A Warden accompanied by a woman knocked at the door to Alexios’ office. The office was on the highest floor of the Citadel, in a tower overlooking the entire castle.

“Come in,” a voice commanded, from within the office.

The Warden opened the door to the office, allowing the woman to step in but he himself did not enter. Once the woman went through the entrance, the Warden simply closed the door behind her.

Alexios’ office was lavish with a ‘u’ shaped desk at the very end for his paperwork. Several shelves lined with books, and a gorgeous red rug that led from his front door to the desk. At the end of his office, behind his desk was a large and beautifully designed circular window overlooking the castle’s courtyard.

Standing at the window was Alexios, pondering. He wore a long sleeved brown tunic that curved upward at the shoulders. Going down from his neck to his lower chest was a neatly laced string holding the tunic in place so as to not expose more skin than necessary.

The woman who was let in was a beautiful dark skinned girl with braided hair running down to her neck. However, her attire was little less than her appearance. She wore a hooded cloak draped over her shoulders, held along by a tied knot around her neck. Her body was hugged by a short sleeved tunic tightened along by a black corset.

“I thought you were assigned to the King's duty in the Red March.” Alexios said, turning to look over his shoulder seeing the woman.

“I was. I reported to Kings Way several days ago.” the woman replied.

Alexios turned around completely to face the woman. He knew she was here for a reason. He walked from the window to his desk, sitting down on the cushioned chair behind it. Alexios gestured to the two chairs sitting directly across from him on the other side of the desk. The woman obliged with a nod and smile, sitting down directly across from Alexios.

“Why are you here?” Alexios asked, plainly.

“Caldorey suspected the Baron was plotting against him. So he sent me to be his eyes and ears.” The woman explained, crossing her leg over the other. “I managed to make my way into the Baron’s army, and saw some things you might want to be aware of.”

“Get to the point, Elaina.” Alexios said

“The Baron Zrokaan speaks openly against the King, Alexios.” Elaina responded.

“Why is that my problem? The Wardens don’t get involved in political nonsense.” Alexios stated.

“Of course you don’t but you are keepers of the Pact. Anyone who breaks the Pact of the Peoples order must be taken in for justice.” Elaina explained, with a sort of smugness to her tone. “Alexios. I was present when Zrokaan led an army of unsuspecting warriors into a trap. He slaughtered them like cattle then led them back into the arms of the Veiled Ones. All while his men used smuggled stones to keep themselves safe.”

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Alexios listened carefully but didn’t fully trust her intentions. He knew the King would do anything to get rid of the Baron.

“You expect me to dispatch a team based on your word?” Alexios said.

“It's not my words you ought to listen to. I speak for the King.” Elaina grinned maliciously. “Caldorey only wants justice for those poor old Warriors that Zrokaan slaughtered mercilessly.” A sludge of sarcasm dripped from Elaina’s tone.

Alexios sat still for a moment. He rested an elbow on the desk, holding his hand into a fist cupping it over his mouth as he thought of the situation. “If the Baron truly did break the Pact of the Peoples Order then there must be justice for his wrongdoings. I’ll dispatch a team to investigate these claims.” Alexios explained.

“Good.” Elaina said, getting up from her seat.

“Will that be all?” Alexios asked sarcastically.

“Yes, for now. I will be returning to Kings Way.” Elaina replied, turning her back to Alexios. “And do not bother sending an escort. I brought along some men of the Steele Emirate. Until next time Alexios.” she gave a little wave of her fingers, strutting her hips as she left the office, shutting the door behind her.

“I hate that bitch.” Alexios muttered to himself.

Another knock was heard at the door only moments later.

“Come in.” Alexios said annoyedly.

The door was opened by Scar who was standing at the other side. He peered his helmeted head into the office then swung the door open, walking into the office and closing the door behind him. Scar approached the desk and took a seat, however the heavy armor he wore flattened the cushion of the chair.

“What did she want now?” Scar asked.

“Caldorey claims the Baron broke the Pact,” Alexios replied.

It was difficult to see, but Scar rolled his eyes under his helm shaking his head at what he believed to be a blatant lie.

“Caldorey will sink so low as to lie about such things? Just to get the upper hand on someone he cannot control?” Scar questioned.

“I don’t think it's a lie. Do you remember those hundreds of Ward Stones that went missing in Summerview?” Alexios asked.

“The ones that were taken from that Sellsword Escort?” Scar said, remembering bits and pieces of the heist.

“Yes, that exact one.” Alexios leaned in on his chair. “Elaina mentioned the Baron used smuggled stones. What if these are the same stolen stones? Think about it. Hundreds of stones go missing and now suddenly the Baron has enough stones to supply his army, even though all the quarries of the Red March dried up long ago.” Alexios explained.

Scar thought of the situation for a moment. He leaned himself against the wooden back of his chair. As he did he clicked the fingers of his right gauntlet against his armrest. “You may be right.” Scar said “Well we can’t just walk into the March and arrest the Baron. He’s loved down there from what I’m told.”

“That’s why I cannot send just anyone there. I want you to be the Paragon of this mission.” Alexios said bluntly.

Scar paused for a moment and bowed his head. “I’m honored Alexios.”

“What would you say if I wanted to send Team Valdya with you? After their training of course.” Alexios curiously asked.

“You think he’s ready?” Scar questioned.

“Why do you think I put you in charge of training this year's initiates? Because I know you will get him ready,” Alexios explained.

“Of course. I will do what I can.” Scar said, standing from his chair.

Alexios stood up along with Scar and offered his hand to the armored man. Scar took the palm of his hand and firmly gave the Exemplar a handshake.

“You are my closest ally, Scar. I know you will not let me down.” Alexios said, walking alongside Scar towards the door to his office.

Scar gave Alexios one last pat on the back before taking his leave. Alexios shut the door behind him and let out a loud sigh, pressing the back of his head against the door. “How I long for the days when I did not have to make such decisions.” He muttered to himself. The stress of being Exemplar painted on the wrinkles of his young face.