Crossing paths in the night, Sergeant Slater, Brother Malak, and Private Hudson exited into the alley, heading in one direction as Sergeants Lethe and Bilko and Corporal Holbrook moved through and out the building into another.
Even with his recent familiarity with with Lethe, Hudson had nothing further to the Sergeant, aside from his sudden surprise when first finding the patrol. It wasn't much, but Lethe at least noticed, Hudson's averted gaze and inability to look any of thebother guardsmen in the eyes as he left.
The rest of the night went as originally expected, citizens in need of direction while buildings continued to burn.
There were only a few more fires, though seemingly due to the spending draft of those already burning. There was no additional sightings of a potential culprit but the operations were as much of a win as a win could be considered.
All in all, by the time the sun rose, nearly half of the lower district was smoldering, and half the district's 'citizens' (a majority being non-citizen Orcs) were homeless. The town square was filled with the residents of the district, though as the sun rose, so too did the workers of the group. All rose and went to the fields. There was work the been done, and the work now more so than ever, was the only way for many of them to still ensure survival.
When reaching the square, Captain En'Teneal approached Sergeant Lethe. "Sergeant. Report."
Hektor sighed as the Captain approached, then cleared his throat to report.
"Sir, Bilko, Holbrook and I began our search in the lower district. Almost immediately we came across a civilian in the streets pointing us to a nearby burning building. They exclaimed that others were in there, potentially also a member of the Watch. Upon entering I instructed Bilko and Holbrook to search the area quickly. I ascended to the second story, hearing a commotion that sounded like something heavy being broken. Finding no signs and unwilling to allow harm to come to those under my command, I ordered them to clear the building before fire consumed it. We entered the streets and resumed our search, moving to the next street over." He paused to take a drink, clearing some smoke from his throat. "We entered a smaller area, finding signs of entry. I heard voices talking..." he paused, dithering for a moment on what to say. "...behind us came Private Hudson, surprised to see us and me specifically. From the other room was Sergeant Slater and a man that identified himself as Brother Malak. There being there was explained as a escort operation." Lethe spat. "I'm not sure I buy it, but at the moment there wasn't any hard proof for me to act on." he added soon after. "We did come to find a Watch helmet amidst the burning buildings. Aside from that we carried out our orders, Sir." Hektor stood there, awaiting further questions.
"Very well. We've begun search and recovery efforts to locate missing citizens and men of the guard. Get some rest, the lot of you." Dismissing the three of them, Captain En'Teneal held Hektor back. "Sergeant Lethe."
When Holbrook and Bilko, as well as any potential prying ears, we're far enough away, Captain En'Teneal spoke in hushed tones to Lethe. "You may be on to something with your suspicions. I agree something doesn't feel right. Of the guards unaccounted for, there's only one that was missing from his post, prior to the disruptions...Captain Willard. You wouldn't happen to have come upon anything pointing towards his whereabouts?"
Hektor's brow furrowed as he replayed the sporadic events of the night over in his head. He slowly shook his head no, even still in thought.
"Sorry sir, but nothing comes to mind to point towards Captain Willard or where he might have gone." he gave a glance, feeling as if the dismissal of the others opened an opportunity to speak freely without having to ask, adding. "However, I did overhear Slater and this Brother Malak speaking about how Palua would become a stronghold sanctuary. With everything else going on in the continent, it feels as though interior factions have already begun to move and this event is somehow connected." Hektor refocused his gaze, taking a risk. "Would you like me to investigate sir, unofficially..."
Captain En'Teneal shook his head at the suggestion. "No, I prefer you keep your duties above board. I'll have it looked into. Thank you for the insight." He then continued, "For now, get some rest. This evening, at the day shift's end, report to the City Commander's office."
Hektor had never before been to the City Commander's office, though its location within City Hall was public knowledge of all guard. The same went for the Field and Wall Commanders. Further, this would be the first time Hektor would have been summoned to the Commander, or even be the first time he was in the presence of the Commander that didn't involve the entire guard standing in some sort of parade or formation.
It was still only after sunrise, so at this point, there was a good 10 hours or so before Lethe would have to report. An unexpected though potentially welcome reprieve given the interruption of his sleep and early shift start from the night prior.
"Very good sir." Hektor saluted and took his leave. With some hours till he had to be presentable, the first thing he wanted was sleep. He stopped long enough to get a cool drink of water, slip out of his charred and smoky clothing and armor and fall into a bed in the barracks. He'd likely catch a few hours of sleep before getting refreshed and a meal, then have his clothing and armor mended to. He ran over the list in his head as he dozed off, wondering what sort of trouble was brewing and what he would have laid before him at the City Commanders Office.
He clenched the knife beneath his pillow a bit tighter and shut his eyes.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Hektor managed to drift off soundly for 5 hours of rest before awaking. The rest was uninterrupted and left Hektor refreshed from the previous night's events.
While Hektor could not see the outside world, from the barracks bed, the sun was still up and it was early afternoon.
Rising, Hektor relieved himself then gathered his clothes and armor. He'd take the time to see that they'd be washed, don a fresh set of clothing and armor himself after taking the time to ensure everything was in working order. Based on the candle marks, he had plenty of time so set aside three hours to mend and maintain himself and his gear. During this time he would have a meal and prepare himself for the events ahead as best he could, cautious as to what to say if anyone stopped to speak with him.
Hektor's time passes uninterrupted. Several Corporals and other Sergeants with whom he was somewhat familiar nodded or greeted him in passing. No one truly seemed interested in small talk that day, either appearing to be otherwise preoccupied and lost in thought themselves, or for the few unlucky Corporals and Privates chosen to cover down on the extra shifts, appearing to be dead tired.
The entire time though, he never saw Hudson, or Sergeant Slater for that matter.
A part of Hektor was relieved that there were no further questions or interruptions, allowing him to get his thoughts together. He'd report the entirety of his events if that was asked, but when it came time, he had a feeling he'd be pushed on one side of the fence or the other. If the attack last night was someones hand, a show of force or a sowing of terror, it was likely effective as by now the whole of the city would be a whisper about it. Accusations levied, insults hurled, sabers rattled. That's how it would start. Soon after would come the blood.
He shook his head to clear it of these dark thoughts, finished donning his armaments and struck out at a leisurely pace. Two hours, more or less. He wanted to arrive at the City Commander's Office before the appointed time. This also allowed him to catch the city in detail, see how the people were reacting to his presence and perhaps catch some gossip from those out and about. A light snack, likely some fresh evening bread before completing his circuit to arrive at the summons.
The portion of the city between the barracks and City Hall had been unaffected by the events the night before, and it showed. The fires and explosions had been confined specifically to parts of the lower district, with logical reason as to why it hadn't spread beyond: cheaper materials and construction of buildings, structures closer together and filled with more material waste to act as kindling, away from substantial/available water sources, etc.
But the people in the other districts that Hektor passed through had returned to life as normal. The only real evidence of the tragedy, from where Hektor was, was the murmur noise of distant crowds. The displaced individuals still now residing in the town square provided that same distinct sound heard throughout the city when large events were being held there.
He had been to City Hall before. It held many administrative operation offices, like where citizens paid their taxes, or where young men, Hektor included, went to join the guard. On official business, he had even passed the guard offices before, sometimes with the doors open. However, this would be the first time he would ever enter the office of the City Commander.
The Commander's door was closed when he arrived, though it was nearly the time when Sergeant Lethe was to report. Simple but well polished benches dotted the halls, including one right across from the Commander's office.
Hektor really wasn't surprised as he walked through the city, finding the majority of its citizens carrying on as if nothing happened. To many, he suspected, nothing of note would really have happened at all. His circuit ended as he steps carried him int the city proper.
Hektor briefly glanced around as he entered City Hall. It never moved upon him in any great way, it didn't strike him as the heart of the city or even a jewel in its crown. It, much like himself, was a soldier to the city. Serving a purpose in its regular day to day function. At short length he found himself before a door he had never been through, to meet with someone he had only seen at a distance.
He sighed, taking care not to scuff the benches as he sat down, and centered himself mentally. He was likely here to give a fuller detailed report directly to the City Commander. He would oblige. He glanced at the door before him and then down the hall. If nothing occurred within the next few minutes he would knock on the door for the City Commander.
The remaining minutes came and went, and while Hektor did see others in the building, case in point, someone leave through another door in the hall and walk away from Hektor towards a building entrance, no one related to his business arrived, or came from the office.
The time came when he had previously decided his actions of knocking. Upon doing so, a voice came from the other side. "Enter."
Sergeant Lethe was versed in proper procedure for reporting in to a superior: Enter the room, closing the door behind him and immediately take the most direct route to center himself on the superior or their station, and announce who's reporting while at attention, until told otherwise.
The City Commander was sitting at his desk, a large hand carved and wooden specimen of high status, as was much of the office. The book shelves and glass displays against the walls. The fireplace and easy chairs opposite the desk, which appeared to be barely used if ever. The rug that spanned nearly the entirety of the wooden floor. Even the two simpler yet solid and polished chairs in front of the desk.
Captain En'Teneal was in the room, standing by the single tall window, casually smoking a pipe and watching Sergeant Lethe as he went through the motions. The City Commander was writing with a quill and ink across parchment and had not yet looked up at the Sergeant.
Commander Gnaeus was of noble birth from a very influential political family, allied in support of the Berossus royals. The Gnaeus bloodline is one that could almost rival the royal family being traced back to the beginning of the Cathaan and every back to the foreign lands from which they originated. While the Gnaeus name is known for political standing, the family is littered with individuals famous for strength of body and character on a multitude of different types of battlefields. And Commander Pompeius Gnaeus was no different. Like all nobles, he may have been born into a position of advantage, the City Commander studied strategy and statemenship at an early age, before enlisting in the war under a fake name, knowing that his true identity would have dragged him from the front lines. It wasn't until his first field commission while working his way up the ranks, that his true face was revealed.
That face was no wrinkled and war-worn. He glanced up without moving his head, but turned back to his letters. "This is him?" Commander Gnaeus spoke to Captain En'Teneal without any pause attention taken from his writing.
"Aye, Sir. This is Sergeant Lethe." He replied to the Commander, straightening up as he did so, but still with a level of ease.
The Commander glanced up again, occasionally as he spoke. "Lethe. We are shortstaffed and with our unaccounted men, included is Captain Willard. That being said, I am in need of a Captain, and En'Teneal speaks highly of you. Frankly, I think it takes more than a single night of chaos to pass judgement on a man, but my options are limited... You're being given a conditional commission to Acting Captain. The position comes with no advancement in pay or benefits. You will still wear your Sergeant stripes and sit at the barracks issuing orders. It comes with longer hours and you will be held accountable for every failure of those under your charge.... Your shift needs a leader and you are the unlucky individual who seems to be competent and capable enough to fill the position."
Hektor proceeded in, following protocol and coming to attention before the City Commanders desk.
Hektor blinked in rapid succession, processing what was just said, by who, and suppressed surprise at both the opportunity laid upon him and by En'Teneal's recommendation. Internally Hektor struggled with the idea. On the one hand he did have some experience giving orders and to an extent having them followed. He was confident he could handle the responsibilities and the broader scope of delegation and command. He had grown up in this city, he was sworn to its walls and its people and to him its internal security was something he took seriously.
However, the issue he struggled with was two-fold. He wasn't asked. By the City Commanders tone, directness and open discouragement that it fell to him of all people, Hektor was being told he would do this, with no benefit. If anything more risk and reprimand and likely replacement when some wetboy with a title and his father's money came of age and asked for it. The second was that the very thing that gave him this opportunity was the worst time one could possibly be forced into the position. Chaos. Turmoil. Underlying tensions between invisible lines of politics and royal civil war. Lethe was being thrown from fire to the forge, the kind of stress test that breaks the sword on purpose.
Lethe curtly nodded his ascent at the Commander's words, taking it for what it was, an order. He wasn't asked to speak.
A long pause between the City Commander finishing Lethe's new orders, as he wrote the second half of a document. He looked up to Sergeant Lethe still standing at attention, and then the Captain En'Teneal. "That'll be all." He said addressing both of them.
Captain En'Teneal came to attention as well, and then began walking towards the door, placing his hand on Hektor's shoulder directing him to walk with him. "Come on, Acting Captain. Your shift has already started."
Hektor gave a short salute to the desk and the figure of the City Commander before promptly exiting with Captain En'Teneal. Once the door was closed and they were a few steps away he spoke. "I would like to thank you sir, for your words of praise." he paused a moment. "I fear however, given the situation, I can do little more than bandage the wounds of the city as best I can." He took a breath and refocused himself.
"Walk with me." Was Captain En'Teneal's only response, once outside the door. He then stepped off at a brisk pace out of the City Hall and took a direct route towards the East Barracks. "We're already into my day off, and I'd rather be drinking, sleeping, or a variable combination of the two." He nodded in response to a patrol that saluted him as they passed.
"As an active Captain, you no longer have a normal shift work. Instead you will be on twelve hour shifts, from evening to morning, except for every other weekend, when you are either on call in the barracks for two days, or you have the time off. You duties include sitting at a desk, receiving reports, and reacting to disciplinary issues or emergency. The evening an morning shifts will start during your twelve hours so you will be charged with mustering, assignments, and passing word."
In the short time, Captain En'Teneal and Sergeant Lethe covered the distance back to the training yard, right outside the barracks. Sergeant Lethe, like most guards knew exactly where a Captain would be stationed during his shift. Certainly he had the freedom to walk about the grounds, or the city for that matter, if justified that it was in service of the duty, but otherwise, the Watch Captain's office was in a room directly behind the scribe desk at the barracks entrance. The scribe's position, usually manned by a squire or new recruit, was to record the comings and goings of all in the barracks and report regularly to the Captain.
"For the sake of being able to stay awake during your duty, you'll be permitted use of the Captain's Quarters, so none of the other shifts wake you. That's the short and long of it."
He turned to face Hektor. "With Captain Willard missing, I choose you based on your time in service to round up those patrols. You proved yourself competent. Keep your head down and retain that same competence, and you'll be fine. If anything happens during your shift, just report it to me in the morning. Any questions, or are you ready to take charge of your post?"
Everything came at a rush, it was one thing to be told that things were happening, it was another to sudden have them thrust upon you. Hektor had walked in a stewing silence, since leaving City Hall. He nodded briskly as the duties were listed aware, mostly, already of what he would be obliged to do. Then came the finale and he honestly hesitated a moment. There was a part of him, a very small part, that didn't like this. Something was awry, that he already knew, but this newfound sense of paranoia bubbled up from somewhere in his mind and whispered doubts and warnings on barely perceived scratchings at his mind. His brow furrowed.
"Yes Captain, I am prepared to take charge of this post, no questions."
Hektor had decided, that with access to the muster, assignments and the passing of word he could potentially have a better chance of finding out what was going on within the ranks of the Watch, if anything more than sides of loyalty being drawn. This assignment would likely afford him very little other than knowledge. The men could be picky about where they go and with whom they went with. All in all this was to be a headache. Silver lining was he had his own place to sleep it off.
"Right. The Watch is yours Acting Captain Lethe." Captain En'Teneal emphasized the word "acting" in a manner that was an obvious jest.
"If you need me I'll be at home. Don't bother me at home." Again, another only semi-serious comment, though this time with a more hopeful tone. A benefit of a watch officer's salary that they could easily afford residential housing set aside for city officials in the southeast of the Official District. Hektor was not familiar with the Captain's exact house, but they were all in the same area, and the location would be in barracks records should he need it.
Captain En'Teneal turned and left, leaving Hektor at the training yard, outside the barracks. Daylight was still visible but the yard was completely covered by shadows at this time.
Hektor took a deep breath, giving himself a moment to collect his thoughts as En'Teneal left.
He watched the sky for a brief moment, not exactly sure he would see anything, but hoped for some kind of sign. Then he relented, shrugged the weight of his armor and headed towards the Watch Captains office to get acquainted with the scribe on duty.
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Exitus Acta Probat
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Crossing paths in the night, Sergeant Slater, Brother Malak, and Private Hudson exited into the alley, heading in one direction as Sergeants Lethe and Bilko and Corporal Holbrook moved through and out the building into another.
Even with his recent familiarity with with Lethe, Hudson had nothing further to the Sergeant, aside from his sudden surprise when first finding the patrol. It wasn't much, but Lethe at least noticed, Hudson's averted gaze and inability to look any of thebother guardsmen in the eyes as he left.
The rest of the night went as originally expected, citizens in need of direction while buildings continued to burn.
There were only a few more fires, though seemingly due to the spending draft of those already burning. There was no additional sightings of a potential culprit but the operations were as much of a win as a win could be considered.
All in all, by the time the sun rose, nearly half of the lower district was smoldering, and half the district's 'citizens' (a majority being non-citizen Orcs) were homeless. The town square was filled with the residents of the district, though as the sun rose, so too did the workers of the group. All rose and went to the fields. There was work the been done, and the work now more so than ever, was the only way for many of them to still ensure survival.
When reaching the square, Captain En'Teneal approached Sergeant Lethe. "Sergeant. Report."
Hektor sighed as the Captain approached, then cleared his throat to report.
"Sir, Bilko, Holbrook and I began our search in the lower district. Almost immediately we came across a civilian in the streets pointing us to a nearby burning building. They exclaimed that others were in there, potentially also a member of the Watch. Upon entering I instructed Bilko and Holbrook to search the area quickly. I ascended to the second story, hearing a commotion that sounded like something heavy being broken. Finding no signs and unwilling to allow harm to come to those under my command, I ordered them to clear the building before fire consumed it. We entered the streets and resumed our search, moving to the next street over." He paused to take a drink, clearing some smoke from his throat. "We entered a smaller area, finding signs of entry. I heard voices talking..." he paused, dithering for a moment on what to say. "...behind us came Private Hudson, surprised to see us and me specifically. From the other room was Sergeant Slater and a man that identified himself as Brother Malak. There being there was explained as a escort operation." Lethe spat. "I'm not sure I buy it, but at the moment there wasn't any hard proof for me to act on." he added soon after. "We did come to find a Watch helmet amidst the burning buildings. Aside from that we carried out our orders, Sir." Hektor stood there, awaiting further questions.
Exitus Acta Probat
"Very well. We've begun search and recovery efforts to locate missing citizens and men of the guard. Get some rest, the lot of you." Dismissing the three of them, Captain En'Teneal held Hektor back. "Sergeant Lethe."
When Holbrook and Bilko, as well as any potential prying ears, we're far enough away, Captain En'Teneal spoke in hushed tones to Lethe. "You may be on to something with your suspicions. I agree something doesn't feel right. Of the guards unaccounted for, there's only one that was missing from his post, prior to the disruptions...Captain Willard. You wouldn't happen to have come upon anything pointing towards his whereabouts?"
Hektor's brow furrowed as he replayed the sporadic events of the night over in his head. He slowly shook his head no, even still in thought.
"Sorry sir, but nothing comes to mind to point towards Captain Willard or where he might have gone." he gave a glance, feeling as if the dismissal of the others opened an opportunity to speak freely without having to ask, adding. "However, I did overhear Slater and this Brother Malak speaking about how Palua would become a stronghold sanctuary. With everything else going on in the continent, it feels as though interior factions have already begun to move and this event is somehow connected." Hektor refocused his gaze, taking a risk. "Would you like me to investigate sir, unofficially..."
Exitus Acta Probat
Captain En'Teneal shook his head at the suggestion. "No, I prefer you keep your duties above board. I'll have it looked into. Thank you for the insight." He then continued, "For now, get some rest. This evening, at the day shift's end, report to the City Commander's office."
Hektor had never before been to the City Commander's office, though its location within City Hall was public knowledge of all guard. The same went for the Field and Wall Commanders. Further, this would be the first time Hektor would have been summoned to the Commander, or even be the first time he was in the presence of the Commander that didn't involve the entire guard standing in some sort of parade or formation.
It was still only after sunrise, so at this point, there was a good 10 hours or so before Lethe would have to report. An unexpected though potentially welcome reprieve given the interruption of his sleep and early shift start from the night prior.
"Very good sir." Hektor saluted and took his leave. With some hours till he had to be presentable, the first thing he wanted was sleep. He stopped long enough to get a cool drink of water, slip out of his charred and smoky clothing and armor and fall into a bed in the barracks. He'd likely catch a few hours of sleep before getting refreshed and a meal, then have his clothing and armor mended to. He ran over the list in his head as he dozed off, wondering what sort of trouble was brewing and what he would have laid before him at the City Commanders Office.
He clenched the knife beneath his pillow a bit tighter and shut his eyes.
Exitus Acta Probat
Hektor managed to drift off soundly for 5 hours of rest before awaking. The rest was uninterrupted and left Hektor refreshed from the previous night's events.
While Hektor could not see the outside world, from the barracks bed, the sun was still up and it was early afternoon.
Rising, Hektor relieved himself then gathered his clothes and armor. He'd take the time to see that they'd be washed, don a fresh set of clothing and armor himself after taking the time to ensure everything was in working order. Based on the candle marks, he had plenty of time so set aside three hours to mend and maintain himself and his gear. During this time he would have a meal and prepare himself for the events ahead as best he could, cautious as to what to say if anyone stopped to speak with him.
Exitus Acta Probat
Hektor's time passes uninterrupted. Several Corporals and other Sergeants with whom he was somewhat familiar nodded or greeted him in passing. No one truly seemed interested in small talk that day, either appearing to be otherwise preoccupied and lost in thought themselves, or for the few unlucky Corporals and Privates chosen to cover down on the extra shifts, appearing to be dead tired.
The entire time though, he never saw Hudson, or Sergeant Slater for that matter.
A part of Hektor was relieved that there were no further questions or interruptions, allowing him to get his thoughts together. He'd report the entirety of his events if that was asked, but when it came time, he had a feeling he'd be pushed on one side of the fence or the other. If the attack last night was someones hand, a show of force or a sowing of terror, it was likely effective as by now the whole of the city would be a whisper about it. Accusations levied, insults hurled, sabers rattled. That's how it would start. Soon after would come the blood.
He shook his head to clear it of these dark thoughts, finished donning his armaments and struck out at a leisurely pace. Two hours, more or less. He wanted to arrive at the City Commander's Office before the appointed time. This also allowed him to catch the city in detail, see how the people were reacting to his presence and perhaps catch some gossip from those out and about. A light snack, likely some fresh evening bread before completing his circuit to arrive at the summons.
Exitus Acta Probat
The portion of the city between the barracks and City Hall had been unaffected by the events the night before, and it showed. The fires and explosions had been confined specifically to parts of the lower district, with logical reason as to why it hadn't spread beyond: cheaper materials and construction of buildings, structures closer together and filled with more material waste to act as kindling, away from substantial/available water sources, etc.
But the people in the other districts that Hektor passed through had returned to life as normal. The only real evidence of the tragedy, from where Hektor was, was the murmur noise of distant crowds. The displaced individuals still now residing in the town square provided that same distinct sound heard throughout the city when large events were being held there.
He had been to City Hall before. It held many administrative operation offices, like where citizens paid their taxes, or where young men, Hektor included, went to join the guard. On official business, he had even passed the guard offices before, sometimes with the doors open. However, this would be the first time he would ever enter the office of the City Commander.
The Commander's door was closed when he arrived, though it was nearly the time when Sergeant Lethe was to report. Simple but well polished benches dotted the halls, including one right across from the Commander's office.
Hektor really wasn't surprised as he walked through the city, finding the majority of its citizens carrying on as if nothing happened. To many, he suspected, nothing of note would really have happened at all. His circuit ended as he steps carried him int the city proper.
Hektor briefly glanced around as he entered City Hall. It never moved upon him in any great way, it didn't strike him as the heart of the city or even a jewel in its crown. It, much like himself, was a soldier to the city. Serving a purpose in its regular day to day function. At short length he found himself before a door he had never been through, to meet with someone he had only seen at a distance.
He sighed, taking care not to scuff the benches as he sat down, and centered himself mentally. He was likely here to give a fuller detailed report directly to the City Commander. He would oblige. He glanced at the door before him and then down the hall. If nothing occurred within the next few minutes he would knock on the door for the City Commander.
Exitus Acta Probat
The remaining minutes came and went, and while Hektor did see others in the building, case in point, someone leave through another door in the hall and walk away from Hektor towards a building entrance, no one related to his business arrived, or came from the office.
The time came when he had previously decided his actions of knocking. Upon doing so, a voice came from the other side. "Enter."
Sergeant Lethe was versed in proper procedure for reporting in to a superior: Enter the room, closing the door behind him and immediately take the most direct route to center himself on the superior or their station, and announce who's reporting while at attention, until told otherwise.
The City Commander was sitting at his desk, a large hand carved and wooden specimen of high status, as was much of the office. The book shelves and glass displays against the walls. The fireplace and easy chairs opposite the desk, which appeared to be barely used if ever. The rug that spanned nearly the entirety of the wooden floor. Even the two simpler yet solid and polished chairs in front of the desk.
Captain En'Teneal was in the room, standing by the single tall window, casually smoking a pipe and watching Sergeant Lethe as he went through the motions. The City Commander was writing with a quill and ink across parchment and had not yet looked up at the Sergeant.
Commander Gnaeus was of noble birth from a very influential political family, allied in support of the Berossus royals. The Gnaeus bloodline is one that could almost rival the royal family being traced back to the beginning of the Cathaan and every back to the foreign lands from which they originated. While the Gnaeus name is known for political standing, the family is littered with individuals famous for strength of body and character on a multitude of different types of battlefields. And Commander Pompeius Gnaeus was no different. Like all nobles, he may have been born into a position of advantage, the City Commander studied strategy and statemenship at an early age, before enlisting in the war under a fake name, knowing that his true identity would have dragged him from the front lines. It wasn't until his first field commission while working his way up the ranks, that his true face was revealed.
That face was no wrinkled and war-worn. He glanced up without moving his head, but turned back to his letters. "This is him?" Commander Gnaeus spoke to Captain En'Teneal without any pause attention taken from his writing.
"Aye, Sir. This is Sergeant Lethe." He replied to the Commander, straightening up as he did so, but still with a level of ease.
The Commander glanced up again, occasionally as he spoke. "Lethe. We are shortstaffed and with our unaccounted men, included is Captain Willard. That being said, I am in need of a Captain, and En'Teneal speaks highly of you. Frankly, I think it takes more than a single night of chaos to pass judgement on a man, but my options are limited... You're being given a conditional commission to Acting Captain. The position comes with no advancement in pay or benefits. You will still wear your Sergeant stripes and sit at the barracks issuing orders. It comes with longer hours and you will be held accountable for every failure of those under your charge.... Your shift needs a leader and you are the unlucky individual who seems to be competent and capable enough to fill the position."
Hektor proceeded in, following protocol and coming to attention before the City Commanders desk.
Hektor blinked in rapid succession, processing what was just said, by who, and suppressed surprise at both the opportunity laid upon him and by En'Teneal's recommendation. Internally Hektor struggled with the idea. On the one hand he did have some experience giving orders and to an extent having them followed. He was confident he could handle the responsibilities and the broader scope of delegation and command. He had grown up in this city, he was sworn to its walls and its people and to him its internal security was something he took seriously.
However, the issue he struggled with was two-fold. He wasn't asked. By the City Commanders tone, directness and open discouragement that it fell to him of all people, Hektor was being told he would do this, with no benefit. If anything more risk and reprimand and likely replacement when some wetboy with a title and his father's money came of age and asked for it. The second was that the very thing that gave him this opportunity was the worst time one could possibly be forced into the position. Chaos. Turmoil. Underlying tensions between invisible lines of politics and royal civil war. Lethe was being thrown from fire to the forge, the kind of stress test that breaks the sword on purpose.
Lethe curtly nodded his ascent at the Commander's words, taking it for what it was, an order. He wasn't asked to speak.
Exitus Acta Probat
A long pause between the City Commander finishing Lethe's new orders, as he wrote the second half of a document. He looked up to Sergeant Lethe still standing at attention, and then the Captain En'Teneal. "That'll be all." He said addressing both of them.
Captain En'Teneal came to attention as well, and then began walking towards the door, placing his hand on Hektor's shoulder directing him to walk with him. "Come on, Acting Captain. Your shift has already started."
Hektor gave a short salute to the desk and the figure of the City Commander before promptly exiting with Captain En'Teneal. Once the door was closed and they were a few steps away he spoke. "I would like to thank you sir, for your words of praise." he paused a moment. "I fear however, given the situation, I can do little more than bandage the wounds of the city as best I can." He took a breath and refocused himself.
"Where shall we begin?"
Exitus Acta Probat
"Walk with me." Was Captain En'Teneal's only response, once outside the door. He then stepped off at a brisk pace out of the City Hall and took a direct route towards the East Barracks. "We're already into my day off, and I'd rather be drinking, sleeping, or a variable combination of the two." He nodded in response to a patrol that saluted him as they passed.
"As an active Captain, you no longer have a normal shift work. Instead you will be on twelve hour shifts, from evening to morning, except for every other weekend, when you are either on call in the barracks for two days, or you have the time off. You duties include sitting at a desk, receiving reports, and reacting to disciplinary issues or emergency. The evening an morning shifts will start during your twelve hours so you will be charged with mustering, assignments, and passing word."
In the short time, Captain En'Teneal and Sergeant Lethe covered the distance back to the training yard, right outside the barracks. Sergeant Lethe, like most guards knew exactly where a Captain would be stationed during his shift. Certainly he had the freedom to walk about the grounds, or the city for that matter, if justified that it was in service of the duty, but otherwise, the Watch Captain's office was in a room directly behind the scribe desk at the barracks entrance. The scribe's position, usually manned by a squire or new recruit, was to record the comings and goings of all in the barracks and report regularly to the Captain.
"For the sake of being able to stay awake during your duty, you'll be permitted use of the Captain's Quarters, so none of the other shifts wake you. That's the short and long of it."
He turned to face Hektor. "With Captain Willard missing, I choose you based on your time in service to round up those patrols. You proved yourself competent. Keep your head down and retain that same competence, and you'll be fine. If anything happens during your shift, just report it to me in the morning. Any questions, or are you ready to take charge of your post?"
Everything came at a rush, it was one thing to be told that things were happening, it was another to sudden have them thrust upon you. Hektor had walked in a stewing silence, since leaving City Hall. He nodded briskly as the duties were listed aware, mostly, already of what he would be obliged to do. Then came the finale and he honestly hesitated a moment. There was a part of him, a very small part, that didn't like this. Something was awry, that he already knew, but this newfound sense of paranoia bubbled up from somewhere in his mind and whispered doubts and warnings on barely perceived scratchings at his mind. His brow furrowed.
"Yes Captain, I am prepared to take charge of this post, no questions."
Hektor had decided, that with access to the muster, assignments and the passing of word he could potentially have a better chance of finding out what was going on within the ranks of the Watch, if anything more than sides of loyalty being drawn. This assignment would likely afford him very little other than knowledge. The men could be picky about where they go and with whom they went with. All in all this was to be a headache. Silver lining was he had his own place to sleep it off.
Exitus Acta Probat
"Right. The Watch is yours Acting Captain Lethe." Captain En'Teneal emphasized the word "acting" in a manner that was an obvious jest.
"If you need me I'll be at home. Don't bother me at home." Again, another only semi-serious comment, though this time with a more hopeful tone. A benefit of a watch officer's salary that they could easily afford residential housing set aside for city officials in the southeast of the Official District. Hektor was not familiar with the Captain's exact house, but they were all in the same area, and the location would be in barracks records should he need it.
Captain En'Teneal turned and left, leaving Hektor at the training yard, outside the barracks. Daylight was still visible but the yard was completely covered by shadows at this time.
Hektor took a deep breath, giving himself a moment to collect his thoughts as En'Teneal left.
He watched the sky for a brief moment, not exactly sure he would see anything, but hoped for some kind of sign. Then he relented, shrugged the weight of his armor and headed towards the Watch Captains office to get acquainted with the scribe on duty.
Exitus Acta Probat