"Come in," I called to whoever was knocking at my door. The door creaked open and there stood Adamus Phillida and Itius Hayn. It appeared Hassildor got to them quicker than I thought he would.
"Good morning," Adamus said plainly. I had only seen him before and that was some two or three years ago. Back then he didn't look too old, and barely even had any gray hair despite being in his mid-forties. But now he looked like a mess. He was in a serious need of a shave and his entire hair was almost white. It was amazing what a war could do to someone.
"Good morning, sir," I responded while standing up. Even though this was only the second I had met the man I still felt the need to respect him to the fullest. He was after all the highest ranking officer in the Imperial Legion, with Itius coming in second.
"How are you enjoying your stay in the city so far? I know you've barely been here but certainly you must have some idea. Skingrad is a marvelous play to stay so I'm curious what you have to say about the Imperial City."
"Well, I sure do appreciate the wine cabinet over there," I said pointing to the wooden cabinet with my bottle.
"Yes, a lot of people say that," Itius said, though not with a smiling tone, more so as if he was annoyed by my comment. I can honestly say that I had never met him before. The only thing I know is that is only in his late twenties, just as I, and his father was once a well-respected general of Legion.
I think Adamus sensed the controversial tone as well, so he quickly delved into what I figured they had come to me for in the first place. "Hassildor has explained to me that he is trying to get you shipped to Bruma. Is that correct?"
"Yes sir, it is? He wants me along with Captain Burd to command a small army of Legion soldiers there. I'm not sure I should be talking to you about this, though. Nothing is for sure just yet. He and the other rulers still have to talk things over."
"We are the commanders of the Imperial Legion," Itius said nastily. "What we want to know we find out. And if you think-" Then Adamus interrupted him.
"Itius, will you calm down, please? How about you take a patrol through Waterfront, will you? Maybe that will clear your mind..."
Itius simply huffed and hurried out the door, slamming it violently behind him.
"I'm about him. He's been under a lot of scrutiny by the people, and even the soldiers...for good reason as well. He just isn't living up to what his father was for the Legion. Of course, none of that matters. I just wanted you to know that he doesn't mean anything by the way he acts, he's just...still learning the ways of a General."
I smiled and nodded. It was kind of nice of him to be so open with me, rather than treat me like the stranger I certainly was.
"I think we've met before, but a while back if I remember correctly. Anyway, I like the fact that you are not open in discussing just anything. That shows respect, a mark of a true leader," he said with a wink. "Because I can assure you, Janus sent me here to specifically discuss what I've asked you, and there is really nothing to worry about."
"Well, sir, there's honestly not a whole lot to say. He wants me to travel to Bruma with a small army to help Captain Burd up there set up some defenses around the general area, but he has to speak with the other rulers first. To tell you the truth I hope the decision is made and I can leave today, just to get it over with."
"And why is that?"
"I won't lie to you, sir, I am a bit nervous. I am the Guard Captain in Skingrad, yes, but this situation is different. I'll be leading a large group of men that I've never met before. It's definitely going to be something to get used to."
"That's another thing that signifies a true leader, Verick, that you are willing to admit your fears, but not show it. I like that a lot. And I understand where you're coming from, it's natural to feel that way. But, I'm sure you'll do fine."
Suddenly the door opened again, and this time a low-ranking Legion soldier was there. "Captain Phillida, we've captured a Hammerfell agent, and there may be more in the city! He's in the dungeon right now!"
Adamus kept his cool and said strongly, "Round up the Counts and Countesses and lock them in the Council Chambers! Be sure that we have a unit guarding the palace! Alert all soldiers of the situation block off all escape routes!"
"Yes sir!" the soldier yelled and then ran off.
Then Adamus looked at me and said, "Come with me, Verick, I may need your help."