The Alastor North Gambit
Description
DescriptionThalara initiates a political play to position Knight Captain Alastor North as a candidate for the vacant Head of Inquisition position, promising Lord Kadir's backing and suggesting Lady Aurelia's interest. The proposition surprises Alastor, who never imagined such heights possible for someone who rose from 'the very lowest of lows,' but the idea intrigues him. He promises to consider within a week, though warns he won't step on Prince Vis's toes if the Prince wishes to keep the position. The gambit serves multiple purposes: it creates an alternative to Kalem's own ambitions for the role, positions a trustworthy figure in power, and demonstrates Thalara's growing skill at court politics.
Timeline
A Knight's Consideration
Thalara approaches Alastor North in his barracks office with an unexpected proposition: consider the vacant Inquisition position with Lord Kadir's backing. The Knight Captain, genuinely surprised, reveals he never imagined such heights possible but agrees to consider it within a week, establishing a new political thread.
Champions and Calamities
A formal notice from Sir Alastor North requires all houses to report their tournament champions by week's end. Thalara brings the news with barely contained excitement, bouncing at the prospect of fighting. The question weighs heavily on Caelum—traditionally second-borns fight, but he has no siblings and cannot wield his cursed sword publicly.