Page 2197

((The Mon/Wen/Fri Double -- page 2 of 2))
'I wasn't trying to manipulate you,' said Orric. 'If anything, it's rather bold of you to assume that supposed manipulation would be enough to make me trust you.'

'What?' said Ericoros.

'We're at an impasse, old friend.' Orric shook his skeletal head. 'As things currently stand, I honestly don't know if there is a way forward from here. We Rainlords are an untrusting bunch by nature--and lately, even more so.'

'Hmph. What is your point?'

'My point, old friend, is that this stalemate is not going to change anytime soon, so there's no harm in making your request of Lord Goffe. The worst he can say is no.'

Hector would not be distracted, however. "Before that, Orric, answer my question. Why did you keep your past relationship with Ericoros a secret."

'Ah...' Orric's hollow gaze lingered on Hector for a moment, then glanced back toward the other reaper. 'As I mentioned, it was not my intention to hide it from you for so long. But perhaps I was afraid that you would no longer allow me to speak to Ericoros, if you knew.'

Hector made no reaction. He could see that Ericoros was watching him again, so after another intermission of silence, Hector simply said, "Ask."

The reaper took his time. '...There is a certain place in Vantalay that I am concerned about. A village called Miro.'

Vantalay? That was obviously no coincidence.

Hector wasn't surprised that Ericoros had caught wind of their missions abroad. No doubt, there was plenty of loose talk about them going on all over Warrenhold, and in order to keep that secret from Ericoros, Hector would've had to imprison the reaper completely, which he didn't want to do.

It was a bit of a risk, of course, but the whole point of this difficult situation was to build a rapport with the reaper, to let Ericoros see exactly the kind of people that Leo was getting involved with. And imprisoning him wouldn't accomplish that.