Choosing the right man

So this is the one Shahab recommended for the mission, Alpheo thought, his sharp gaze resting on the young man standing before him. He studied him quietly, taking in every detail. The envoy was younger than Alpheo had anticipated—barely a man by his estimation. Twenty-five, perhaps even younger. Certainly not the seasoned operative he might have envisioned for such a critical task, though the prince was even younger than him..

Still, Shahab had vouched for the man , and Shahab's word carried weight. That alone was enough to make Alpheo take this candidate seriously, though skepticism still flickered in his mind.

It wasn't as though Alpheo had an abundance of options. His network was small, fragile even, after all there were so many skilled people in a small state like his.