panel 204: this update annoyed a few people back in the day

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'Hmmm even so the risk of invasion too great, destroying the bridge would leave us cut off and vulnerable it might even encourage Queen Nerexi to make a move.' Garrin states with a smirk 'I may have another idea to deal with Vivian Hearth'

'Indeed?' Kalez responds intrigued

Garrin explains his moment of inspiration 'As Captain of The Royal Guard, I possess the authority to hire adventurers on the King's behalf, I could acquire her services by redirect any payment to the crown. It should also satisfy her ego knowing that she has succeeded in defying you'

'Good. Do it.' Kalez Concluded 'I'll have N'Thar look into Belgate bridge and for any possible reason Vardek would need it open'

Garrin feels this is as good an excuse as any to ask the question on his mind 'Speaking of N'Thar, why seek my advice over his today?'

Kalez gave her face's approximation of a smile 'It's been a while, hasn't it?'

'Three years' Garrin responds
'Yes. Three years ago I was certain Aebin's use was over, I was certain he would betray me, you risked everything to convince me I was wrong.' Kalez then admits 'you were right. you're a very good judge of character Garrin and I need that now'

'Very well, I shall help in whatever way I can' Garrin feels his assessment was more luck than any sort of special insight.

'the plague is spreading again.' is Kalez' grim response 'Eeyfel has contracted Wastrel's curse'

Garrin flinches at the plagues name spoken openly. 'You must be mistaken.'

Kalez responds with a withering stare of disappointment

Garrin's blood runs cold 'I truly thought we were rid of this horror.' He knows if necromancers are spreading the disease once more thousands will die 'Princess Reefa is at grave risk it can't be safe to bring her to Castle Crym now'

Kalez nods 'I agree, keep her in Herrone until I've gotten things under control'

'We must do everything we can to limit it's spread!' Garrin blurts out impulsively.

A dark look falls over Kalez 'Even if that means abandoning Eeyfel?'

Dread creeps into Garrin's heart as understanding reaches him.

A rare sympathy fills Kalez' voice 'This is the advice I need Garrin, I'm not sure I can save Eeyfel, what's more Vardek has begun swaying my Hydra, if I don't focus on rebuilding Their trust I could lose them. Vardek wants me distracted by the plague I'm certain of that... and yet I can't ignore it either. I have to be decisive or I risk losing everyone and everything.'

A moment of silence follows

how does Garrin respond?

A) "the Hydra has great hidden power, you should train them as Acolytes to replace Eeyfel; this will show faith and mend wounds, Eeyfel is too weak to survive, if she doesn't die today she'll die tomorrow" (Kalez will likely lose Eeyfel to the legion of Thirst)
B) "Eeyfel is ever Loyal, you owe her your complete attention on tending to her condition. The Hydra is too chaotic to truly rely on and impossible to control, let Vardek have her."(Kalez will likely lose the Hydra to Vardek)
C) "I'm not sure which course is best... you must ask someone else"(Kalez will Likely speak with Nethar, Nethar will likely pick to trust the Hydra)
D) another choice? (Garrin must come up with a brilliant solution or risk Kalez losing both Eeyfel AND the Hydra! and quite possibly others... )
E) "I need to know more before I decide" (Garrin might run out of time and forgo giving a full answer)

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King of Pentacles is a NSFW Clothing damage fantasy adventure and can be read here!
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