Role

Chapter 7

Ululrek is an idiot. There, I've said it. I am sure the powers of the Night
have their reasons, but from the very first day the moron has demonstrated
the wit of a carrion beetle that was held back a grade in beetle school.
He genuinely believes I have some sexual interest in him. Far more likely
for that beetle. No doubt he can chop with an axe and narrow his eyes with
the gift of divine might, but his mind is mush. And, of course, he is not a
mage. All of which is to say, he needs an Advisor. He needs ME!

Careful, Czernish, everything you say might be true, but it is dangerous talk
nonethess. Even telling me was perhaps foolish, though I suppose I've proven
over the decades I am capable of keeping your secrets - they still don't know
you are the one who killed Berzhondra. For now there is nothing active you can
do, you need to act passively, and gather your own strength. Do what you must
to convince the Night you are most suited for Advisor, and once there, if there,
you can be more direct - though still careful! Until then, consider all the
ways you can shine at his expense.

Yes, yes, of course, I'm no fool. But it chafes. It would be less frustrating
if Lord Morius and his tedious disciple Riettlor were not so silent, for so
long. I have done what was asked and infinitely more - carrying this polearm for
years now is making my back sore! - and I visit virtually every day. I am patient.
But it grows disturbing. Pray it will be soon.

I will pray. But the ways of the gods are inscrutable, even to one as superior as
you, Czernish. You are indeed worthy of your pride in yourself, but the highest of
mortals still sits far below even the least of the gods. Do not permit yourself to
grow impetuous.

Again, I know! And I do not. I am on guard. But it does not mean I cannot feel
frustrated. Still, there is much to be proud of. At each phase in my life I may
have been the best, but each phase also requires the effort to make the leap to
the next. Learning. Practicing. Thinking. In all facets of life. Easist in some
ways has been the magic - my first death to that pitiful elf was good, just as
I intended. A test for myself to see what could be done. The decades since then
have proven fruitful as I grew more and more accustomed to what the guild teaches.