You kneel in your chamber, surrounded by swords. You’ve amassed quite a collection over the years, mostly from deserters. Young knights who weren’t ready for what the job entailed, thinking they could escape the king's justice. They never did.
You finish your prayer and glance toward a collection of three swords on the wall. They had once belonged to oathbreakers. Poor excuses for paladins who forsook their gods, and as a result are able to use their powers without any of the proper restrictions. Dangerous work, dealing with oathbreakers. You cringe thinking about what the last one did to you.
You hear a knock at the door and rise from your knees. When it opens you see ser Kalister, one of the king's seven holy knights. What does he want with you?
“Ser Barinstein, I’m sorry for disturbing you. May I come in?”
"Ser Kalister! I assure you the pleasure is all mine. Please, come in. What do you need?”
He walks in and closes the door behind him, “I’m afraid there is urgent business that requires your immediate attention. There’s a problem out west.”
“Out west? There’s nothing out there but wandering tribes. Surely Mezera isn’t trying to cross the desert.”
“No it’s not them, the tribes have been peaceful, and Mezera is as docile as ever. There have been reports of strange activity happening over there."
“What kind of strange activity? And why are you asking me? This sounds like a knightly duty, not one that concerns me.”
“That may seem the case, but there is talk of strange beasts. Some even say demonic in nature. In any case it’s not something we want to make public. We need a palidain to go and investigate it. And if it is the work of demons, then it should be our best.”
“If this needs to be discreet then is it really wise to send me? Considering my oaths and all.”
He sighs, “Yes I’m well aware, however your order is the only one we can count on right now. Just try and not give away more than you have too.”
“You know very well that’s not how my oath works.” you turn, “Very well then, I’ll set off immediately. Anything else?”
“Yes, there will be someone accompanying you. A well known mercenary who came from the area. He’s seen what the beasts are capable of and knows the area well. He’ll be invaluable in helping you on your mission.”
You shudder, having to share the company of a mercenary sounds awful, "I am not going to accompany some sinful killer to go stop another evil. It's not right. Not to mention dangerous. Who's to say he won’t stab me in the back the first chance he gets?"
"I understand your frustration, but he's not just any mercenary. He has quite the reputation. In fact the king has hired him personally for many jobs before. As long as he gets his coin, he'll see the job through. I can assure you of that."
"It still doesn't sit right with me. The practice shouldn't even be legal and I'll be damned before I make friends with someone who commits such actions. Killing while sworn to no one is disgraceful."
"I'm sorry, but there isn't much of a choice. It is vital that we succeed, and he knows what we're dealing with. I've heard awful things, and I have no idea what's fact and what is fiction. You don't have to make friends with him, just get along and do your job. Can I ask this of you?"
You sight, "Fine, I will because it is my duty, but know this doesn't sit right with me."
"I appreciate it greatly. He is in the Great Oak Tavern at the edge of the city waiting on you. You can leave immediately."
As he leaves you pack the essentials. You grab your sword off its stand and walk toward the door. As you leave you frown to yourself, "What a troublesome assignment."
