Musings of a Future Baron - 6. Doubt

Wealday 21 Gozran 4710

A week on the road already. I found the solution to our problem with rations. We walked through the night until we got back to Oleg’s. Yes, it was a little risky, but everyone was in good shape, and eager to sleep in a real bed again. We’ll stock up today before heading out again.

Oleg came to me with another problem when we returned. It seems there is a boar the locals are calling Tuskgutter. He took a local hunter’s leg, and the man wants revenge. He’s paying pretty good for it too.

Amiri was insistent that we take on the task. It wouldn’t take us too far out of the way, and besides, she said she could take the boar’s head in one swing. I highly doubt that, but we came to help people. It’s my land. I have to remember that. I’m going to be the ruler here in a few months, and I need to make sure people are safe. Still, we already have so much to do.

Naturally I agreed to hunt down the boar with her. This seems to be a matter of some personal honour. And again, who am I to argue with someone who can wield a sword so heavy most men would break their back trying to lift it? Something tells me this is going to be more trouble than it’s worth. But it’s for a good cause.

I also returned Svetlana’s ring. Apparently it was her wedding ring, and she traded it for her virtue. Hearing that made my blood boil. How Kressle got her hands on the band is beyond me.

I was right though, there is a connection between Svetlana and Kressle. Apparently they’re half sisters, and Kressle was something of a wild child in Restov. When Oleg and Svetlana came out west, Svetlana insisted she come too, but Kressle instantly fell under the influence of the Stag Lord.

The news that I had managed to convince Kressle to leave peacefully came as a relief to Svetlana. Yes, her half sister has done terrible things, executing prisoners, torturing people under the Stag Lord’s command, but Svetlana believes she can be redeemed.

After hearing that though, I’m not so sure. Valerie would be laughing at me if she knew. Honestly, I deserve it. Kressle fed me a sob story, and I fell for it. But I feel she was sincere about not wanting to work under the Stag Lord. If I see her again, and she has not changed…

I can’t do anything about it. How could I hurt Svetlana like that? She believes Kressle can truly be redeemed. I’m sure the people Kressle has tortured would say otherwise. Who am I to decide people’s fate?

I am the future Baron. This is my life now. And I hate it. Perhaps Linzi can offer some support. She writes about heroes all the time. I’m sure one of them had to deal with things like this before. Right?