Ciaphas shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. He couldn't let his struggles get in the way of his duties. He had a reputation to uphold, and he couldn't afford any mistakes. He looked at Nathan, who was still standing by his bedside, waiting for his next command. "Nathan, I need you to find out what the villagers are saying about me," Ciaphas said, his voice serious. "I need to know if they're spreading rumours about what happened here." Nathan nodded, his expression unreadable as always. "Of course, my lord," he said, before bowing and leaving the room. Ciaphas watched him go, his thoughts turning back to the rune inside him. He knew he had to be careful, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he was running out of time. The more he used the power of the rune, the more he felt himself slipping away. He had to find a way to control it, or else it would consume him completely. He closed his eyes, trying to focus on his breathing. As he meditated, he felt a sudden surge of energy coursing through his body. He opened his eyes and saw that his hands were glowing with an otherworldly light. He quickly quenched the power, not wanting to attract any unwanted attention. Ciaphas knew he had to find a way to contain the rune's power, but he didn't know where to begin. He thought about consulting with a mage, but he couldn't trust anyone with his secret. He was alone in this, and he had to find a solution on his own. As he pondered his options, Nathan returned to the room, a look of concern on his face. "My lord, the villagers are talking," he said. "They're saying that they saw you transform into a demon." Ciaphas felt a chill run down his spine. He had to act fast before the rumours spread any further. "Nathan, gather a group of my most loyal men," he said. "We're going to pay a visit to the village and silence these rumours once and for all." Nathan nodded, understanding the urgency in his master's voice. He quickly left the room to carry out the Baron's orders. Ciaphas leaned back against the pillows, his mind racing. He knew that he was risking everything by going to the village, but he had no choice. He couldn't let anyone discover his secret, no matter what the cost. As he waited for Nathan and his men to return, Ciaphas felt a sense of unease settle in the pit of his stomach. He knew that whatever happened next, would change everything. The sound of footsteps outside his door interrupted his thoughts. Nathan entered the room, followed by a group of heavily armed men. "My lord, we're ready," Nathan said, his voice steady. Ciaphas nodded, steeling himself for what was to come. He rose from his bed and joined his men, determined to put an end to the rumours once and for all.
The group made their way through the forest, the crunching of leaves underfoot the only sound to break the silence. As they approached the outskirts of the village, Ciaphas could see that the townsfolk had gathered together, whispering among themselves.
He could feel their fear and suspicion, like a palpable presence in the air. But he couldn't let that stop him. He had to make them see reason.
As they entered the village, the group was met with a wall of hostility. The villagers glared at them, their mistrust and anger palpable.
Ciaphas stepped forward, his hand on the hilt of his sword. "People of this village," he began, his voice carrying over the murmurs. "I come to you not as a threat, but as a friend. I have heard the rumours you have been spreading, and I assure you, they are false."
The villagers exchanged sceptical glances, but Ciaphas continued.
"I know that many of you are afraid. But I urge you to put aside your fear and listen to me. I am not a demon, nor do I consort with them. I am a man, just like you, and I only seek to protect this land and its people."
Ciaphas could see the doubts beginning to ease in some of the villagers' faces. He pressed on, his words gaining momentum.
"I ask only that you trust me. Give me a chance to prove myself to you. I am willing to do whatever it takes to earn your trust."
The villagers murmured among themselves, their expressions thoughtful. Finally, one of them stepped forward, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes.
"Baron," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "We have known you for many years. We have always trusted you. But these rumours... they have put fear in our hearts."
Ciaphas felt a glimmer of hope in his chest. "I understand your fear, but I promise you, there is no need for it. I will do whatever it takes to put these rumours to rest."
The woman nodded, and the rest of the villagers began to follow suit. Slowly, the tension began to ease, and Ciaphas felt a weight lifted from his shoulders.
As they left the village, Ciaphas felt a renewed sense of purpose. He knew that there would always be those who doubted him, but as long as he stayed true to his beliefs and his duty, he could weather any storm.
He turned to Nathan, who was walking beside him. "Thank you, Nathan. Your loyalty means everything to me."
Nathan nodded, his expression still unreadable. "It is my honour, my lord."
Ciaphas smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude for the man who had been by his side for so long. Together, they would weather any storm that came their way.