Akiros slowly takes a deep breath in, replying, "My story starts in a chapel in rural Taldor, far to the south. My parents sent me to be schooled as a protector of the town and the church of Iomedae took me in. I rose through the lower clergy to be ordained as a paladin, and a month later I was sent to the never-ending crusades in Mendev, some 500 miles to the northwest of here, even further from Taldor. I was to do honourable battle with demons and their cults 'til the day I would fall.
"In Mendev they almost sent me to the front line, but I missed out on the glory when they relegated my section to guard a village and escort refugees away from the front. Mind you these were families who knew the risk they were taking moving so close to the Worldwound. I mentioned nothing at the time.
"Every month I seemed to be relegated further and further back, until I found myself in the port city of Egede, as far from the front as possible while still being part of the crusade effort. There I became sullen and even angry at my goddess. I lost my faith and could no longer support the hundreds of fresh soldiers arriving to join up.
"I fled the city, switching boats and barges through the lawless River Kingdoms to the south of here. There were rumors of this Stag Lord and I searched for him. The sword and armor you now bear had to be given, for my safety and for information, and a great weight was lifted from my shoulders, physically and spiritually. When I found it, the men of this fort took me in.
"The Stag Lord must have seen my skill in command and savagery in combat. After just a few months he promoted me to be his second in command. But I can't follow a fool and drunkard; this life could never suit me. I saw your glistening armor as you ran up to the fort. I saw what I could have been and I even saw a chance at redemption. As of today I will cast away my old life and start anew."
Zork notices the tied up bandit identified as Falgrim leaning in and listening intently.
Out of Character: If Zork is looking for tells or faltering, Sense Motive would be a more appropriate skill.
"So you abandoned your post and your faith, joined with a group of bandits, and then turned on them as well" Mykael's gaze is piercing and angry "You seem to have some difficulty in knowing where to place your loyalty. You helped to defeat the Stag Lord and I suppose that is a start as far as redemption goes, but surely you can understand my reservations in trusting you in any way, given your apparent tendencies?"
Mykael studies Akiros intently hoping to glean anything he can about this mans intentions and whether or not Akiros is being sincere.
Zork listens intently and says, "Or perhaps you saw your death coming and just like any other criminal you suddenly was in need of repentance."
Then looking towards Falgrim, "And you… what do you know about all of this?"
"Me?" Falgrim queries, "No. Nothing. This is the first time I'm hearing it, but it reminds me of the time I served in Kesten's platoon and why I deserted."
Kesten grunts his disapproval and the bandit shuts up.
Then Akiros replies, "It's nothing like that, I've been trained not to fear death. Ad I know that I am a bandit and subject to all your laws, which I will comply with if you so wish. But hear me out.
"In the months I have been here I've realised the mistake I made and felt such an empty and vapid existence like never before." He grits his teeth, "All my life I have listened to the demands of others without questioning, even if I knew better. I haven't decided my own fate until that day I ran away. I realise I'm starting to get old but it's time I asked the questions and made the demands. I just want control of my own life."
Everyone can tell that both men are telling the truth, but Zork gets the inkling that Akiros is withholding additional details that he might not feel comfortable sharing.
Zork says authoritatively, "I don't believe you, there is something you're not telling us and if you don't want to have an end to your life now you better tell us all."