The king was simply tired. Problems were piling up more and more frequently. Economic troubles, unrest stirring, crime, Dr. Lance, and new reports of internal strife in the nobility have worn heavily upon him. Even worse was his lack of chosen successor for his age and the most recent report of a new threat that killed an entire patrol. All indications were that this was the work of demon magic, shown blatantly as it has not been shown before in his reign. At least he could end the day by partially paying attention to a “witness” and appeasing him with a bag of gold so as to hot have to worry about the matter.
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A guard came to the place where the captain and Diego were waiting. “The king is ready,” he announced.
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“Well, then, what did you see and hear on the matter of the massacre?” The king asked while sitting on his throne. The room was rather empty, as it was growing late in the day. His age was such that he looked to be almost half asleep even though he was at least making some effort to pay attention.