Role

Chapter 6

Any good general can divulge not only the perfect tactical plan, but take
into considerations the unexpected, the risks, the unforeseen possibilities.

I am no general, but a master of politics, negotiation, and the occasional
capture perhaps. Yet similar lessons must be learned, similar yet to be
discovered events considered. Three things occupy my mind, some more
pressing, but all equally dangerous.

The first and deepest concern, perhaps because things go well in enlisting
the help of imperials, are those who will not reciprocate or think themselves
above even the spire. Fortune, or perhaps my negotiation skills have been with
me so far, that is until I met the Shadowlord Niji. It seems he is so blinded
in his singleminded focus, that his passion outshines even the Emperor in his
belief that "It is the oath or nothing". In this is a great risk, for
if such led the Empire, the risks to even the spires and cities could be
great. But does it outrisk the rise of chaos? At this time I do not think
it does, but it bears watching.

The second concern is the sun branch of the tree. How easy it is speak of
warning in regards to the reavers. How easy is it speak in mistrust of
the harbingers and their shifting and often violet motives. Yet in the
masked "goodness" of the sun branch is an allure, a trap, that could bring
down order while cloaking its smells in roses and its taste in honey.

Third and lastly are several of the newest recruits. We've recently, a
necromancer aside, gave the badge to several who possess desire to patrol,
but lack the tools to be effective. I met a water shifter, who knows no
other animals. When asked to assist in the scales return, he informed me
he has no animals for such things. When asked if he could fumble or faerie
fire, he stated he would not risk death. When asked if he could patrol
the Open Sea and intercept an outlander who came to defend, he ignored me
and said he would only patrol Galadon at this time. And he is just one
of three I am concerned about. We need strong weapons to enforce the spires
justice. Lack heart and we are the like a sharp ceramic dagger that cracks
under pressure, but without the tools to enforce, we are a knife that
can not cut.