4.1 Opposition

After returning to the estate, you quickly head to your chambers. Once you've dismissed your attendants, you set about pouring through the scroll's contents. You find it slightly difficult to decipher at first as the style of writing is a bit archaic. Eventually, you come across a piece of information you assume Iason meant for you to find. Smiling broadly, you delicately refold the scroll and get up. Finding a secure location, you tuck it away safely before retiring for the evening. The next few weeks pass by much the same, your meetings with Iason become more frequent as the time of the election approaches. To your relief he at least seems for the most part capable of maintaining his discretion. With each passing week you gain more knowledge and further your strategy. The information you receive is surprisingly insightful for an apprentice. Regardless of its source, you are quite thankful to now be in its possession. Your sole focus has been on your own plan that you are slightly surprised when Iason mentions your competition. It quickly dawns on you that you have no idea who it is you will be up against. After inwardly chastising yourself, you request you provide you with what information he knows. While there are a handful of contenders, it seems only two pose the most significant threat.

A consul member known as Kyros seems to hold the most sway. However, he is closely rivaled by Nereus, one of the local magistrates. They are both fairly well-established in the city and it appears a great deal of people assume the choice will come down to one of them. Frowning visibly, you're silent for a moment while taking in the news. A moment later you thank Iason for the report then part ways. Given the amount of time you've spent studying the inner workings of the land's government, you have a good idea where you could find these men. The only question is how to do so with drawing as little attention to yourself as possible. As you continue contemplating this issue you start forming an idea. During your time with Iason you've learned how he's been able to get in and out of the library undetected. Deciding you can use this to your advantage, you make preparations to return the following day. It isn't uncommon for you to visit the city so often, however, you specifically did not request that Iason meet you this time. When you arrive, you make sure to obscure your face with the hood of your cloak before exiting out of one of the unguarded windows. A large obstruction of brush provides cover as you quickly adjust your cloak then silently slip into the crowded street. Knowing your time is limited, you decide you will only have time to visit one of your competitors.