Thomas
General Derringer Hecate
Vineyard District, Rikolto, Akno

A certain hush fell over the field at the words.  One of the three onlookers immediately stood up and began walking away, while the other two shifted uncomfortably in their seats.  Derringer however, remained still, all cheer he had leaving him instantly.  His head began to work in overtime trying to make sense of the situation.

"Forgive me, visitor, for not appearing overjoyed at your... Mission."  He slowly sheathed his bamboo practice sword with respect.  "And Forgive me for not believing you are up to the task.  Many people here in Akno praise Tiny Vik, and many have tried to kill him before."

Derringer recalled the man Fritz and his Halfling companion Ander who approached his brother with a similar request, before their army dissapeared in the swamp.

"What makes you so certain you will succeed where others have failed, and why should I let you try?"
Dennis
**Aurelian Kallandrim
Vineyard District, Rikolto, Akno**

Aurelian found himself caring little about the sudden hush that fell over everyone present. He knew what he was implying. He knew what he was signing up for. It did not matter. Aurelian would either succeed in this goal, or die trying. He had no intentions of returning without having done at least something to hamper, harm, or ideally, kill Tiny Vik. One detail that intrigued Aurelian, though, was the mention of the apparent widespread worship of Tiny Vik within Akno. It appeared the rumors were true. This province was undoubtedly under Vik's full control. That made the prospect of trying to kill Vik all the more entertaining for the mage hunter. Aurelian listened to Derringer's words, and found them to be understandable, but unwise all the same. So be it. If Aurelian needed to prove himself to these backwards bog people, then he would do so.

Aurelian, still calm but confident in his tone, responded to the General, "I am certain I will succeed, simply because I am a cut above those who previously tried and failed. All of them had flaws in their approaches to the hunt, but I do not bear such weaknesses. If I must prove my strength to you, then I shall do so. Name a task, and I will accomplish it."
Thomas
General Derringer Hecate
Vineyard District, Rikolto, Akno

Derringer was not impressed by what sounded like bravado.  This man might be suicidal, and he wasn't one to judge.  However, in order for his conscience to be free from guilt, he didn't want to send him in hopelessly.  Derringer shook his head after thinking for a moment.

"Tatsu!"  He called to his former protege, one of the previously mentioned onlookers, "Give him your bokken."

The man called Tatsu stepped forward, unsheathing his wooden sword from his sash, and bowing as he presented it to Aurelian.

"If you wish, then fine, prove yourself."  Derringer motioned to the sword.