A Faithful Servant

Callandial looked over the assembled people with a mix of delight and apprehension. Though he hated last second changes, as they left too much to the unknown and were often riddled with flaws. There had been little choice. Yet such things where what his lord needed of him and the gods be damned if a thing as small as a few obtrusive drunken fools would get in the way of fulfilling his lords wishes.

Moving unseen by the nobles in the room Callandial briskly set about his business making sure his people were in the right positions and were ready to move at a moment’s notice. Sliding around a large column Callandial was slowly but surely moving towards his lord, as was his duty he came upon a stray. One of his people were out of position, but thank the gods Callandial thought as he made his way to the lost man that he was there to prevent anything from going astray.

The young man quickly saw Callandial and breath an audible sigh of relief. Make their way to each other Callandial guided the young man to a small adjourning hallway in which they could speak, privately. Looking reassuringly at the young man he quickly found the underlying cause of the crises.

“The a,” Catching himself the young man blushed furiously at the near slip of the tongue. Callandial had been very forceful in impressing the absolute necessity of complete secrecy on this night. Nothing, he had told them sternly, absolutely nothing, was to pass their lips of the nature of his lords scheme and the person that found there tongue wagging even in the best and most trustworthy of company would find themselves on the rather sharp end of the stick.

“The guest,” the young man corrected himself with a smile and an approving nod from Callandial, “have arrived and wait upon your pleasure.” Patting the young man on the shoulder Callandial walked briskly towards where the guest would be waiting, if his people had been doing their jobs.

Finding his lords surprise in the designated room he quickly looked them over, his beaked nose high in the air and his sharp perceptive eyes going over the group of professionals gathered in front of him. Nodding in satisfaction he quickly looked over the tools of their trade, a small smile played on his lips. Yes, he thought these people would suit his lord’s needs perfectly.

Clearing his throat, he attempted to capture their attention and found his endeavor unsuccessful. Being the resourceful person that he was and knowing the importance of his mission, Callandial didn’t let this daunt him for a second. “AHHEM,” Callandial called, voice raising another octave as he tried to project his already high-pitched soprano.

“We heard yeah the first time ye old peacock,” said a large Themian with a rather intimidating frown.

Eyes wide with indignity Callandial huffed and straightened his brightly colored Overcoat. “I will have you know that this is the personal livery of His Lordship, and if you have any problems with his lordships personal colors I will gladly take any offense you may have directly to his person.”

That should shut the brute up, though Callandial with a satisfied sniff. Looking around to make sure he had there attention Callandial began to speak upon the matter that had required his personal attention in the first place.

“Now your upmost discretion is required as tonight is a very important and vital occasion to his lordship. I was lead to believe that your band was well known for your skills and professionalism.” This said with a very pointed look at the man who Callandial had addressed previously. “Now my lord request that u enter through the main entrance. Just over there.” Pointing down dimly lit hallway that lead to the main corridor where the feast was going on.

“It is expected,” he continued. “That after your business is complete that you dispense yourself immediately after and seek shelter wherever you may. As promised, your pay shall be waiting upon the completion of the contract. Any questions?” Met by silence Callandial turned on his heel and marched away, ignoring the vocal filth directed towards his back.

With a purposeful stride and a brisk demeanor he entered the great hall through a servants entrance, best to be inconspicuous he thought with a smile of satisfaction.

The great hall was a center of activity: servants running around waiting on the 100 or so guest wishes, the ladies of the land sitting near their husbands or separating into small groups to mingle while their husbands and sons continued to drink and become louder by the second. It was nearly time Callandial thought with satisfaction, now only to inform his lord that the surprise was ready.

Moving silently along the wall Callandial quickly sidled over to the head of the table where his Lord, Theodoric 3rd of the name was chatting amiably to Lord Finrick of Watersgate and several others within the general vicinity. Waiting for an opportune moment to make his presence known, Callandial was surprised to see his Lord excuse himself from the table and motion for Callandial to follow.

Moving quickly to place himself behind his Lord left shoulder, as was only proper. Callandial quickly informed his lordship that everything was ready and waited upon his lord’s convenience. Nodding Theodoric looked upon the nobles gathered inside of his hall and smiled; it would be an interesting night.

“Alright,” Theodoric said moving towards a balcony from which to relive himself. “Give the word, let the show commence.” He said as he turned around tying up his trousers.

Moving quickly and efficiently, as was his manner, Callandial gave the word for the guest to be brought in. With a quick glance over the festivities Callandial smiled, it would be a bloody night, he thought with satisfaction. Just not in the way anyone expected.

Looking to the main entrance Callandial felt more then heard the dragons roar as it came through the door, tail of inferno swishing around its purely elemental body in an attempt to hold off the warriors in pursuit. A surge of malicious joy swept through Callandial as he watched the nobles jump and turn tripping over themselves in surprise.

With the acting troupe in full swing, Callandial let himself start feel the pleasure of a job well done. Looking to his lord and seeing the
bright smile there as he watched the nobles. Callandial let himself bestow a proud look over his people, the servants of the Castle Hornsbridge. With a nod and a series of smiles, they all settled in to watch the actors pay out King Gregory slaying the dragon.

The first actor went down in a spray of red, slain by the dragon the crowd fully into the play reacted accordingly. Yes, thought Callandial a job well done.