[IRP] Beginnings of Change

[Swift_Assassin]

This was Shad's first time in the Santaruz area. It looks beautiful this time of year, but Shad would much prefer being in a peaceful Etruria than Santaruz in autumn. Shad and Marcus avoided central Lycia, keeping near the southern coast after bypassing Ostia. The only city of note the duo passed on their way to Pharae was the port city of Badon.

Unbeknownst to his companions, Shad had discovered that he was being followed by two people since they left the village. One was an ally and the other's allegiance was still being determined. Cassandra Carvax, Shad's former betrothed and spy master, was sent to keep an eye out on the noble by her husband and Shad's regent, Leon Hyperion. Shad knew she was around from the nightingale calls when they left, and the two spoke when the others were asleep.

She revealed to him the presence of the spy following him, and revealed said spy tried to shake the Church off their trail. Due to this peculiar situation, Cassie said she'll keep an eye out and take out the spy when she deems it necessary. She made sure to note that the spy seems to be sympathetic to an extent, and may be coerced into joining them eventually. Before she left that night, she left Shad with some of Leons hand-me-down Sacaen clothes, a Sacaen sword, and a sizable sack of gold. He hid the gold in with the clothes, but carried the sword on his waist. He still wore his coat however. His outfit isn't the most secretive, but he's been okay so far.

While Shad was contemplating letting them know his spymaster was watching their backs, Ambrose alerted them to the soldiers. Relieved he didn't make the switch yet, he pulled the hood over his head, took out his 'cane' and began walking with a limp. Hiding that sword like this was one of the best ideas his father had. "Got it."