and be as superb a leader.

I yawned, wondering if I should even bother to continue.

At this point, I think it fit to remind you of the Dagson's commitment and service to the royal family. In times of need, the province of Skali has always sent aid to Asgard and now, I am afraid, we must ask for aid in return. Our small town has been plagued by a serious problem for some time now.

I chuckled, already guessing what sort of problems Lord Dagson might be facing. Most likely, not enough gold to satisfy his greed.

We have reason to believe a vigilante is stationed in Skali.

I sat up in my throne, interest suddenly piqued. A vigilante? That certainly was cause for concern.

A criminal known as "Obsidia" by the commoners has been stealing from honest citizens in our town. Normally, this sort of filthy thief could easily be taken care of by my guards. However, Obsidia has garnered the protection of the people, as they believe her to be some sort of savior. The worst part of the whole matter is that instead of taking gold or valuables, this criminal prefers to steal important documents and political secrets from members of the upper class. She then proceeds to make these private affairs public, believing herself to be "freeing Skali from the shackles of secrecy."

I am sure as king you have many problems of your own to take care of, but my family and I are begging you to spare a few men and help us apprehend this scoundrel. I have instructed the messenger to deliver this letter as quickly as possible, for we are in dire need of assistance.

Kispin Dagson

The paper was stamped with his seal, verifying that it was truly the lord of Skali who had written it. I set the letter down, unsure of what to do. It had been so long since anything of interest had happened in Asgard that at first, my only reaction was to reread the entire message over again.

Upon finally absorbing the full meaning of Kispin's message, I leapt from my throne and began pacing the room. A vigilante! A vigilante in Asgard! It did not escape my realization that how I decided to deal with this problem would be my first act as king. The letter had called for at least a few extra helpers, but it seemed Dagson's men had been unable to stop this criminal themselves. I doubted ten more soldiers would do much.

I looked back at the pile of papers sitting next to the throne. More letters to be read, forms to be signed, laws to review. Coming to a decision, I strode out of the room, flinging the thick wooden doors open. The two men assigned to guard the throne room jumped in surprise, but quickly fell into step behind me as I started down the hall.

"Prepare a horse," I told them as I started up the stairs leading to my room. "I'm leaving the city."