Game of Destiny, Book I: Willow
Page 41
The Servitors of Oak Cove are deep into their usual tricks and half-truths.
Willow, the Med Servitor-in-training at Oak Cove, finally confessed her duplicity in an interview concerning a mysterious oddment discovered recently by Mel Hawks, a local crabber and fisher.
There is persistent rumor that this oddment is the key to an “Ultimate Treasure.” When pressed, however, Oak Cove’s Servitors joined ranks and refused to divulge any further information. Only the good citizens of Oak Cove freely tell us what they know. Sadly, they know little. The Oak Cove Servitors’ campaign of repression and intimidation has, apparently, been effective.
Is this another Servitor cover-up? Are they secretly searching for the treasure to build their own empire of dominance and comfort at the expense of the common folks?
This reporter was finally able to corner Willow and demand answers.
When asked where the oddment is today, Willow admitted that it was “hidden away” until the Servitors could study it further.
Why is this oddment “hidden away”? What secrets does it hold that the Servitors are so intent on concealing? What is this “Ultimate Treasure” that they will not reveal?
The only statement this reporter was able to pry from the soon-to-be Servitor was that they were unable to follow the leads given on the oddment. She made some outlandish claims about some big fish called orcs wrecking their boat in the Dolfina Isles and that they were captured and imprisoned by knife-wielding rogues.
Attacked by orcs and rogues! The only explanation this reporter can offer as to why Willow would concoct such a story is that her befuddled interpretations and cowardly fears stem from a storm she experienced while at sea. Her youth and inexperience have led her astray. She is, after all, only a child. We are certain that the more mature Servitors will quickly set her straight.
Greely’s Gazette has yet to discover how far this collusion has extended. We do know that all the good citizens of Etus continue to suffer from turbulent weather and quakes while the Servitors rest easy with their full bellies and soft living. You won’t find any of them sweating in the shops or slaving in the fields, only to see it all destroyed by one disaster or another! There is little doubt that they will go to any length to preserve their position at the top of the hierarchy, despite everyone else’s suffering.
This mysterious “Ultimate Treasure” is, no doubt, the solution to our problems. It will ease the burden of our shortfalls, fill our homes with the things we need to survive through these troubled times, and bring us and our children peace of mind and full stomachs.
This is why the self-serving Servitors keep it “hidden away.” It threatens their position, their comforts, and their control over the good people of Etus.
The time has arrived to stand up for justice!
Greely’s Gazette promises that it will do all in its power to expose this Servitor corruption and to reclaim this treasure for all the people of Etus. We cannot be successful without your help. Join us! Fight for your rights!
—Fillip Brent, senior correspondent