Arcanis: Gonnes, Sons, and Treasure Runs (COMPLETED)

[talien]

Songs: Part 3 – Truth in a Shroud

As Sebastian and Beldin arrived at the Splintered Oak, it was clear that was once a cheerful establishment had become a grim crime scene. A startled barmaid with a mop tried to clean the bloodstains from the floor. There was absolute silence in the room.

Without making eye contact, the barmaid said, “Lady Sounshay said you would be coming. The bard’s room is up the stairs, third door to your left.”

As they made their way upstairs into the hallway, their path was blocked by two well-muscled Marokene elves. Unlike Ilmarė and Anulee, the elves were shorter but stronger, with a slight tinge of gray to their skin. They were both heavily armed.

“Halt,” said one of the guards, his hand sliding to his sword pommel. “State your business.”

“We are here to speak to Anulee by permission of Lady Sounshay,” said Sebastian.

The Marokene reluctantly let them pass with a look of mild disgust. Sebastian ignored it; he was accustomed to Ilmarė’s glares.

Inside, Anulee was a shell of her former self. She was no less beautiful than the woman they saw and hear singing majestically to a captivating crowd. And yet her eyes, swelled from her constant crying, were dim.

She tried to be resolutely diplomatic. “Please, sit down. I was expecting you. I want to help resolve this matter for the betterment of all.”

Sebastian and Beldin sat down.

“Is Persius sure that it was Kuros that waylaid him and Ilmarė?” asked Sebastian. “He was standing in front of all of us when Persius claims he was assaulted.”

Anulee nodded. “Persius is a very observant individual. He would never accuse someone unless he was absolutely sure.”

“But why would Kuros do such a thing?” asked Beldin. “Jealousy?”

“Perhaps.” She sighed. “Despite the fact that I suspected he had feelings for me, they never struck me as being obsessive. Or dangerous.”

“So you knew Kuros then,” prodded Sebastian.

“Yes. Like his father Venton, Kuros is a lover of the arts and theater, particularly song. He often traveled with us when he was a child. He was an endearing little boy in his youth. I was once a friend of his father’s, but many years have passed after we had a falling out. Shortly thereafter Venton’s wife, Victoria, passed away. Afterwards, I returned to the Vastwood Forest to spend time with my people.” She looked the dark-kin up and down. “Not all humans here find our presence comfortable.”

Sebastian flashed her a sympathetic smile. “I understand. What happened between you and Venton?”

“We had a falling out. He does not have the kindest of souls. His son has apparently inherited his father’s temper.”

“What kind of falling out?” asked Beldin.

“I can say no more.”

“You can’t or you won’t?” asked Sebastian.

She didn’t respond.

“What made you come back from the Vastwood Forest?” asked Beldin.

“I felt renewed vigor to use the gift that Osalian gave me. I believe it’s my duty to bring happiness and hope to those that have little of either.”

Beldin and Sebastian looked at each other.

“And what makes you think Postrava lacks those two attributes?” asked Sebastian.

Anulee flashed a condescending smile. “Wherever there are humans, there will always be suffering.”

Sebastian got up and thanked the elorii for her time. Downstairs, the barmaid had finished mopping the floor.

“May as well go home, Gertie,” said the bartender. “I don’t think we’ll have much business today.”

Kham was seated at one of the tables, sipping from a mug. He hopped up when Sebastian and Beldin arrived.

“Took you long enough. Get anything good out of the elf?”

Beldin crossed his arms. “She’s hiding something. Something terrible happened here that caused her to leave.”

Kham finished his mug. “Yeah, that’s what my pal Augustus said too.”

“I suspect she returned to Postrava out of guilt,” said Sebastian.

“Yeah, well, let’s visit Venton’s home.” He pushed back his overcoat to reveal one of his pistols. “I think we may have more luck interviewing him.”

 

[talien]

Songs: Part 4 – The Goblinoid Ambush

It was clear that the forces of nature held sway along the sparsely traveled roadway. The verdant landscape of tall brush, towering oak trees and symphony of wildlife were constant reminders that the Vastwood Forest was a far cry from the crowded modern cities of Milandir.

“I don’t like the feel of this place,” said Sebastian.

Kham took in a deep breath of fresh air. “You say that about every place with plants.”

Beldin shoved Kham and Sebastian’s heads down. “Down!”

Crossbow bolts whistled past them. One tore a jagged rent in Sebastian’s robes. Another pinned itself in the folds of Kham’s overcoat.

Beldin reached behind him and unlatched his battleaxe from the strap across his back. With one smooth motion, he brought it up in time to block a hulking hobgoblin’s scimitar.

“Goblins!” snarled Beldin. “Get behind me!”

Kham drew two of his pistols. “There’s not enough room behind you!”

Sebastian whirled, fingers fanned out towards the goblins hiding in the thicket. “Radius Incensio!” Two gouts of flame extended from his fingertips. The ensuing screams indicated Sebastian’s magic had found its target.

Another hobgoblin came roaring towards Kham. One pistol kicked in Kham’s hands, smoke trailing the barrel. The hobgoblin looked down in stupefied disbelief as his scimitar was shout of his hands. It whistled end over end and then landed in the thicket.

Beldin blocked a strike from the hobgoblin with his shield, which he unbuckled a second after he drew his axe. The dwarf hunkered low and rammed the larger hobgoblin in the chest, knocking it back a few feet.

The hobgoblin facing Kham drew its dagger. Kham aimed and fired again, piercing the hobgoblins hand. The dagger fell to the ground.

“Know when to give up,” Kham said. He holstered his pistols. “Skiz? Reload.”

Two pistols nudged their way out of Kham’s belt pouch.

A volley of crossbow bolts whistled past them. Sebastian faced the other side of the road. “Radius Incensio!” More screams.

The hobgoblin drew a javelin from a quiver on its back, preparing to hurl it at the val.

Beldin whistled his axe around him and then hacked upwards, splitting the remaining hobgoblin’s chin in two. He collapsed to the ground. The sounds of panicked retreated echoed through the forest.

Kham fired both pistols, leaving a smoking hole where the hobgoblin’s head had been.

Beldin tugged his axe out of the hobgoblin’s head. “Goblins shouldn’t be out in this territory. Something’s stirred them up.”

Sebastian scanned their surroundings. “Vlad’s got his work cut out for him. I don’t envy his task.”

Kham winced as he yanked a crossbow bolt out of his shoulder. “Why doesn’t anyone ever envy OUR tasks?”

 

[talien]

Songs: Part 5 – Sins of the Father

“Now that’s a manor,” said Kham.

The manor of Venton Zasfar had few equals. A black iron fence surrounded the mansion grounds. At the gate entrance were two ten-foot high marble columns topped by black gargoyle statues. Beldin peered at them curiously.

“Well made,” he said. As an afterthought, he added. “They’re not real gargoyles though.”

They reached the front door. The guard bid them to stop while he let Venton know of their arrival.

Moments later, a raspy voice yelled obscenities at the guard.

The guard returned, pale. “He will see you now. Please know that he is not in the best of moods.”

Kham pushed past him. “Yeah, we got that.”

When they entered, Venton was sitting on a luxurious couch facing a fireplace, cane in hand, with his war hound at his side.

“Do you have information pertaining to my son’s situation?” Before they could respond. “Well, speak your mind and be quick about it!”

“Actually,” began Sebastian, “we’re here to ask you some questions about your friend Augustus. It seems he feels you know something that you’re not telling.”

“I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about, but let me give you some advice: there are some things that are best left alone. This is one of them.”

“So you don’t deny that you had an affair with Anulee?”

“Well, if you must know, it’s true,” snapped Venton. “My wife Victoria was frail and sickly ever since the birth of my son. A man has needs you know, and it’s not my fault that Anulee was taken by my charms. Last I checked, having an affair is not against the law.”

Kham found a bottle of wine nearby, opened the cork, and started drinking. “Good thing too, or else I’d be…”

Sebastian cleared his throat. Kham stopped speaking.

“Put yourselves in my place.” Venton gently stroked his war hound’s russet coat. “Anulee is an intoxicating creature, but she proved to be ultimately ungrateful. Yes, she has talent, but it was MY influence that made things happen for her.”

Beldin peered at him under bushy eyebrows. “What exactly was she ungrateful about?”

Venton sighed. “Fair enough then. What will it take to guarantee your silence on this matter?”

Sebastian’s posture changed. “We will not be bribed.”

“Damn your bloated sense of righteousness! If you think the world will reward you for it then you are more naive than I thought!” Venton struck his cane against the floor. “This conversation is terminated. I’m sure you can see your way out the door.” He raised his cane and pointed to the door.

Kham stood up slowly to face Venton. “In the old days, I’d just shoot people like you until you talk.”

Venton didn’t flinch. The war hound lifted its head and started to growl.

“Kham, let’s go…” said Sebastian.

“Fortunately for you, I’ve turned over a new leaf.” Kham left the wine bottle, empty, on the table where he found it.

 

[talien]

Songs: Part 6a – Dead Man Talking

As they made their way towards the warehouse, the streets were relatively empty.

“It seems the incident in the Splintered Oak has left a lingering fear in the populace,” said Beldin.

Aside from the burning lanterns they passed every so often, there was no other light to guide their way. The unsettling silence only reinforced the desolation.

A tiny bat crawled out of the folds of Sebastian’s robes. He whispered to it and the bat flitted off into the darkness.

A couple of moments later it returned. The bat chattered at him.

“Dracuul says that the two lanterns nearest here have been shattered. Someone wants it dark here.”

“Do you actually understand that thing?” asked Kham.

Sebastian looked offended. “Of course. And he understands me perfectly.”

Skiz popped his head out of the extradimensional satchel where Kham kept most of his pistols. “Talking rodents,” said the talking rat. “Go figure, eh boss?”

“Very funny,” said Kham.

“One other thing: we are being followed by a large black bird.”

Kham holstered his pistols. “I’m going to investigate yet another warehouse.”

Imbibing a potion, Kham jumped ten feet up onto the wall of the warehouse. Then he began to carefully climb his way up.

He pushed the window open. It was pitch black inside.

Skiz crawled out of Kham’s satchel. He sniffed the air with sensitive whiskers. “Man, it stinks in here boss.”

“Yeah, I smell it.” A strange, acrid smell burned his nostrils.

Kham flicked a tindertwig with one finger and it flared to life. He held it in his mouth as he descended the labyrinth of wooden creates.

He avoided stepping into a large pool of blood that coalesced on the floor before him. It led to a gruesome scene.

Before Kham lay the mangled and broken body of Augustus. He lay in the still-fresh pool of his own blood, his face locked in an expression of utter horror. What was most bizarre were three needle-like gray spikes, as long as shortswords, were driven through his chest and exiting through his back. The spikes transfixed the corpse to the floor. Wisps of pungent smoke rose like tormented spirits from the areas where the spikes contacted his flesh.

Kham took the tindertwig out of his mouth. “Well, I guess he’s not talking.”

Skiz sniffed around the corpse, then wriggled into Augustus’ clothes. Kham blanched at the sight of a rat burrowing into a corpse.

Skiz was rifling through the dead man’s pockets. “Found a potion and…a note.” He dragged the note out with his teeth. “What’s it say boss?”

Kham scanned it. Then he slowly lowered the note. “I don’t believe this.”

“What boss?” Skiz sat up on his hind legs. “Come on, what?”

“According to our dead friend here, a dark-kin named Lantross fell in love with Anulee and helped break up the relationship between the elf and Venton. Venton tried to hire Augustus to murder a town guard, one Heinrich Martell, and pin it on Lantross. When Augustus wouldn’t do it, Venton did the dirty work himself. Then he threatened to reveal his affair with Anulee unless she committed perjury during the trial and pinned the crime on Lantross.”

“Martell? That’s the big guy’s last name, right? They related?”

Kham nodded. “I think so. It’s Lantross’ name that worries me.”

“Why?”

“Lantross’ last name is Arnyal, the same as Sebastian.”

Just then Kham heard Sebastian calling his name.

 

[talien]

Songs: Part 6b – Dead Man Talking

A bank of fog surrounded Beldin and Sebastian while they waited for Kham to exit the warehouse. The stench of brimstone was so strong that it made their eyes tear.

“Trouble,” said Beldin. “Get behind me.”

A barely humanoid figure lurched out of the fog. Its entire body was bristling with dark gray spikes. Its hellish features framed glowing red eyes. The things body shook feverishly with the anticipation of a fresh kill.

“More to kill, “a sibilant voice giggled in their minds, “more to kill!”

“Gods, that’s a hamatula!” whispered Sebastian. “Kham! Get out here!”

Beldin’s axe and shield were out. He faced the devil. “You cannot pass!”

The devil roared. It traced a symbol in the air and a blast of energy spun outwards from the infernal glyph, nearly flattening Sebastian.

“I am a Defender of Man,” shouted Beldin, “Apprentice of Elabac the Wise. Your dark magics will not avail you!”

It traced another symbol, this one in the shape of a demonic head. The infernal blast excoriated Beldin but he did not move from his spot.

“Go back to hell!” shouted Beldin.

Sebastian shouted “Acid sphaera!” A green orb appeared in his palm. He threw it at the devil, melting spikes and flesh. “Kham!”

The devil raised itself to its full height with a mighty roar. The spikes that dotted its body shivered outwards, growing longer and wicked. It towered over Beldin.

The hamatula charged forward, but Beldin crouched down and took the full impact head on. Some of the spikes on the devil snapped off. Others found their mark, impaling the dwarf. And still he did not move an inch.

From behind Beldin, Sebastian pointed at the hamatula. “Radius Incensio!” Spiraling flames washed over the devil, dissipating harmlessly. “Khaaaaam!”

The devil roared again and extended a palm at Sebastian. The same flames blasted into the dark-kin, knocking him to the ground.

“You shall not pass!” shouted Beldin. He hacked viciously at the thing’s face, but even that was protected by bony protrusions.

Sebastian lifted his arms. “Mulimodis Oris!” Three ghostly pairs of vicious jaws flew out from the folds of his robes.

The hamatula drove its spikes deeper into Beldin. The dwarf grunted in pain.

The ghostly jaws clamped onto the hamatula, one on each arm and another on its throat. And still it moved forward, skewering Beldin.

“Medricas val’Assante, I call upon your gift to fight evil,” pleaded Beldin to the heavens. “Guide my axe!”

White flames consumed Beldin’s axe. The devil reared back; for the first time its feral features registered fear.

With a mighty roar, Beldin hacked downwards on the hamatula’s head, splitting it in two. It disappeared in an oily burst of smoke.

Beldin stood panting, covered in devil ichor. Sebastian put out the flames on his robe.

Kham opened the warehouse doors and sauntered out. “I heard you the first few times. What’s up?”

Beldin slumped to the ground, unconscious from his wounds.

 

[talien]

Songs: Part 6c – Dead Man Talking

Lady Sounshay and three town guardsmen attended to Beldin’s wounds.

Kham pulled Sebastian aside. “We need to talk.” He handed Sebastian Augustus’ note.

Lady Sounshay joined them. “What happened here?”

Kham jabbed a thumb in the direction of the warehouse. “I found that note on Augustus’ body, in there.”

Sebastian scanned the letter. “Venton and Anulee were having a secret affair.” His features slowly twisted in rage. ”She used a visiting dark-kin as an excuse to break up with Venton. In retaliation, Venton blackmailed Anulee into blaming the dark-kin for the murder of a town guard.”

“I remember that.” The implications dawned on her. “The dark-kin was executed for that crime!”

“That dark-kin was Lantross.” Sebastian’s face was red. “Lantross Arnyal. My father.” He handed Sounshay the note. “Just before he was executed, he had another visitor. Lantross’ brother…my uncle.”

“I am issuing a warrant for the arrest of Venton Zasfar.” Sounshay barked orders at the guards. She turned back to Sebastian. “I will personally bring it to his door tonight, even if I have to storm his manor and fling his vile sleeping carcass out of his own bed!”

“We can handle that,” began Kham.

“No!” snarled Sounshay. “I need you to go to the Splintered Oak and bring Anulee to me immediately. Perjury is also a crime.”

Beldin’s wounds had been healed enough that he was able to stand. He limped over to them.

Sounshay handed Sebastian a writ to bring her into custody. “Hurry. There is no telling how many more innocent lives are in danger.”

 

[talien]

Songs: Part 7 – Dead Man Talking

They raced to the Splintered Oak. It was empty except for the bartender who was doing inventory of his supplies.

“Great Saluwe’!” said the bartender as they entered. “Is everybody in such a hurry tonight?”

“What do you mean?” asked Sebastian.

“Well, I saw one of those Marokene bodyguards come in here after his walk and go up the stairs same as he did every other time. A few minutes later, I saw Anulee racing down the stairs, practically stumbling over her feet and out the door faster than I could blink. Then, the same Marokene bodyguard came back down the stairs just as quickly and went out the door. Then I heard the horses get restless and the sound of the carriage taking off.”

Kham drew his pistols. “Not good.”

“Did Lady Sounshay give her permission to leave?” asked the befuddled bartender. “I could have sworn Anulee was supposed to stay here.”

“No.” Beldin took out his axe and crept up the steps towards Anulee’s room. “She wasn’t supposed to leave.”

Sebastian addressed Kham. “So she was kidnapped then.”

Kham nodded. “A shapeshifter posed as Kuros. My money’s on Venton.”

“I don’t think so.” Sebastian followed behind Kham. “The hamatula you didn’t help us fight was summoned by someone with connections to the infernal. Venton doesn’t strike me as the type who traffics with devils.”

“With enough money, anything’s possible. Fifty imperials say I’m right,” said Kham.

“Let’s hope neither of us are right,” Sebastian said morosely.

The door to the bodyguards’ room was ajar. Beldin entered the room.

A note was pinned to the door of Anulee’s room with a dagger. Kham scanned it. “This is the court record from ten years ago.” He handed it to Sebastian.

“There’s a note at the bottom, written in the infernal tongue,” Sebastian read it. “The time for justice has come.”

Beldin came back out of the bodyguards’ room. “Elandros’ body is in there. Looks like a gladius punctured his heart. Also, there are no bags packed for travel.”

“Let’s go,” said Sebastian.

The bartender was standing at the foot of the steps. “The carriage left here not that long ago; if you hurry, you can catch up to it! They left going east out of town. I only have three horses in the stable outside, but you’re welcome to use them.”

Sebastian sighed. “No thanks, I’ll—“

Kham shouldered Sebastian aside. “We’ll run it. Beldin, you go on ahead, we’ll catch up.”

The bartender led Beldin to the stables.

Sebastian acknowledged Kham with a nod. Then they both took off in a sprint towards the east side of town.

 

[talien]

Songs: Part 8a – Dark Vengeance

Beldin found the carriage pulled off to the side of the road. An unarmored man held a gladius to Anulee’s throat; she hung shackled to a low-slung branch of a tree. She showed no signs of injury.

“I am Aglamar, brother of Lantross Arnyal.” His face was painted blood red. “I know why you have come and if you knew even half of the truth, then you would realize this woman deserves to die.”

“We know what she conspired to do.” Beldin dismounted. “And what it cost your family. But she was coerced by Venton—“

“I don’t CARE that Venton coerced her! She had her moment to tell the truth but lied and condemned my brother’s life to keep her dirty little secret safe. I wanted Venton, that miserable piece of garbage, to suffer as well, but hurting the cripple was too easy…”

“So it was you who attacked the elves and Augustus?”

Aglamar nodded. “Hurting Venton by framing his son Kuros…now that was well worth the effort.” He pressed the blade against Anulee’s neck. Her eyes were wide with terror. “So it comes down to this. Will you stop me and let their actions continue to make a mockery of the fabled Milandisian honor and justice, or must you force me to end your life as well?”

Beldin’s axe and shield were out. “I cannot allow you to harm her. She must face justice; even human justice, as flawed as it might be, is better than petty vengeance.”

“So be it.” Aglamar stepped away from Anulee. “I should warn you I am a shaman of the wolf. The powers at my disposal are more formidable than you can imagine.”

“I was a titan once,” snarled Beldin. “Your magic holds no secrets.” And with that he charged forward.

A huge black hound the size of a man slammed into Beldin as he passed the tree where Anulee was held captive. He rolled to his feet to face it.

“Meet Raze, my pet,” said Aglamar.

The hound had a bright red streak running down its back. Its eyes glowed a hellish red. Beldin ducked down as flames spewed from its maw. The fire washed over his shield and singed his beard.

Then Raze was upon him. He bore the brunt of it on his shield, but the snapping jaws threatened to tear off his face. Beldin hacked downwards, shearing off an ear. The hound yelped in pain and jumped backwards.

Before it could recover, Beldin surged forward, cracking the hound with his shield. He followed up with his axe, finishing it. The dwarf spun to face Aglamar once more.

Aglamar pointed at him. A gout of flames blasted down from the heavens.

Beldin looked up just in time to see it coming. He raised his shield overhead as the conflagration struck.

When it went out, Beldin was still standing. The surrounding vegetation was blackened to a crisp, the grass and brush smoking from the attack. Beldin himself was covered in soot. Only the whites of his eyes were visible. He took a step towards Aglamar.

“You are like a big, stupid dog who can't stop eating.” Aglamar raised one hand heavenwards. The other pointed at Beldin. “Even though your master said you've had enough!”

There was a terrible crack and the air was filled with the taste of ozone. A lightning bolt struck from the skies, connecting through Beldin’s helmet. The dwarf shook it off.

“Now it's time to put this bad dog to sleep... for good!”


Aglamar pointed again, and lightning struck again. Thrice. Four times. And still Beldin took slow, shuddering steps forward.

Bolt after bolt surged through Beldin’s body. The tips of his beard were on fire. His armor was blackened, his flesh cracked and bleeding. And still the dwarf kept coming.

“Why won’t you die?” shouted Aglamar.

Aglamar thrust one hand into the air, his hand an open claw. Trees and shrubbery reached around the grab Beldin’s feet. The dwarf kept moving forward, one shuddering step at a time. The brush that clung to him carved great furrows in the dirt.

Beldin stood within striking distance of Aglamar. He had since dropped his shield. With two hands, he lifted his dwarven battleaxe over his head…

The hideous sound of snapping bone gave him pause. He looked down.

Aglamar had thrust his gladius up to its hilt in Beldin’s abdomen. The pommel had the word “Brother” engraved in Low Coryan on it, and it sported a snarling wolf-head motif.

The dwarf collapsed just as Sebastian and Kham arrived.

 

[talien]

Songs: Part 8b – Dark Vengeance

Sebastian raised his hands, palms open, towards Aglamar.

The shaman lifted a finger. “You may not want to do that. You might hurt your precious elf.” He pointed at Anulee. The tree she hung from took a shuddering step forward, its roots ripped from its moorings.

Kham’s pistols were out. “I don’t care if he’s your uncle, I’m going to just shoot him in the head.”

They dove in different directions as a huge tree limb swatted at them.

“I can’t stop this tree without hitting the girl!” shouted Sebastian.

Kham jumped backwards as the tree took another clumsy swipe at him. “I think I can fix that.” He holstered his pistols. “When I give you the signal, you do what you do best.”

Sebastian took another step backwards as the tree turned its attention to him. “What are you doing?”

Suddenly, Kham was hanging from the tree and Anulee, freed of her bindings, was standing where Kham once was.

The tree lifted another limb to strike at Sebastian. With a twist, Kham easily slipped out of the bonds that originally bound Anulee. He dove to the side and rolled to his feet.

“Now Sebastian!”

Sebastian fanned out his fingers. “Incendiaries globus!”

A ball of fire enveloped the tree. It flailed helplessly for a moment, enveloped in flames. With another mighty creak, the blackened husk collapsed into ashes.

Kham was still admiring his handiwork when Aglamar attacked. The val spun just in time to block Aglamar’s strike with his scimitar and dagger.

With a bellow of rage, Aglamar struck blow after blow.

“Uh, Sebastian?” shouted Kham over his shoulder. “Now would be a good time…”

He didn’t get to finish. Kham caught another deadly gladius strike between his blades, and for a brief moment they were locked, eye-to-eye. Spittle dripped from Aglamar’s chin, his eyes bulging with fury.

“Radius Incensio!” Two trails of fire blasted into Aglamar’s back…with no effect.

With a roar, Aglamar smashed both of Kham’s weapons aside, knocking him to the ground. He looked up, stunned, as Aglamar raised his gladius for the killing blow…

Then he dropped his gladius and shield. He slowly turned, clutching at his back. Beldin’s waraxe was embedded in Aglamar’s spine. He collapsed to the ground.

Beldin limped over to Aglamar and yanked the blade out of him. “It’ll take more than that to stop a dwarf,” he grumbled.

Aglamar twisted in agony, his battle frenzy wearing off. He groaned, spitting up blood.

Anulee cupped Aglamar’s head in her hands and whispered a chant.

“I have eased his pain for a moment.” She looked at Sebastian, tears in her eyes. “It’s the best I can do.”

Sebastian kneeled by Aglamar’s side. “Hello, uncle.” He took his hand.

Aglamar blinked back tears. “Brother…?”

Sebastian tried to smile, but his mouth was trembling. Aglamar had confused him with his father. “I am Landross’ son. Be still.”

“You look just like him…Anulee! Where is Anulee?”

Sebastian shook his head. “We let her go.”

Aglamar winced as the pain returned. “Then you did what I could not. Forgive me, I have failed you.”

“No, Aglamar, you fought bravely! You have kept your honor.”

Aglamar shuddered. “It is over. Landross’ murder will never be avenged…”

“I swear to you I will see justice done,” said Sebastian.

Aglamar focused on him again. “Your father…would have been proud of you.” Then his body went slack, his unfocused gaze staring past Sebastian into death.

Sebastian touched his hand to his forehead, then to his lips in respect.

“Be at peace, son of Canceri,” whispered Sebastian. He bent and kissed Aglamar on the brow.

Kham looked sadly at Sebastian and Beldin. Beldin bowed his head and turned away.

Sebastian whirled on Anulee. Without a word, he lifted one open palm towards her…

“Sebastian, wait—” shouted Beldin.

There was a resounding crack. Anulee collapsed to the ground, her hand to one cheek.

Tears streaming down his cheeks, Sebastian pulled the writ from his robes and tossed it at her feet.

 

[talien]

Songs: Part 8c – Dark Vengeance

As they entered the town, a host of guardsmen escorted Anulee to the local prison. Inside, Kuros was standing next to Lady Sounshay. A guard stood behind them, holding a squirming and angry Venton in his grasp. As Anulee entered, Kuros’ eyes flashed with fury.

”Please take Anulee to the first holding room,” said Lady Sounshay. “Have Venton put in the second. When I call for each one, bring them to me.” With that, the guards took them both away.

Sounshay addressed Sebastian. “Kuros and I have discussed what to do with both Anulee and Venton. The laws of Milandir are not toys to manipulate for their convenience. However, we felt that because you are Landross’ son, you should have a say. What form of punishment do you think they deserve?”

Sebastian took a deep breath. “Banishment for Anulee. Since she loves this place dearly, so banishment should be a fitting punishment. As for Venton…he should be executed.”

Lady Sounshay called for the guards to bring in Anulee.

“We have discussed your part in this matter and come to a decision. Perjury is a serious offense, especially when it leads to the unjust execution of an innocent man. He may have been dark-kin,” Sounshay looked at Sebastian, “but in Postrava at least, we judge the soul of a man by his actions, not his blood.”

“Be thankful, for the merciful nature of Sebastian astounds me considering all that he has had to endure. I could have you locked away for what you’ve done, but immortality is in your favor. Therefore, as punishment for your part in this, I hereby order you banished from Sylvania until Sebastian forgives you for what you have done to Lantross. Pray that he is more forgiving than his uncle was, as I believe him to be. Perhaps someday, Sylvania will be graced with your song again. That is my edict. Let it be done.”

Anulee pressed something wrapped in parchment in Sebastian’s hand. “Please give this to Ilmarė on my behalf.” She turned to Kuros, tears streaming down her face. “For what it is worth, I am truly sorry for the sorrow I have caused.”

Kuros looked at her for a moment and then turned his gaze away, not uttering a word. The guards ushered Anulee back to her cell.

Lady Sounshay called for the guard to bring in Venton. He was still trying to free himself from the guard’s grasp when they dragged him in.

She fixed him with a penetrating stare. “Now, as for you, Venton, it seems your son’s sense of irony is as sharp as his sense of justice. I will allow him to tell you what your punishment is.”

Kuros stepped up to his father, mere inches from his face. “I may have acquired your temper, but at least I do not have your black, twisted heart, father. Tomorrow morning, you will sign over access to al your monetary wealth, properties, businesses, the mansion, and every other thing you own. All your life you have used your money, influence, and power to destroy peoples’ lives. It ends today.

“While my mother was dying, you made a mockery of her love for you. From this day forth, you will have only that which I allow you to have, which will not be much. Finally, you will not be allowed to leave Postrava. This place will become your tomb. I will not allow you to further smear the good and honorable Zasfar name.”

Venton’s face reddened. “You can’t do that to me!” he screamed. “I won’t allow it!” He raised his cane to strike Kuros.

Kuros snatched the cane from Venton. Pushed off balance, the old man fell to the floor.

“You’ll agree to this, or you will be executed.” With that, Kuros walked away.

“My cane!” pleaded Venton. “Please…I can’t walk without my cane.” He struggled in vain to rise.

“Life is hard, father,” said Kuros as he left the prison. “I suggest you get used to it.”