I told Vernier everything. (Patreon)

Every detail .. things I should not have told anyone, let alone a lowfolk wench .. but I could not help myself.  Once I started talking, it just came out, and I couldn't stop the flow of words.  When I was done, I collapsed to the ground, limp and exhausted but strangely calm.

"Wow," Vernier said.  "That's a lot for one little elf to handle.  I need a drink."

I indicated that there was potable water in the basin nearby.

"All right," she sighed, wiping her face after a long gulp of water.  "You've confided in me, and I want you to know that your trust is well placed, so go ahead and put a geas on me so I can't discuss what you've just told me with anyone other than you.  I insist."

This seemed like a sensible move, so I got up, dusted myself off, and composed the appropriate Gramarye to lay a geas of confidentiality on Vernier.

"Now then," she stated as she placed her hands on my shoulders and looked into my eyes, "the way I see it, you've been a pawn in other people's schemes your whole life.  Almost none of what you've done has been your own decision, but all has been chosen for you by the ones pulling the strings."

I agreed that was a fair assessment.

"My question is, what do YOU want?"

"Does it matter?" I responded bleakly.  "I'm a prisoner.  The only way I'm getting out of here is by following my appointed destiny.  I have to become Emperor, to restore my people and my good name.  I can't indulge my own wants until this is accomplished."

Vernier was about to say something else, when suddenly a detachment of Ixies buzzed into the circle.

"Sire!  Sire!" they exclaimed.  "Thou'st got to hear this!  We escorted Priestess Oak back into town without incident, but Lysander the traveling merchant was there in the market square, and OH SIRE he hath a new doomsday weapon from a far-off land, before which any army on earth must fall!  Tis truly horrible!"

"Incidentally," Typantronn chirped, "did they have venery whilst we were gone?"

"Nay," the Ixies atop the dolmen replied glumly.

"HAH!!" Typantronn gloated.  "I win again!  That's twoscore of aphids EACH thou owest me.  Pay up, sisters!"

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