I located who will become the Judge. My aspect is drawing me toward her, so she is developing the potential to become a Saint. But she is much more guarded than others that I’ve sought. I cannot learn more of her from a distance and have had to infiltrate manually instead.

She goes by the name Alys. This does not match the Lyssa described in the book, but it is close enough that it could be a nickname. Perhaps sometime in the future. Or perhaps something she uses today, but only among those she deems friends and confidants.

If she has any of either.

She is a member of an elite task force, which I would consider closer to a secret police. They are the Enforcers and appear to be widely known, and widely feared, by the general populace. Their methods are brutal, and I have not found a survivor of their dedicated attention. I suspect, as I’m sure most do, they ultimately report to the king, but there does not appear to be an official tie to the royal family. Or any nobility. Other than this seeming to be a proving ground for secondary children.

I expected difficulties, but it was surprisingly easy to join the organization. It only took a few years.

I assumed that I would have to play politics to find an opportunity or connection, but they hold pseudo-regular recruitments to increase their ranks. They are almost always held in the wealthier parts of the kingdom, presumably to attract those children of higher classes who have little hope of inheritance. But they are also held occasionally in mercantile port towns to gather foreigners or mercenaries.

The only requirement for the initial recruitment appears to be… anything other than being bound to the White. Or a child. I was able to meet these requirements as I am obviously not bound to the White. And I also share none of the telltale signs of being Unbound.

I began basic training and am nearing the end now. During the last few months, I have witnessed several recruits killed for failing to meet expectations. There have also been full members punished for a similar reason, though these take much longer and are likely more painful. The end result is the same – one fewer Enforcer. I would assume that the Enforcers mete even harsher sentences on those they are sent to dispose of outside of their ranks, and I do not envy watching, and likely participating in, them in the future.

Alys appears to be well respected among the force, though she also appears to be hiding an old injury. It is hard to see, as burns blend in well with the skin of Reds, but careful observation reveals a regular limp. And she favors one hand for all tasks, despite not being as adept as one would expect of someone using their primary.

I have not seen anyone punished for failure, or disappointment, that did not result in their death. Perhaps she is one of the few? The amount of compensation she has developed, that I’m not sure I would have been able to notice if I were not so focused on her, indicates that whatever occurred did so long ago.

Even so, she appears to be an elite and has been consulted on many matters pertaining to the company as a whole. Despite that, she does not associate with any beyond what is necessary as far as I’ve been able to tell. Those she does are typically the non-combat staff, such as culinary and cleaning, and her superiors. I would say her team as well, but I have seen no indication that she has any subordinates or partners.

If Alys has any friends, they are either outside the organization or their relationship is kept behind closed doors.

I also have no notes on her aspect – she has yet to use it. Even as she exists in a space and among a culture of people where using, and even abusing, her powers would be seen as a positive. Those times I’ve attempted to pry into its nature have resulted in a careful maneuvering around the question at best, and sheer terror at worst. She scares other Enforcers, which means her aspect is incredible in one way or another. Either in sheer power, or how she uses it.

Based on the book indicating that she burned those around her as a child, her aspect may be linked to burning, fire, or heat. Given that she’s bound to the Red, and that a large portion of Enforcers have aspects that lean in that direction, I feel safe with the assumption.

I shall keep my distance for now. And observe.