[Klaus]
Klaus takes up the invitation to visit Nastassia Hess at her home. Nastassia has piercing grey eyes, brown hair, and looks about thirty years of age. "Welcome, Klaus," she says, "please come in."
She offers him a drink, then says, "As you know, I work for Heinrich Todbringer... but not openly. My role is to socialise with people who might know interesting facts, and to separate them from those facts without their knowledge. It's vitally important for any ruler to have agents who can learn what he cannot." She smiles. "Heinrich isn't the ruler here, but he may be one day. Even so, he conducts much of Middenheim's diplomacy, and he could not do that without the assistance of his agents.
"It takes a certain sort of person to be an agent, Klaus. They must be charming, witty, discrete, and brave. You, so far as I have seen, have all of these qualities. Whether you stay in Middenheim or travel elsewhere, I think you will always be at the heart of the action, learning secrets. Perhaps you would consider using your talents to help Middenheim further? The pay is good." She laughs. "And, more importantly that that, think of the thrill!
"I'm not suggesting any compulsion, Klaus. Feel free to turn down my offer if you like. But, if you are interested, I can tell you more."