Lord Horas Blackwood and the Master of Whisperers

[The Flint]

Continued from Tower of the Hand.

[Horas]

Francis is let through to the Hand's chambers immediately. "Do sit down, Francis," Horas says. "What brings you here today?"

[The Flint]

"As you may already be aware, Lord Rhodri, his child, and some of his servants were murdered in Runestone, burned alive in their own Godswood."

[Horas]

OOC: I assume you mean Runestone.

"I have heard," Horas says somberly. "It is a tragedy."

[The Flint]

"It's a plot." Francis replied seamlessly. "It seems there is no rest for the wicked. The list of possible suspects is substantial, but I can think of a few off the top of my head. I'd request your permission to begin a full investigation."

[Horas]

"Is it?" Horas muses, "Lord Rhodri had ceased to be active in politics for some time. Killing him now seems... strange."

"But you of course have permission for a full investigation. Who do you suspect currently?"

[The Flint]

"My working theory suggests its an attempt to undermine the peace between the followers of the Old Gods, and the Seven. For what purpose I couldn't say. Possible suspects would include the Cult of the Dead God. We've still done little to curb their influence after the distraction of the war. Alternatively, it could be the next step in the plans of whoever set the High Septon against Lord Piers. Or some as yet unknown enemy to the realm."

[Horas]

"Indeed..." Horas says, trailing off. "I do not know whether this Dead Cult is responsible or not, but they are far too mysterious for our own good. We need to infiltrate them, Francis. Piers has led me to believe that you once had a man inside their organization. Is he still in place?"

[The Flint]

"I'm not entirely sure. I've lost contact with him. He's been very deep cover, since before I faked my own demise, and he was very young... for such an assignment. He may be dead." Francis seems genuinely saddened by the news.

[Horas]

"I suggest you attempt to re-establish contact with him, should he live," Horas says bluntly. "Such an informant could prove paramount to the security of the realm."

[The Flint]

"Naturally, my efforts to reestablish contact continue. I suspect my temporary demise added to the confusion which comes natural to an agent so deeply in enemy territory. I will inform you of whatever I find out."

[Horas]

Horas nods. "I should also mention that Lyas Bolton is dead. Apparently he was working as some sort of lieutenant in the Cult."

[The Flint]

"That's very unfortunate news." Francis said, dead pan.

[Horas]

Horas raises an eyebrow. "I thought it was excellent news. He was trying to kill me at the time. Do you have anything else to report?"

[The Flint]

"Its unfortunate because I would have liked to have had him killed myself." Francis said. "But dead is dead I suppose. Nothing else Milord Hand. By your leave." Francis bows, and departs.