Hyacinth (storyline)/The Game (vignette)

"A letter for you, Or-resh," said the solemn-faced young Iyo. As Socius looked up, the young woman bowed her head and proffered a sealed envelope. With an inward sigh at the protocol, Socius accepted the letter and nodded his dismissal. He knew that if he did not, the Shadow Warrior would remain until released, however long that may take.

It was how he had trained them, after all.

Once he was alone once more, Socius opened the letter and perused its contents.

---

Socius,

You once taught me that regrets were worth less than an empty breath formed of the same air. I will offer no apologies for my words, or my tone, when last we met. You are who you are, and it would be folly to think that I could change you. But you must remember that you helped me become the person I am today, and it would be a similar folly on your part to think that I would change in the face of your... disapproval.

Since that meeting I have sought advice from all corners. You also once taught me a lesson about leaders. I wonder if you even recall your words? 'A leader is responsible for understanding every piece they place on the board, for once they are placed, there can be no turning aside.' I remember being so confused at the time, but I always remembered those words. Years later, I believe I understand what you meant.

You are a killer, Socius. You never claimed to be anything but that, much as some of us wish that you were... more. All your skills in stealth, espionage, and other shadowy arts are bent towards that purpose. I believe I understand this particular piece, and when I look across the board, I have come to believe that I know where you must be placed.

Hunt, Socius. This is how best you can help your former home, and those you once thought might be your friends. Go out, find the Hyssch. Find the Hounds. Find the Circle. Find the Center. And kill them.

I grieve at the necessity of this request. There might be so much we could learn from a prisoner. There may be mitigating circumstances, or reasons for mercy. But those are not concepts you are capable of understanding. Again, folly to think that your motivations could be turned aside for any sort of greater good.

So hunt, killer. Do what it is you do.

May the Arkati have mercy on me.

~Administrator Zofiya
Mist Harbor

---

Socius closed the letter once he had read it through twice. He placed it carefully in a pouch on his belt, and drew his dagger. He held it up to his face, until its blade obscured his vision entirely, then slowly closed his eyes, taking a long breath and letting it out with an involuntary shudder. He let the blade drop as he opened his eyes, and pursed his lips, letting out an intricate trill of whistled notes. Before he had finished, two Iyo had slipped in the door and another through the window. None had made a single sound.

"Gather. We hunt," the Or-resh said in a flat tone. With no more noise than they had made with their entrance, they were gone once more. The Or-resh expected nothing less.

It was how he had trained them, after all.