Ghost Story

[NPCs]

A beat later, the Lord sighs softly. "Ah. Rumors of witchcraft still drifting about?" He sighs again, then reaches out to somewhat awkwardly pat him on the shoulder. "I cannot express the depth of my regret that I was in Nyra and unable to help. Which was their intent, no doubt."

[Carver Amell]

"She was innocent," growls Carver. "I'll kill anyone who says otherwise."

[NPCs]

"Of course, of course," is the soothing, patronizing reply. Truth be told, I suspect she was a 'witch' as these fools call them. A handy tool for cowing the unruly and too free-thinking but dash if it bit me this time. "But you might have some trouble carrying that out at the moment, hmm?"

[Carver Amell]

"I'll get better. I'll learn."

[NPCs]

"Possible, I suppose. There are better ways to win of course."

[Carver Amell]

"Like?"

[NPCs]

"Money is a fine one. People often have strong beliefs, but very few people are willing to starve for them. Invest in the village, buy up failing businesses and turn around and employ the former owners. Provide utilities under your control. And the next time they go against your will, you can turn the food in their mouth to ash, the water to dust. Provide funding to the town guard, hire in outsiders directly, and they will obey you, not the mayor should push come to shove." Verburry smiles thinly as he leans against the wall and rubs at his leg. "Such plans are a young man's game however. I'm afraid such, ah, delicate and demanding efforts are beyond me these days."

[Carver Amell]

Carver stares, stomach twisting. "That's..." Beth would never have approved of any of that. She'd have said it was cruel. But she's gone. "I prefer to just beat their asses."

[NPCs]

"That kind of direct power only works when you're present. And it wanes as you age, or get sick. Real power-- money, rank, prestige-- is much more effective. Harder to acquire of course, but far more effective." Verburry studies Carver for a moment. "Of course, if you think yourself lacking..."

[Carver Amell]

"Not lacking," he says, sullen. "It's just... it's not what Beth would have wanted."

[NPCs]

"She wouldn't have wanted to survive?" he asks with calculated ruthlessness.

[Carver Amell]

Carver growls out, "You shut your damn mouth, of course she would have. But this isn't about that. This is just some disrespectful shits."

[NPCs]

Verburry's expression darkens. "I'll let that go the once, boy, given your grief, but you'll watch your manners or I'll have you switched. Understood?"

[Carver Amell]

"Yes, sir," he replies, sullenly. 

[NPCs]

"Good lad. Now. Let's talk about some methods on gaining social capital for the next time that thug starts dirtying the memory of your beloved sister, eh?" With a thin smile, he gestures at the door.