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Curse of Darkness VIII - The Wild Hunt
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<blockquote data-quote="Greenfield" data-source="post: 5963151" data-attributes="member: 6669384"><p>The evening finished quietly, with a final song, a final drink, another final song, and the innkeeper finally herding the people out. Penn made it a point to share his evening’s take with the man, even though the inn had had a full evening selling rice wine and cakes.</p><p> </p><p> The guard had visited several times seeking Marcus, but no one had seen him all night, and there were far too many people there to keep a secret.</p><p> </p><p> Marcus bedded with Penn that evening, since his own room would be watched. </p><p> </p><p> And all was quiet and restful. Until the scream…</p><p> *** </p><p> The peace of the night was shattered by the piercing scream that came from the hall, and Penn tumbled out of bed and headed for the window, out of sheer habit.</p><p> </p><p> Marcus, however, reacted more directly, grabbing his weapon and heading into the hall, beating the Bard to the door.</p><p> </p><p> Seburn, Iggy, Carralon and Imagina were on the scene in an instant, and the drovers thundered up the stairs from below a moment later.</p><p> </p><p> A maid was staggering back from an open doorway, her face a mask of shock and fear. The coppery stench of blood that came from the opening was almost overwhelming, and as the crowd jostled to see, the reason became clear. The bed was absolutely soaked, dripping red, and a young couple lay sprawled across it, their throats cleanly cut.</p><p> </p><p> The Innkeeper shouldered his way forward, then blanched and began to shake in fear. “No, not them, not here!”, he stammered, over and over again.</p><p> </p><p> The night watch was sent for, quickly. While waiting for the guard to arrive, some bits of sense came out. These two were aides to the Imperial Magistrate, who was visiting the city to oversee the military recruitment drive. They were the children of noble houses in the Imperial capitol, training with the Magistrate to prepare them for the high positions that they were destined for. Their murders, in this inn, probably meant death for the Innkeeper and his entire staff, and didn’t bode well for anyone else present either.</p><p> </p><p> “Did you notice?”, Iggy asked, pointedly speaking the Roman tongue instead of the local dialect. “The blood on the bed is fresh, but the edges of the wounds are black and clotted. They were killed a while ago. Somebody tried to make this look like a fresh kill, but it isn’t.”</p><p> </p><p> At that point the night watch arrived, and the inn was surrounded by guards. Nobody was going anywhere until this was sorted out. A holy man was sent for, to investigate.</p><p> *** </p><p> Marcus and Imagina looked on in professional interest as the circle was drawn and the candles set out. No one had yet even touched the bodies, but instead stood back to give the Sukenja plenty of space to work.</p><p> </p><p> The candles were lit, along with a small brazier of incense, and the holy man sat down cross legged on the floor to begin his prayers. After proper supplications were made, and after what seemed like many long minutes, his prayers were answered. Two spirits appeared in the room, one to each side of the bed, directly adjacent to the slain bodies. </p><p> </p><p> The Sukenja bowed low (quite a trick from his sitting position), and asked them directly, “Do you know who killed you?”</p><p> </p><p> Without hesitation they pointed directly at Pen, Marcus and Seburn. The girl said, in a quavering voice, “I will never forget that face!”, while pointing to Marcus, of all people. It was quite a shock to many there, since he was wearing the face he had made up earlier that evening, courtesy of the disguise magic.</p><p> </p><p> The guards made to seize the outlanders, and they surrendered their weapons with good grace. Pen, however, got the Sukenja’s attention.</p><p> </p><p> “Look at their wounds. They weren’t killed here, nor were they killed recently. Ask them when and where, please. It’s important.”</p><p> </p><p> The Sukenja looked at the Half Satyr’s demonic face with obvious distaste, but did as he was asked.</p><p> </p><p> “We were killed during our evening repast, at the Autumn Teahouse, near the river. The sun was just setting.”, they replied together. This lead to other questions, but at least this news would spare the Innkeeper and his staff, and probably all others not specifically accused.</p><p> </p><p> The guards were stern and far from gentle in their handling of the prisoners, yet the trio had oddly serene smiles on their faces as they were hauled off.</p><p> *** </p><p> The Palace of Justice was ablaze with lamplight, and the square outside was ringed with gawkers who took dark delight at the sight of the outlanders being dragged within. It is a universal truth that, no matter where you go in the world, there are those who will flock to see an execution, and that was exactly what these people were hoping to see.</p><p> </p><p> Within, the trio were taken to one of the larger court chambers, and a crowd of onlookers followed them inside.</p><p> </p><p> All bowed as the Provincial Magistrate entered, his makeup hastily applied and he was still in the process of adjusting his robes. The Imperial Magistrate followed, and if it was possible the people bowed even lower.</p><p> </p><p> “These three have been identified as the killers, Excellence!”, the guard captain announced. “They await your pleasure.”</p><p> </p><p> It was clear from the Magistrate’s face that there was no pleasure to be had here. He would have to answer for the deaths of these favored ones while in his service, and it was clear that he would not suffer alone.</p><p> </p><p> “Do the accused have anything to say before sentence is passed?”, asked the man to the Magistrate’s right, apparently speaking on his behalf.</p><p> </p><p> “Yes, Excelence.”, answered Pen, looking up from his supine position. “May I rise to address his most excellence?”</p><p> </p><p> The speaker looked at the Magistrate, received a nod, and gave permission.</p><p> </p><p> “I would like to question a witness, if I may.”, Penn began. “Will the Provincial Magistrate consent to this?”</p><p> </p><p> Surprised, the lesser Justice agreed before even his spokesman could intervene.</p><p> </p><p> “According to what was learned, the victims were slain at sunset, during their evening meal. May I ask where you were at that hour?”, Penn began. “I am not accusing, of course.”, he added quickly, “I merely need to confirm the relevance of your testimony.”</p><p> </p><p> The Magistrate spoke in a clear, firm voice. “I was in the Garden of Jasmine, watching a demonstration of a particular magic weapon.”, he said.</p><p> </p><p> “Who was with you?”, Penn asked.</p><p> </p><p> “My spokesman, my guard, and someone who resembles that man.”, He said, indicating Seburn. “Also a foreign heretic who fled justice.”</p><p> </p><p> “Was it not his very man?”, Penn asked, seeking a firmer answer.</p><p> </p><p> “It looked like him, Fey ears and flame hair, but it’s hard to be certain, in light of the murders.”</p><p> </p><p> “The weapon, was it rare?”, Penn pressed.</p><p> </p><p> “I’ve never seen one like it, though I didn’t handle it myself.”</p><p> </p><p> Upon request, Seburn’s blade was produced, and the head of the Magistrate’s guard came forward to examine it.</p><p> </p><p> “Yes, it’s the same weapon.”, the man said. “The same odd balance, the pommel crest matches, and…”, he paused as he drew the blade, “… the power in the sword is unmistakable.”</p><p> </p><p> “Thank you. Sir.”, Penn said with a small bow. </p><p> </p><p> “I myself was at the Teak Tiger inn at that hour, in the common room, playing and telling stories.”, he added. “It is my profession, and there are any number of witnesses. More than a few are members of the city guard, in fact.”</p><p> </p><p> There were murmurs from the crowd, as many present had also been attending the performance.</p><p> </p><p> “In my land there are magics that can separate truth from lies. If such are known here, I beg that they be applied in our case.”, Penn asked in closing. “The bodies were arranged so as to make it appear they were killed late this evening, far from the actual crime scene. It’s obvious that someone is trying to cast blame as far from themselves as possible. If the magics are too costly for common criminals, then I will pay the cost for there is nothing common about this crime.”</p><p> </p><p> The Magistrate considered the request for long moments, then looked to his spokesman.</p><p> </p><p> “You are outlanders, and do not deserve any special treatment.”, the spokesman began. “However, the judgment and perception of the Provincial Magistrate should not be left in question, for he speaks with the voice of the Emperor, and none can be permitted to doubt that voice. Have the True Telling prepared.”</p><p> </p><p> A different Sukenja came forth, richly if hastily dressed, apparently part of the Imperial Magistrate’s entourage. Like his predecessor he began with prayers and supplications and the burning of incense. Then he produced a candle, as thick as a man’s forearm and as red as blood. He lit this from the incense brazier and solemnly handed it to Pen.</p><p> </p><p> “Speak only the truth.”, was his simple warning.</p><p> </p><p> “I am called Pen.”, the Bard began. “This evening, at the hour of sunset, I was at the Teak Tiger inn telling stories of my homeland and singing songs. I have not killed anyone since we encountered a Mongol raiding party several weeks past. I did not know the deceased I am accused of killing, I did not kill them, and I have no idea who did. I suspect that they were killed by enemies of ours, seeking to cast the blame on us.”</p><p> </p><p> The flame burned clear and serene throughout the entire speech, and both the holy man and the Magistrate bore looks of open disbelief at this fact.</p><p> </p><p> The candle was passed to Seburn who took it without hesitation. “I was with the Magistrate at sunset, in a garden of this very palace.”, he began. “The last time I killed anyone was during a Mongol raid on our caravan. I didn’t even know this couple existed before we saw their bodies tonight, and I certainly didn’t have anything to do with their deaths.”</p><p> </p><p> The candle flame continued to burn cleanly, and Provincial magistrate looked relieved at this development, for it meant that he had not been fooled and his judgment was beyond question again.</p><p> </p><p> Pen took the candle and carefully handed it to Marcus, then began to ask direct questions.</p><p> </p><p> “Did you kill either of these people?”, he asked.</p><p> </p><p> “No. The last killing I was any part of was on the way here, when the Mongols attacked.”, he answered.</p><p> </p><p> “Do you know either of these people?”, Penn asked.</p><p> </p><p> “No, I never saw them before tonight, and I don’t know their names even now.”</p><p> </p><p> “Were you at the Autumn Teahouse at sunset, or at any time today?”, Penn asked.</p><p> </p><p> “No, I was downstairs at the Inn the whole time.”, Marcus answered firmly. The candle flared brightly at this lie, drawing gasps from many onlookers and a sharp glare from the Magistrate.</p><p> </p><p> “I won’t ask which young lady you might have take upstairs.”, Penn said, attempting to cover his friend’s slip. “Instead I will simply ask, did you arrange for someone, anyone, to do any killing at all, under any pretext, at any time, any place in this land?”</p><p> </p><p> “No. The Mongol raid was outside this province. I had nothing to do with these killings, and I couldn’t even guess as to who might.”, Marcus replied, sweating slightly.</p><p> </p><p> The candle was returned to the holy man, who bowed to the court and pressed his bare hand down on it to extinguish the flame.</p><p> </p><p> Penn bowed deeply to the assembled Magistrates and their spokesmen, and concluded, “Someone attempted to deceive this court. It wasn’t us.”</p><p> </p><p> The Magistrate looked troubled. He whispered to the Sukenja, an act almost unheard of in such a proceeding, and listened intently to the reply before continuing.</p><p> </p><p> “There must be a formal hearing convened on the matter, for the crime is grievous and must be paid for.”, the spokesman announced. “But summary judgment is not in order at this time. Your weapons will be returned to you when…”</p><p> </p><p> The formal ending of the hearing was cut short by panicked cries from outside, the clang of an alarm, and the deep, penetrating call of a hunting horn.</p><p> ***</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Greenfield, post: 5963151, member: 6669384"] The evening finished quietly, with a final song, a final drink, another final song, and the innkeeper finally herding the people out. Penn made it a point to share his evening’s take with the man, even though the inn had had a full evening selling rice wine and cakes. The guard had visited several times seeking Marcus, but no one had seen him all night, and there were far too many people there to keep a secret. Marcus bedded with Penn that evening, since his own room would be watched. And all was quiet and restful. Until the scream… *** The peace of the night was shattered by the piercing scream that came from the hall, and Penn tumbled out of bed and headed for the window, out of sheer habit. Marcus, however, reacted more directly, grabbing his weapon and heading into the hall, beating the Bard to the door. Seburn, Iggy, Carralon and Imagina were on the scene in an instant, and the drovers thundered up the stairs from below a moment later. A maid was staggering back from an open doorway, her face a mask of shock and fear. The coppery stench of blood that came from the opening was almost overwhelming, and as the crowd jostled to see, the reason became clear. The bed was absolutely soaked, dripping red, and a young couple lay sprawled across it, their throats cleanly cut. The Innkeeper shouldered his way forward, then blanched and began to shake in fear. “No, not them, not here!”, he stammered, over and over again. The night watch was sent for, quickly. While waiting for the guard to arrive, some bits of sense came out. These two were aides to the Imperial Magistrate, who was visiting the city to oversee the military recruitment drive. They were the children of noble houses in the Imperial capitol, training with the Magistrate to prepare them for the high positions that they were destined for. Their murders, in this inn, probably meant death for the Innkeeper and his entire staff, and didn’t bode well for anyone else present either. “Did you notice?”, Iggy asked, pointedly speaking the Roman tongue instead of the local dialect. “The blood on the bed is fresh, but the edges of the wounds are black and clotted. They were killed a while ago. Somebody tried to make this look like a fresh kill, but it isn’t.” At that point the night watch arrived, and the inn was surrounded by guards. Nobody was going anywhere until this was sorted out. A holy man was sent for, to investigate. *** Marcus and Imagina looked on in professional interest as the circle was drawn and the candles set out. No one had yet even touched the bodies, but instead stood back to give the Sukenja plenty of space to work. The candles were lit, along with a small brazier of incense, and the holy man sat down cross legged on the floor to begin his prayers. After proper supplications were made, and after what seemed like many long minutes, his prayers were answered. Two spirits appeared in the room, one to each side of the bed, directly adjacent to the slain bodies. The Sukenja bowed low (quite a trick from his sitting position), and asked them directly, “Do you know who killed you?” Without hesitation they pointed directly at Pen, Marcus and Seburn. The girl said, in a quavering voice, “I will never forget that face!”, while pointing to Marcus, of all people. It was quite a shock to many there, since he was wearing the face he had made up earlier that evening, courtesy of the disguise magic. The guards made to seize the outlanders, and they surrendered their weapons with good grace. Pen, however, got the Sukenja’s attention. “Look at their wounds. They weren’t killed here, nor were they killed recently. Ask them when and where, please. It’s important.” The Sukenja looked at the Half Satyr’s demonic face with obvious distaste, but did as he was asked. “We were killed during our evening repast, at the Autumn Teahouse, near the river. The sun was just setting.”, they replied together. This lead to other questions, but at least this news would spare the Innkeeper and his staff, and probably all others not specifically accused. The guards were stern and far from gentle in their handling of the prisoners, yet the trio had oddly serene smiles on their faces as they were hauled off. *** The Palace of Justice was ablaze with lamplight, and the square outside was ringed with gawkers who took dark delight at the sight of the outlanders being dragged within. It is a universal truth that, no matter where you go in the world, there are those who will flock to see an execution, and that was exactly what these people were hoping to see. Within, the trio were taken to one of the larger court chambers, and a crowd of onlookers followed them inside. All bowed as the Provincial Magistrate entered, his makeup hastily applied and he was still in the process of adjusting his robes. The Imperial Magistrate followed, and if it was possible the people bowed even lower. “These three have been identified as the killers, Excellence!”, the guard captain announced. “They await your pleasure.” It was clear from the Magistrate’s face that there was no pleasure to be had here. He would have to answer for the deaths of these favored ones while in his service, and it was clear that he would not suffer alone. “Do the accused have anything to say before sentence is passed?”, asked the man to the Magistrate’s right, apparently speaking on his behalf. “Yes, Excelence.”, answered Pen, looking up from his supine position. “May I rise to address his most excellence?” The speaker looked at the Magistrate, received a nod, and gave permission. “I would like to question a witness, if I may.”, Penn began. “Will the Provincial Magistrate consent to this?” Surprised, the lesser Justice agreed before even his spokesman could intervene. “According to what was learned, the victims were slain at sunset, during their evening meal. May I ask where you were at that hour?”, Penn began. “I am not accusing, of course.”, he added quickly, “I merely need to confirm the relevance of your testimony.” The Magistrate spoke in a clear, firm voice. “I was in the Garden of Jasmine, watching a demonstration of a particular magic weapon.”, he said. “Who was with you?”, Penn asked. “My spokesman, my guard, and someone who resembles that man.”, He said, indicating Seburn. “Also a foreign heretic who fled justice.” “Was it not his very man?”, Penn asked, seeking a firmer answer. “It looked like him, Fey ears and flame hair, but it’s hard to be certain, in light of the murders.” “The weapon, was it rare?”, Penn pressed. “I’ve never seen one like it, though I didn’t handle it myself.” Upon request, Seburn’s blade was produced, and the head of the Magistrate’s guard came forward to examine it. “Yes, it’s the same weapon.”, the man said. “The same odd balance, the pommel crest matches, and…”, he paused as he drew the blade, “… the power in the sword is unmistakable.” “Thank you. Sir.”, Penn said with a small bow. “I myself was at the Teak Tiger inn at that hour, in the common room, playing and telling stories.”, he added. “It is my profession, and there are any number of witnesses. More than a few are members of the city guard, in fact.” There were murmurs from the crowd, as many present had also been attending the performance. “In my land there are magics that can separate truth from lies. If such are known here, I beg that they be applied in our case.”, Penn asked in closing. “The bodies were arranged so as to make it appear they were killed late this evening, far from the actual crime scene. It’s obvious that someone is trying to cast blame as far from themselves as possible. If the magics are too costly for common criminals, then I will pay the cost for there is nothing common about this crime.” The Magistrate considered the request for long moments, then looked to his spokesman. “You are outlanders, and do not deserve any special treatment.”, the spokesman began. “However, the judgment and perception of the Provincial Magistrate should not be left in question, for he speaks with the voice of the Emperor, and none can be permitted to doubt that voice. Have the True Telling prepared.” A different Sukenja came forth, richly if hastily dressed, apparently part of the Imperial Magistrate’s entourage. Like his predecessor he began with prayers and supplications and the burning of incense. Then he produced a candle, as thick as a man’s forearm and as red as blood. He lit this from the incense brazier and solemnly handed it to Pen. “Speak only the truth.”, was his simple warning. “I am called Pen.”, the Bard began. “This evening, at the hour of sunset, I was at the Teak Tiger inn telling stories of my homeland and singing songs. I have not killed anyone since we encountered a Mongol raiding party several weeks past. I did not know the deceased I am accused of killing, I did not kill them, and I have no idea who did. I suspect that they were killed by enemies of ours, seeking to cast the blame on us.” The flame burned clear and serene throughout the entire speech, and both the holy man and the Magistrate bore looks of open disbelief at this fact. The candle was passed to Seburn who took it without hesitation. “I was with the Magistrate at sunset, in a garden of this very palace.”, he began. “The last time I killed anyone was during a Mongol raid on our caravan. I didn’t even know this couple existed before we saw their bodies tonight, and I certainly didn’t have anything to do with their deaths.” The candle flame continued to burn cleanly, and Provincial magistrate looked relieved at this development, for it meant that he had not been fooled and his judgment was beyond question again. Pen took the candle and carefully handed it to Marcus, then began to ask direct questions. “Did you kill either of these people?”, he asked. “No. The last killing I was any part of was on the way here, when the Mongols attacked.”, he answered. “Do you know either of these people?”, Penn asked. “No, I never saw them before tonight, and I don’t know their names even now.” “Were you at the Autumn Teahouse at sunset, or at any time today?”, Penn asked. “No, I was downstairs at the Inn the whole time.”, Marcus answered firmly. The candle flared brightly at this lie, drawing gasps from many onlookers and a sharp glare from the Magistrate. “I won’t ask which young lady you might have take upstairs.”, Penn said, attempting to cover his friend’s slip. “Instead I will simply ask, did you arrange for someone, anyone, to do any killing at all, under any pretext, at any time, any place in this land?” “No. The Mongol raid was outside this province. I had nothing to do with these killings, and I couldn’t even guess as to who might.”, Marcus replied, sweating slightly. The candle was returned to the holy man, who bowed to the court and pressed his bare hand down on it to extinguish the flame. Penn bowed deeply to the assembled Magistrates and their spokesmen, and concluded, “Someone attempted to deceive this court. It wasn’t us.” The Magistrate looked troubled. He whispered to the Sukenja, an act almost unheard of in such a proceeding, and listened intently to the reply before continuing. “There must be a formal hearing convened on the matter, for the crime is grievous and must be paid for.”, the spokesman announced. “But summary judgment is not in order at this time. Your weapons will be returned to you when…” The formal ending of the hearing was cut short by panicked cries from outside, the clang of an alarm, and the deep, penetrating call of a hunting horn. *** [/QUOTE]
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