Power struggle

Ostiarium - Stoneshade Keep

The Lord Commander entered the Great Hall as two guards stood at attention. His eyes were immediately drawn to the figure that sat hunched over by the fire, gazing at the flickering flames. The man stretched his hands to warm them as if it was the middle of winter. As if he was constantly cold.

Duke Stoneshade placed his hand on the dagger he carried at his belt and took a deep breath. ~I should just slice his throat here and be done with the ghoul.~ he considered before walking into the Great Hall.

The servants were already bringing food and laying the table for the Duke and his guest evening meal. Most have the strange man a wide berth. A mixture of fear and trepidation and a healthy dose of admiration too, truth be told.

"Purger. Welcome to Ostiarium and Stoneshade Keep." He said coming behind the man drawing his attention. "I trust you found your quarters suitable?"

Margrave Otho rose from his chair by the fire slowly. He turned his pale features and red eyes towards the Duke. His dark robes opened at the chest showing the symbols of three Pillars.

"Earthly comforts make the body soft. A soft body makes for a complacent mind. The Pillars provide all I need." He said in a raspy voice.

Duke Stoneshade stopped himself from rolling his eyes. "Please come and sit." He said taking his guest to the table.

The usual niceties were observed Polite conversation and all the right social features were taken. The Duke noted that the Purger drank only water and ate some fruit, glowering at the first and last servant that offered him wine.

"To victory." Stoneshade said. "Raising is goblet. Margrave raised his too but his expression remained unfazed.

"A victory that came at too great cost. Half of my Flock died. So that the battle would be won." He replied. Sir Zane had pretty much confirmed this. Although victory would likely not escape the alliance of the Ostiarium soldiers and the Odonine clans, the fact remained that the Silent Flock had ensured hundreds had lived by dealing with the Odsier Bonecasters.

Word was that most soldiers believed that the Purger was the one that led them to victory. That the Pillars rode at his side speaking through him. That he had sent his own men to kill the Weavers and in the process spared everyone else. Already rumours were spreading that some Salos soldiers had applied to be indicted into the Flock. To learn their ways. That some of his own Knights had bent the knee to the Purger in the field of battle as he had a anointed them with the blood of the heretics.

Before he could be reply a paige entered the room. "Your grace." He started before bowing. "The Riese-Sadir ceremony." He stammered. "They're dead..."