It’s been two weeks since I talked Count Dolamass into accepting me into his court. It nearly made me sick to make a suggestion of exploiting the peasantry in order to get the position. But it was the eve of winter, so it would take time before the atrocious plan to take action. Plenty of time for me to liberate the poor by putting a new noble in charge. Which led me to my winter assignment.

“Since the count has no immediate need for your advising, he has a special job for you to do to earn your place on his court.” The count’s steward was speaking to me as he guided me through the keep. I sort of liked him. He was not very pretentious compared to most other members of the count’s court, especially considering his particularly prestigious role. He overall just had an indifference to everything. He would make a perfect unwitting accomplice to my scheme. “You see, the count has a young heir. I’ll be frank, he’s a bit dim due to this court’s lack of educated members and the count has ordered your employment to be dedicated to filling his child’s mind with your knowledge and ideas. His words, not mine.”

The last part caught my attention, “And what words might you use?” I decided to inquire.

“Again, quite frankly the child has been injusticed by the lack of education this place offers. Even a meager education would do the child good. He’s 12 years of age and utterly illiterate. I admire the boy though, he seems blessed with high spirits and a good heart. He’ll be a fine heir if only he could learn to spell his own name.” He stopped in front of a door and knocked before opening it. “I trust you can handle that much at least.”

The room was a decent chamber of simple décor and very few luxuries. Contrary to what one would expect of the furnishings of the only heir of a count. It seems the count played very little in favorites between his subjects, his court and even his family. As sad as this might be, I was elated at the notion that the heir was not spoiled by the affluence of his father, and that presumably there was no love lost between them. He would make a favorable replacement for his father once my deed was done and I had educated him adequately. This is fortunate. There may only need to be one assassination in this household.

“Good morn, sir. My name is Charles Dolamass. What be yours?” The child spoke bringing my attention back to the room. He was a thin, spry lad of raven hair and bright brown eyes.

“My name is Jene Vallon. I am to be your tutor so that you may be an educated and fair ruler of these lands. Will you accept my tutelage? I assure you it is most rewarding.”

“I’ve always dreamed of readin’ sir.” He stood up and pointed to a shelf of five books in the corner of his room, “But no one has time fa' me. I am ever grateful if you could teach me.”

I couldn’t help but think to myself whether things could possibly go any smoother. He would be the perfect student.