Ean's hand trembled on the knob as he hesitated at the back door. He was about to involve his mentor in a situation that could lead to all their executions. He pushed the door open, wincing at the creak that startled Samuel from his nap.

The older man's eyes snapped open, narrowing as they landed on Ean. In a voice laced with a mix of relief and reproach, he said, "Glad to see you are still alive."

Ean swallowed hard, struggling to keep his voice even. "The meeting was genuine, and I don't believe I was ever in any danger," he said. "She, however, is—" He paused, the unspoken words hanging in the air like a noose. "Or claims to be, in serious danger."

Samuel studied Ean's pale face, taking note of the panic still simmering beneath the surface of his usually calm demeanor. "A spy is always in danger, but this must be something unusual to rattle a veteran spy," he remarked.

Ean recounted what the woman had told him. "An assassin, likely sent by the Emperor of Brindle, attempted to kill her husband."

Intrigue sparked in Samuel's eyes, and he leaned forward in his chair. "What did her husband do to warrant assassination?"

This was the moment of no return. Once he spoke the words, there would be no deniability to protect the old man. With trepidation, Ean revealed the spy's secret. "Her husband is Brindle's spy in Argonia North."

Samuel sank back in disbelief. "Forty-five years working in the spy business. It's not unheard of for adversaries to become friends, but marriage. That's unprecedented."

Ean's voice wavered, betraying the turmoil within. "Is it treason?" He knew the answer but held out hope for an exception for spies. "How are friendships between spies usually handled?"

Samuel's tone darkened. "Respect doesn't usually turn into friendship until one of them retires," he said, his gaze unwavering. "Until then, it is not uncommon for one to have to..." He stared at the floor for a long minute, his face haunted as long suppressed memories played out in his mind "Kill the other in service of their country."

Ean struggled to bear the weight of the decisions facing him. "How should I handle this? Do I tell the king and risk their arrest for treason and spying? Or do I sacrifice the truth in order to protect valuable assets?"

Samuel carefully considered the question. "Did she provide any actionable intelligence other than asking for you to speak on their behalf with the king? Are either of them valuable assets and if so, how valuable?" He paused to collect his thoughts. "You need to confirm the assassination attempt story. If it pans out, that seems to indicate at least he is highly valuable."

"She told me the uprisings are the work of a puppet master, someone known as 'The Man In the Purple Hat' but she doesn't know whose side he's on," Ean recalled.

Samuel's eyes went blank, and he visibly paled. He clutched at his chest and his breathing grew labored.

"Do you need help?"

Through gritted teeth, Samuel replied, "As much as I talk about dying, this is only heartburn."

Ean jogged to the door and gripped the handle. "Are you sure? Let me get an apothecary."

"It will pass." Once he had regained his breath, Samuel said, "I cannot make your decision for you. I can tell you that all spymasters are eventually forced to make this choice. Strict adherence to the laws of their country, or loyalty to the cause and the people who risk their life for the cause."

Ean nodded solemnly. "Thank you, again, for your council. Go take care of your heartburn. I'm still undecided how to handle the spies. Regardless, I need to report what I've learned to the king."

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

* * *

Ean's fingers quivered as he thumbed through his leatherbound questbook. His eyes scanned the entries, the words blurring into an indecipherable mess as doubts clouded his mind. Twenty minutes had passed since he submitted his request to speak with the king. The wait was chipping away at his nerves.

Castle staff moved in and out of the throne room. Most ignored Ean or chatted indifferently as they gossiped. A pair of courtiers exited and stood within earshot of him. "I've never seen the king so tense. Mark my words, trouble's brewing."

The other replied, "I've heard rumors the ministers are worried he's not up to the task."

The throne room door swung open, sending the courtiers scuttling away. A palace attendant strode out, back rigid, expression unreadable as stone. With a curt nod, they gestured for Ean to enter. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the impending conversation.

The king dismissed the servants and guards with an annoyed wave. His eyes looked worried, and trouble lined his face. "Please, come closer, Spymaster Fleming. I hope you have information that can dispel the uncertainty and doubt that paralyzes the castle staff in a death grip."

Ean cleared his throat, his mouth suddenly dry. As he stepped forward, he couldn't help but recall the council's doubts about his abilities after his flawed Argonia West intelligence report. The memory still stung, a constant reminder of the high stakes he faced. His success to failure ratio with the king was not favorable. The news he had wouldn't go into the win column.

"Sire, I have re-established the spy network in every region of Argonia. All the intelligence I have gathered tells me—" Better to proceed with caution than make another mistake. "—Brindle is actively preparing for war and, despite my failure in Argonia West, I believe may have already infiltrated clandestine forces across our borders. I am still gathering confirmation on this information. The riots and protests in Argonia North appear to be designed to undermine your authority and public confidence, perhaps as a prelude to war."

The king listened gravely. "Thank you. This information does make the situation clearer. I am relieved to hear the people are not looking to rise up against me. However, your assessment is correct. The instability could serve the purpose of causing an incident Brindle can use as a pretense for military incursion, if not a full-scale war."

Ean met the king's gaze steadily. "There is one more thing I need to report, your majesty."

Ean's palms were sweaty. His heart pounded, knowing what he was about to say was a half-truth that, under the current circumstances, could be considered borderline treason.

"Our spy in Argonia North has been a valuable asset for many years and was highly regarded by my late master," he began, his voice trailing off in reverence. "Now, due to family affiliations in Brindle, she and her husband are being targeted by the Emperor's assassins."

The king's eyes widened as a flicker of alarm crossed his face. "Assassins! I will notify the commander of our border forces to be on alert. What is your plan for your spy and her family? While their safety is a grave concern, we need to maintain Intelligence resources in Argonia North."

Ean took a deep breath. "They continue to be servants of the kingdom and provide information. I ask your highness to reward their dedication with a Letter of Safe Passage in the event they need to flee the kingdom."

The king nodded. "Out of respect to your master and the spy's long service, consider it done. Ask my secretary for a letter on your way out. And tell her to increase your stipend to 30 gold pieces for the additional expenses."

Thirty! That's enough for a draft horse and a plow back home. Ean stammered out a thank you.

The king carried on speaking. "As for Brindle, I personally know the Emperor and my instincts tell me Riverside would be his most likely invasion route. He's always wanted complete control of commerce on the Silvergleam River. It is vital you have a suitable replacement in place should your spies flee."

"Yes, your highness." Ean set his jaw with determination. "I will recruit a replacement immediately."

The king locked eyes with Ean. "Make it your top priority because I have more work for you. Your report has lifted the fog of war in Argonia, but Brindle remains a mystery. When you return, I must dispatch you on your most dangerous mission yet."

Ean gulped. When he started his apprenticeship a few weeks ago, he expected it to be an office job. Fending off wolves and avoiding discovery and entrapment in Riverside were more danger than he ever anticipated. The only thing he could imagine more dangerous was unthinkable. Suicidal.

One thing at a time. What he needed now was to ask Samuel how to recruit spies.

QUEST COMPLETED: Q-015 Determine the cause of the protests in Argonia North

Reward: +30 Gold Pieces. +1 XP (13/24)

SIDE-QUEST UPDATED: SQ-02 Obtain a Letter of Safe Passage for the married spies.

Letter of Safe Passage added to Inventory

QUEST ACCEPTED: Q-020 Recruit replacement spy for Argonia North