Beyond the Sky - Session 17.3

Later, in the evening, Adrian invites Markus over to his private quarters, alone, to speak with him.
Adrian: "Kincaid. You mentioned suspicion that Silske was behind the assassination of King Sorean. I'd like to hear everything you know about that."
Kincaid: "Ah, I see. I will try to tell all I know about my suspicions."
"Silske, he is... gold tongued."
"He can use his words to make men's hearts sway."
"One day his enemy, another day his ally. This is how he subdued masses; by giving speeches they believed in."
Adrian: "I see. Continue."
Kincaid: "Because of this, many in resistance theorised he make traitor Lord plant evidence on himself, and kill King."
"Silske has great, great magic power, too."
"He could use, er, teleport magic to arrive in courts to corrupt traitor Lord."
Adrian: "So you're saying it's probable that Silske teleported to Verseris, enchanted someone to kill the king, and pinned the blame on Ashdale."
Kincaid: "That is common theory in the resistance."
"But we have nothing concrete."
Adrian: "It would explain why those letters weren't destroyed."
Kincaid: "Simple tale of a traitor works, too, but I like this other theory."
"It would explain why. But unless you have proof Emperor did it, I doubt many will believe you."
Adrian: "Being believed is secondary."
"Knowing comes first."
"Next question. You claimed a background in espionage, and years of experience working against Silske."
Kincaid: "Yes?"
Adrian: "Do you think you'd have any advantages when it comes to finding his own spies?"
Kincaid: "I have tried. It is hard to do, but possible."
"I know to not leave evidence, Emperor can talk to trusted spies himself with, er, mind."
Adrian: "Telepathy. So no need to travel far to report, hm? That complicates things."
Kincaid: "Indeed. You see why resistance had so much trouble with him now?"
Adrian: "I assumed rebelling against a demigod would involve certain difficulties, but yes. More that I'm beginning to realize how much trouble he could be causing for us, as well."
Kincaid laughs, a little bitterly.
Kincaid: "He is more than just trouble, my Lord."
Adrian: "Quite true."
"So. If you have tried, and it is possible..."
Kincaid: "You suspect your own companions?"
Adrian: "No."
Kincaid: "Good."
Adrian: "I'd rather they not all be privy to this discussion, but that's simply minimizing risks."
"Hm, how much was it that Goring going to pay you?"
Kincaid: "A thousand of your gold pieces."
"It would be enough to buy ship and navigate home to Sholindae, try to live there until I could be of use to some cause again."
Adrian: "Impressive. Or perhaps not, if he planned to back out."
"...Home? You're not from Eribe?"
Kincaid: "One as old as I has many homes, but my origin is not in Eribe."
Adrian: "You're Deepborn, or descended from them, aren't you?"
Kincaid: "Yes."
"I am one of the few purebloods left."
Adrian: "...That explains a bit. I feel somewhat less shamed by our first meeting, now."
Kincaid: "Heh. I try to not harm you when we meet first. I was only trying to do job."
Adrian: "If you happen to find any of the Emperor's eyes during your time here, contact me and I'll pay better than Goring would have."
Kincaid: "Of course."
"Eribe is still a place I would want to call home, even if Sholindae is place of my birth."
"I have heard few of your people know of that place."
Adrian: "It's hardly of day-to-day importance."
Kincaid: "That is a shame. Sholindae is a beautiful place, great culture."
"Home to many beastfolk."
Adrian: "It's a long way to travel to indulge curiosity. I think I'll have to take your word for it."
Kincaid: "Maybe someday."
"Anything else you wish to ask?"
Adrian: "That is all, for now."
"My thanks, Kincaid. I was glad to have this chance to talk to you about Eriban language and history. It was enlightening for both of us, don't you think?"