It had been a less than profitable week. More vague and less than helpful prophecies from Efink had lead the Vinguri to scour the great reaches of the Northern Mountains for the crown, some ramblings about a kingdom long since fallen, destitute and in ruins, tucked away among the mountain passes. The only thing they'd found in their several sweeps had been a fucking dragon cave filled with a clutch mother and a dozen wyrmlings. They'd been lucky to flee with their un-lives intact. Having just returned within the hour, Kraz-Thun had proffered his apologies to his Dark Lord, had knelt at Zaul'Nazh's feet and asked for forgiveness in failing him once again. There had been no sign of the crown, or any of the forces of light, or even a kingdom to begin with. The last sentiment had been offered with the venom that it deserved. That damned cleric constantly sending him on fetch quests that never panned out, declaring that their victory was assured only for him to take the brunt of the blame when it didn't pan out, was wearing heavily on his nerves. One of these days, he was going to drowned her in that damned pool of hers.
Leiland -- As that was who he was in moments like this. Not the mighty warrior and king of the Vinguri, no, just a small pitiful forgotten child who had disappointed yet again. -- had only just made it out out of the audience chamber and down onto the next floor when he heard the hissing voice of their spymaster in his ear, jumping slightly at the sound.
He couldn't think of a time when he hadn't jumped. Damn him, Percival was just too good at catching him off guard.
"As much useless metal as we ever are, spymaster," Leiland grumbled, casting a sidelong glance at the fellow ex-human.
He was never quite sure what to think of Percival as beyond that. He was certainly something dark. Leiland could feel that energy tumble off of him in waves, but it was an unspecified power, something different yet almost as powerful as his lord. As much as Leiland found him to be an irritation, he was glad that he was on their side. That much power could not be left unchecked.
"And how many times have I asked you to just walk up to me. Like a normal person?"