Jarvis stood at attention, hands clasped behind him. He had gotten a bath for the first time in quite a while, and it had put him in better spirits. Arien stood next to him, although a little less formally. They were in a rather large tent, the sunlight shining through the thin white layer of canvas, an absolutely enormous array of maps, charts, diagrams, books, and other such things were stacked against the sides of the tent. As Jarvis was looking closer Jörmundur stepped in, and two guards took up position outside the tent. He seated himself behind an oaken desk and addressed the elf, his eyes sliding over Jarvis as if he wasn't there.

"I came as soon as I could, excellent work, Nasuada is pleased and has offered you an audience later if time permits."

Arien smiled and bowed her head slightly

"I will gladly accept."

"Good. Now, on to more pressing matters. Feinster has always been on the top of the list if there were ever a breakout from Surda. Apparently Galbatorix's generals have come to much the same conclusion, and although it is not nearly enough to prevent us from taking the city, there has been a swell in the number of Imperial troops stationed in Feinster. Still, most of the fighting will be against the army regulars, loyalist militia groups, and of course, the city guard. Keep in mind that the city has NOT been evacuated and civilian casualties will be an ever-present danger. The local ruler is her highness Lady Lorana. She is only bound to Galbatorix by oaths, but they will prevent her from interfering in the cities defense. This includes countermanding orders, so do not expect the defenders to give any quarter. Your task will be to neutralize a coven of magicians, situated in a church-"

Jörmundur turned for a moment and rifled through a stack of maps behind him. He produced a square sheet of parchment, and with a stick of charcoal, marked a circle on the map.

"-here. They are not particularly powerful, but if let loose hey could cause great damage to our forces. The planned line of skirmish has been adjusted-"

Jörmundur drew a long black line near the halfway mark of the city.

"-to this position, to allow you to move safely to the church. Needless to say, the objective is rather important, and it would be a grave lapse if you were to fail."

Arien nodded hastily

"We shall not fail."

"That is good, for much rests upon this. Arien, you are dismissed. Jarvis, you stay, I would like a word."

Arien gave Jarvis a questioning look but Jarvis just shrugged and she walked out of the tent. Jörmundur continued to write at his desk for a few minutes, not looking at Jarvis. After a while he set his quill down and let out a deep breath.

"Jarvis, Jarvis, Jarvis. What AM I going to do with you?"

"Have me fight for you, apparently."

"I knew your guild master, way back when. He was a cheat, a trickster, wily as a weasel, and completely untrustworthy."

Jörmundur got up and circled around his desk, bringing Jarvis eye-to-eye with him.

"He was just like you. I know what you do for a living, assassin. You kill, treacherously, in cold blood. If you were not a valuable bargaining chip I would have you imprisoned on the spot."

Jarvis said nothing and returned Jörmundur's stare with his own. After a long silence Jörmundur glanced at the entrance to the tent and spoke more softly.

"If keeping a prisoner of war is difficult, keeping a magician hostage is nigh impossible for our encampment. The magicians must die. Every last one."

"Why didn't you tell Arien this?"

"Arien is one of my best spies. Cunning, resourceful, courageous, and loyal. But although she is talented with a blade, she is no soldier, much less a murderer like you. She is young by elven standards, and has yet to know open battle. I do not think she could bring herself to do what I ask you to do."

Jörmundur walked to a cabinet leaning against the wall and opened it with a small key. He withdrew a round, greenish flask, who's contents gave off a pungent smell that wrinkled Jarvis's nose.

"This is liquid fire. All you need do is have Arien light the wick and throw it into the church, ensuring none escape. It will save you the trouble of lining them all up and beheading them."

Jarvis took the bottle from Jörmundur and looked at him, a mischievous smile twisting the corners of his lips.

"You're a man after my own heart."

Jörmundur frowned and waved him away

"I do what I must, now go, begone from my sight."

Jarvis blinked slightly upon entering the sunlight, and quickly stowed the green bottle in his tunic pocket as Arien approached.

"What did he want?"

"Oh nothing, just ironed out some specifics is all."

The elf looked skeptical but seemed to accept the answer.