Willem looks at Nathan, "Perhaps if you are nice enough, you will get to work on this project again so you may want to resist belittlin' Risur's finest whether that be us or the Skyseers?" Since everyone is under arrest with cuffs, Willem conducts one more search, this time using Constabulary techniques of evidence collecting for a missing tidbit or something that fell into the "cracks" ...
”Three cheers for the Constables! Huzzah! Huzzah! HUZZAH!”
A thundering round of cheers rings across the damaged doors of the north main gate to the inner keep, a large collection of Risuri marines in force on both sides of it cheering them on even as a line of surrendered rebel prisoners are filing slowly through the gate to the town beyond. Ethelyn Lesterman and Nathan Jierre walk with cuffs on surrounded by the seven constables, even as a solid double line of hardy marine escorts ensure no onlookers get too close to them as they pass through. Asrabey Varal is still unconscious and cuffed, being carried on a stretcher by more marines that gave their oaths not to harm him in his current state for what he did to the Falcon and many hapless soldiers who got in his way. Behind Asrabey’s escort walk two soldiers who carry a large footlocker with the eladrin warrior’s powerfully dweomered items locked within, with a third man carrying a smaller chest bearing the magics that Ethelyn had once worn before her defeat. The rebellion is finally at an end.
Though they finally emerge from the inner keep of Axis as heroes, the constables had initially wondered if they were going to make it out at all. They knew they could not exit through the fortress walls in the manner that they had entered, with still two companies’ worth of hardened rebel soldiers manning the inner walls and repelling a siege attack from two directions. Though there was no one left alive in the central keep tower to contest them, meeting even a platoon or two of rebel soldiers out in the open could have seriously jeopardized their lives. So the constables held fast inside the keep, guarding the stairs and observing the assault for signs that the loyalist marines could break through. Nearly an hour passed by, with ample time at least to review and collect documents in both the library and observatory.
Finally, it became clear to the constables that a cleverly staged tri-directional attack with feints and diversions was about to succeed in at least one section of the walls, which is when two rebel messengers came through the hedges to beseech the Duchess and her command staff for updated observations on “enemy” movements and revised orders…clearly revealing not all the rebels understood what had befallen their leadership with the actions of Asrabey Varal. Instead of their own senior officers they came face-to-face with the constables at the tower doors, who bade them to tell their superiors that Ethelyn was wounded and captured with the rest of her command echelon dead. It was unclear exactly who told the rebel messengers that the former Duchess would meet her end if they did not surrender or attempted to take back the central tower. Whatever the precise words were, the effect upon the rebels was enough to sap them of what final fight they had left in them. The calls for surrender and cessation of battle occurred not but a quarter-hour afterwards.
As the seven constables clear past the inner keep walls into the area between it and the outer harbor walls, they are reminded of the devastation caused by the last several hours of intense battle, with dead and wounded soldiers on both sides everywhere amidst the rubble. A similar struggle goes on for the once-mighty fortress city of Shale, though on a far larger scale or so it is reported. Hopefully, their successes today can spell a final end to the fighting between their own Risuri countrymen and stem the flow of blood being spilled there...
”You sure about removin’ those magecuffs Director…Directress…uh mum?” The grizzled and veteran marine captain looks over ominously at the now-conscious Asrabey Varal seated on the ground just yards away from the portal ring’s edge, with no less than a dozen marines surrounding him in a gapless circle pointing muskets at him, ready to fire if he tries anything hostile. Three additional war-mages stand just outside the circle, ready to blast the Unseen Court’s enforcer with force missiles for good measure. The captain looks away from the dangerous eladrin and back to Assistant Director Lauryn Cyneburg, a respectful but questioning look in his eyes. ”I saw him take apart the Falcon and cut a bloody swathe of destruction to the harbor walls mum, and even without his armaments he could try somethin’ as soon as you take the cuffs and gold off of him.”
”Principal Minister Lee and I have him well in-hand, captain,” answers Director Cyneburg with her usual tone of irritation and command to it, waving a hand over in the direction of Harkover Lee nearby who is warmly greeting several senior officers of Admiral Jellicoe’s attack regiment and commending them for their service. Lauryn shakes her head in disapproval, muttering “politics” and then adding to her original statement. ”Gold cannot traverse the portal ring as you should know, so they obviously must be removed. The portal ring can take thirty, so we will have your detail come with us, as well as those to guard Ethelyn and this whelp of House Jierre to the Cloverdelve Circle. Just make certain you have Constable Glix and your most seriously wounded at the ready when we return, captain, for the Principal Minister will see to their porting while I go out straightaway to the cove to retrieve the fallen members of Resilience.”
For Asrabey Varal’s part, he says nothing and simply glares past the ring of marines towards the assembled constables nearby, his eyes glaring with fury and an unspoken promise in the air of meeting them again sometime in the future. Unfortunately, Jeselle’s remembered interpretation of Risuri laws not applying to the members of the Unseen Court were quite accurate – Minister Lee confirmed as much, citing that only the King had the power to banish him to the Monarch of the Unseen Court and “request” a penance to be given to him in the Dreaming, the banishment from the Waking world lasting only a mere thirteen days. Or thirty-one days, depending on the season and the lunar cycle. Such was the Pact of Kelland and its strange terms that only each King of Risur fully understood. Yet once upon Risuri soil the King could demand an audience which Asrabey had to abide by, brooking no questions or delay. The lethal force merely had to get him to the Cloverdelve, and then he had to see King Aodhan. That, and the fact that his magical armaments would only be returned to him when “requested” to the King by the Unseen Court, suggested his mission to execute Ethelyn had ended in failure.
Ethelyn and Nathan sit together apart from Asrabey, surrounded by their own collection of marine guards and war-mages; aside from her wounds the former Duchess looks…old and tired, as if the crushing weight of all that has transpired has finally affected her. Nathan Jierre, on the other hand, looks around wide-eyed and positively terrified. Standing in yet another area away from the others are Ifris Lanvaldan and Johnathan Jackson, un-cuffed but guarded by a group of marines nonetheless; Johnathan looks almost bored in his demeanor, while Ifris still seems angry enough to chew wood off a ship’s railing. Yet with the presence of the two most powerful magi in the modern era of Risur, no one seems inclined to pull a ruse or futile act of violence. All will be going back to Slate in just a few minutes’ time – whether for questioning, imprisonment or royal reprimand depended on the individual. For the seven constables, however, they find the ease of returning home to Risur via the portal ring is not offered to them, for they still have a final mission to perform on behalf of the King, at sunset. After which, a two-day journey home via Captain Rutger Smith and the Impossible, followed by an overland journey to Slate Branch and most likely days’ worth of debriefing sessions.
As final preparations for activating the portal ring are about to commence and the returning prisoners and guards enter across the circle wards, Principal Minister Lee walks over to the constables and gives each his personal thanks, on behalf of both himself and King Aodhan. Though Jesselle, Fethryth and Tobias are pleased to note that Lee thanks them by their individual names, they notice he seems particularly familiar and friendly with Anneca, Gemma, Emerson and Willem as he issues his gratitude. ”Well now, constables, a long time it seems since we first were introduced by Stover Delft at the quay to the Coaltongue, hmmm? I think you have all changed since then, each in your own way. Such is the effect of mighty trials and the hard-won deeds to overcome them. Rest not on your victories, constables, for I shall be eager to see what else you do for Risur in the inevitable challenges yet to come!”
Interestingly, Lauryn Cyneburg addresses Fethryth, Tobias and Jesselle directly then, almost as if to not be shown up by the Principal Minister. ”You three have well-shown the confidence of my Noses in you…I shall personally see to it that the Director knows you have carried out your duties to full satisfaction. Just don’t let that swell your heads, else I shall personally see to it that you’ll be put back in your proper places!”
With a wry smirk and a nod, she turns to Harkover and says, ”Ready, Lee? I still have much to do today you know.”
”Indeed, Lauryn, let us be on our way.”
The seven constables look on as mighty leaders, bitter enemies, former colleagues and their respective guards shimmer in the smaller Axis portal ring and disappear in a flash of white light, even as the critically wounded are starting to be brought into the area by sailors and healers. Knowing they have to meet with Admiral Jellicoe and the fleet captains next, they expect that the Risuri fleet will be sailing out with the afternoon winds in just a few hours, leaving just themselves and the Impossible as the last ship to bring them home…
The seven constables wait patiently upon the stone quay of the western-side docks in Axis Harbor, the sea gate wide open to receive the incoming arrivals. Over on the east-side docks sits the R.N.S. Impossible, the last Risuri ship of the fleet still left in Axis – the rest of the fleet sailed or steamed out just over an hour prior, marines and prisoners and equipment all stowed as best as possible. Captain Smith waits for them on the Impossible with the crew, leaving no Risuri remaining on Axis “ground” with the exception of the constables at the docks. Danoran flags now fly over the central keep and main towers of Axis. Standing next to them is Lieutenant Marseine with a dozen Danoran soldiers at attention, representing the paltry remainder of the Danoran soldiers that were not seriously injured or killed. To say the last couple of hours have been awkward between them is an understatement. Yet all present know what has to be done for the good of both Risur and Danor.
The Danoran steam-powered and ironclad warship Lux Profectusque has just finished tying off its mooring lines, a large gangplank clanking down upon the stone quay from near the bow section. Squatter, smaller and slower than the Coaltongue, it still would prove a match to perhaps as many as three sail-powered wooden frigates of the Risuri fleet in open battle. As the gangplank is secured Lieutenant Marseine leads a rigid salute of the Danoran soldiers, even as three figures descend from the ship to officially take back the island. In the lead is a Malice-Born female wearing an elaborately embroidered red blouse and tight-fitting grey breeches with knee-high black boots, seemingly without armor but bearing a beautifully-engraved hilted blade at her side, her manner of movement suggesting she knows well how to use it. Though Tobias, Jesselle and Fethryth only know her by reputation from the mission briefings, the other four constables whom have met her in person see that it is none other than Lya Jierre, a scion of House Jierre and Minister of Outsiders currently posted to Risur in Flint City.
The elite woman approaches, looking on at the seven constables with a slight raise of her eyebrows as if not seeing something she expected to see. Yet her voice is sultry and conveys no alarm or discord as she says with a nod of respect, ”Ahh! Once again Risur’s ‘Royal Homeland Constabulary’ achieves its stated goals most admirably…and under the current circumstances I am most grateful, as is my uncle. Now then, as a member of House Jierre and with the expressed authority of the Sovereign of Danor, I have come to take possession of Axis Island back for the Republic of Danor. Do you require my credentials, or may we move on to the attesting and signing of documents?”
As the day races by with various activities they all seem to blur to the moment that the sun is setting and the Danorans arrive. She was briefed on the Minster and her request but just never pictured the woman as she actually is as she descends the gangway to stand before her and her fellow Constables.
"Pardon me, Minster Jierre, Constable Wesmere," she starts introducing herself and her lawyering side begins, "In keeping contractual laws of both our nations, it may be best that we do require your credentials. We would not want someone years from now examining said documents to find that a procedure was not followed, vacating the agreement on a technicality."
She stands before the Minister knowing that she is correct in asking but also not used to stating such to those in such power. From the learned daughter of a businessman, to that of an assistant to an upstanding barrister, to that of a recruit in the RHC, and now as part of group of elite on the world stage. Perhaps one day she will be remembered... Jesselle hoped that it would be well. And her brief gaze to the ground returned to that of the Minster.
Since no one seemed to be chomping at the bit to speak to the Minister, Gemma started to step forward, being more familiar with her than the constables new to their group. But at the last minute, Jesselle speaks up first.
Oh, thank the stars!
Gemma briefly looks to her feet then back up to the Minister, breathing a quiet sigh of relief under her breath.
She knows that she is probably the worst person to speak in a political situation...well...other than maybe Anneca, but either way it wouldn't be great. Although asking someone such as the Minister for her credentials may not be the wisest thing. But Constable Wesmere is well within her station to do so and the Minister should be respectful enough to comply. The more interesting part of the conversation will happen when Lady Jierre finds out that her dear cousin has asked for asylum. In the meantime, Gemma can do nothing other than keep a watchful eye on both the Minister and her bodyguards.
As Willem descends the stairs with the prisoners, he shakes the hands of some of the Marines' hands thanking them for their assistance and does the same for any naval personnel along the way too, from relieving them at the lighthouse to the ride over to the Island.
Willem snaps to attention, "Thank you Principal Minister Lee, Sir! It is a pleasure to serve the King and all of Risur!"
Willem moves beside Jesselle to take a second look at the credentials presented with his rifle in a field carry with the muzzle pointed at the deck, his left hand holding his sling, and his right hand on his pepperbox sidearm. He nods to the Minister with a smile to seem less intimidating and to appear more cautious. Just because there are significant prisoners in custody does not mean everything is back to normal yet. The more time that goes by without an event, one can become more and more certain that hostilities have officially ended.
Lya Jierre looks to Constable Wesmere with a clear note of surprise…and some degree of perturbation at her request. The ‘Minister of Outsiders’ of the Danoran Embassy in Flint merely holds aloft her left hand to the young female constable, displaying an elegant golden signet ring bearing the insignia of the House of Jierre. ”Yes, I forget how much you constables enjoy your rules, do you not? I do not remember you, little rules-constable. Should I ask for your credentials then in return? Hmm.”
With a look to Willem, Gemma, Anneca and Emerson and her right hand resting easily upon the hilt of her exquisite arcanoscience blade, she smiles but waves irritably at them in an added response to Jesselle Wesmere. ”These four I do remember, and they can attest to our first meeting four days ago at your Flint Branch compound, yes?” Lya looks around past the group of seven constables as if being disappointed there are not more present. ”Where is the dashing war veteran, Johnathan Jackson, who so expertly bested my little test of intellect? I was so dearly looking forward to seeing him once again! And the uniquely talented mindblade, Ifris Lanvaldan? They did not meet a bitter end to the expedition, I hope? Surely not!”
The impression Lya gives the constables is that she does truly have some sort of genuine interest in Constables Jackson and Lanvaldan, one that would displease her if they fell in the mission to liberate the island. Before they can speak to her question, however, the other two who disembarked from the Danoran warship come up to stand behind and to either side of Minister Jierre – flanking her and surveying the group of constables intently. For the four that now call Flint Branch their home, they briefly remember the pair loitering outside HQ as their mistress was up meeting with Inspectress Saxby, the “guards” being neither human nor Malice-Born. One is a large plate-armored half-orc male with a close-fitting open-faced steel helmet, a strange two-pronged trident securely stored in a custom satchel across his back; he glares at the constables with a clear expression of threat in his manner. The other is a much smaller handsome half-elven male in a high-collared coat of Danoran style, well-groomed and wearing fine black leather gloves, bearing a metal baton holstered at either hip; he carries a snide expression of one who looks upon his lessers, much as a scholar would view simpletons at the marketplace.
”Ah. Yes, my two aides-de-camp.” With a practiced air she refers to them with a displayed hand to each in casual introduction. ”May I introduce Mister Rush Munchausen, and Mister Merton Goncala. Gentlemen, the esteemed Constables of the Royal Homeland Constabulary…though where there were six there are now seven, with two of special note conspicuously absent.”
Jesselle looks at the signet ring as she attempts to recall information regarding House Jierre.
She than returns a nod to the Lya Jierre and replies to her query, "If it so pleases."
She listens and replies once again, "Constables Jackson and Lanvaldan have returned to Risur at the request of the the Director. We can pass a message if you wish?"
Jesselle greets each of the Aide, "Minster Munchausen, Minster Goncala, a pleasure." She than instoduces her fellow colleagues that join the mission pointing to each in turn, "Constables Teldanona, Utegg, and myself, Wesmere, were late additions to the mission."
Tobias laughs as Lya Jierre gives Jesselle some flack.
"I wouldn't say we all love rules, but given the circumstances I don't disagree with our resident rules-constable either." He smiles warmly at the woman when she presents her ring. "I suppose that's proof enough but I don't suppose you've got a Razorbust blade to show do you? I'd be remiss if I didn't at least attempt to see one after meeting the author of Focus Limbed Severence Techniques in Combat." He smiles again. "We, uh, shortened the title a bit so it was faster to reference during our studies."
As the conversation turns toward Jackson and Lanvaldan his smile almost fades but he holds it and tries to keep it looking genuine. "Our decorated Veterans we're escorted onto other duties befitting their talents." He says, not wanting to reveal the full extent of the Constabulary's inner politics to non-Risuri.
To Fethryth, Lya Jierre’s tone and actions seem to imply more than just a sense of superiority. A little alarm bell goes off in the back of her mind. Could Lya have known about Jackson and Lanvaldan’s true mission? It’s a silly idea, probably nothing more than paranoia on Fethryth’s part….but there’s no harm in keeping a closer eye on Lya during the conversation. Inflection, tone, small facial expressions, pauses; sometimes these say just as much as a suspect’s words.
Keeping Lya engaged in conversation for a few more minutes will help Fethryth to pick up on any subtleties and as luck would have it Lya’s touched on Fethryth’s true passion.
”You are well within your rights to ask for our credentials, Minister.” Fethryth interjects. ”Laws make up the backbone of our society. They exist to provide us with Order instead of Chaos, to provide recourse for the wronged, and to guide our nation down the right path. A flagrant disregard for Law is the bane of society. Ethelyn’s treachery is a prime example of what happens when one believes they are above the law.”
She nods her head at Jesselle ”Constable Westmere is well aware of who you are, as are we all, but in choosing to follow our laws she does not mean any insult. On the contrary, she is doing her job in a commendable way by putting our Laws before anything else. ”
Willem nods, "The Constables are correct, if you like us to show you our warrant cards, we will." Willem takes the hand of his sidearm and then reaches for where he keeps his warrant card. "You can not be too careful in these troublin' times especially with anyone who has an arcane spark still inside them." He then addresses his wizardly colleagues, "No offense my fello' Constables who possess the spark."
Gemma decides to stay well clear of the conversation unless she's forced into it. There's really nothing else she can add. She knows who Lya Jierre is and Lya Jierre knows who she is. Enough said. As she stands at relaxed attention, though, she does pay special attention to the Minister's minders. They're intimidating, to be sure, but everyone has their weaknesses, and it's a natural response for Gemma to size them up. She knows they've already done the same for everyone in the room as soon as they walked in...or at least they should have. And it's curious that such an accomplished swordswoman would need such heft behind her. Clearly they're not just meat shields.
”Yes yes, of course, of course,” says Lya Jierre with a shrug and somewhat dismissively at the likes of Jesselle, Fethryth and Willem – in a response she seems to convey an understanding of the protocols…and a sense that they are trivial in nature, at least to one as herself.
For Tobias however, she seems to be more interested in his recognition of her reputation in the scientific applications of martial warfare. With a twist of her hilt to show a bit of the arcanoscience technology that is affixed to her blade just past the guard, she says to Tobias with a genuine smile, ”Ahh! An accomplished proficient then? I am honored. Do I know your writings by chance? Are they published? I profess I have not committed all I encounter to memory, but I am most intrigued by those that delve into the…”
A polite cough by the smirking Mister Munchausen interrupts her train of thought, forcing her to nod in return. ”Yes, business before pleasure of course! Let us proceed with the formalities before we talk more frankly, yes?”
Rush Munchausen murmurs agreement and produces from his vest pocket a pair of matching documents, handing one first to Lya Jierre and then the other to Jesselle Wesmere, after which he produces two inkpens to affect the signatures. The documents are essentially minor treaties, plainly stating that Risur condemns the attack of Duchess Ethelyn and her rebel forces on Axis Island, and therefore will not press any further claims to the island on account of this particular military event. In return, the Sovereign of Danor will ensure no retaliatory measures shall be taken upon Risuri holdings, and that the initial cessation of hostility between the two nations shall remain intact and whole – any hostile acts by Danorans will be treated as unlawful and be cast outside the protection of Danoran law, akin to terrorism. Finally, the document professes the intention of the Sovereign of Danor to continue recently proclaimed talks between emissaries of both sides, in preparation for a peace summit to be held early in the following year.
As Jesselle and the constables review the document presented to them, Lya looks over it briefly and says with a matter-of-fact tone, ”As agents of King Aodhan you are his direct representatives in this matter, and therefore representatives of Risur. A signature from one of you shall be sufficient to bind the matter as complete.” Lya looks over to where Lieutenant Marseine stands at attention with his small retinue of men. ”Lieutenant, are you presently the ranking military officer on the island?”
Lieutenant Marseine answers with a salute and a nod, ”Yes Minister Jierre.”
”Good. You shall bear witness on behalf of the military, while my aides-de-camp stand witness for the civilian arm.” She signs her document copy with a flourish of the inkpen on the last page, letting it dry a moment before holding it up, and then offering it to Jesselle to affect her own signature, expecting their signed copy in return for her to sign…
************************************
As the twin documents are all signed, witnessed and verified, Lya Jierre looks to the constables and says, ”Now then, where were we? Oh yes. Before anything else is settled, I now must ask that which lies heavily upon me. Tell me constables, did you find my younger cousin Nathan? Is he alive, or must I bear ill-news to both my uncles? I tell you now, that whatever fate may have befallen him by Ethelyn or other Risuri soldiers, I hold neither Risur nor yourselves accountable for what has passed. I just need to know the truth of it.”
The other aide, the half-orc Merton Goncala, has a helmet of steel that seems to not only cover his ears, but provide an unusually thick protection that would render his hearing all but impossible. His thick polearm or staff is wrapped at the top in white cashmere, but it seems that the strange weapon has a two-pronged end that isn't particularly sharp or edged. This too defies what would make sense in such a weapon.
The Razorburst blade that Tobias mentions does seem consistent with the published works of Lya Jierre and the Danoran war academy. Gruesome in its application, the blade is clearly a synthesis of both classic blade mastery and new technology that somehow gives the blade an unusually sharp quality with which to dismember limbs...or even heads.
Willem nods and as trained to do in a professional manner, he responds with, "Minister, you do not have to bear tremendous ill-news to your uncles. However, your cousin is under arrest and currently being processed due to his direct or indirect collaboration with the enemy. He did not resist during his arrest so he was turned over to processing healthy and in a professional manner. We have no further control over his arrest other than to testify if called upon by the King's magistrate to do so. If you want to see him, you need to speak to the detention center and regarding his official charges, you need to speak to the magistrate's office."
Gemma takes a moment to think before she speaks, being very careful to chose her words.
I have a feeling this is going to go over like an iron block.
She steps forward, hand resting on her sabre as it has been the whole time. "Minister Jierre." Gemma gives a quick nod of deference to the lady's station. "Constable Muhnee is correct. Your cousin, Nathan Jierre, was indeed taken into our custody. However, it was not before he had requested asylum. It will be up King Aodhan to grant this request, of course, but I personally assured his safety from the time of his initial request until he was transferred. He was unharmed and remains in good health."
Willem looks at Gemma then the minister and nods in agreement.
"Of course, if you'd like to come back with us to see for youself, and discuss my thesis The Efficacy of Cognitive Pressure on Adversarial Combatants to Control the Field of Battle on the way, I'm sure we could make accomodations! " Tobias tries not to sound over eager but it has been a couple years since he'd met anyone to discuss his martial studies with and he wasn't about to pass up the opportunity.
There is a tangible shift in the conversation at the mention of Nathan's incarceration. It is apparent that Minister Jierre is running possibilities in her head. Meanwhile the silence it getting more and more awkward.
"Do we talk now? or..do you talk?" is all Emerson can muster. He regrets his attempt in breaking the silence as soon as he utters the words but he thinks he may have averted a potentially dangerous situation.
Willem backs off when they start to talk about scientific mumble jumble that has nothing to do with firearms. He whispers to Emerson, ::"Why can't they talk about firearm design?":: Willem looks at this pocket watch building a case to depart if the conversation becomes too nerdy.
Jesselle might have handled informing Lya Jierre of her cousin's asylum request in a different way but it was too late for that now. She decides that it is best to remain quite on the matter, at least for now.
and
Emerson smiles and whispers back "I think it makes them feel important to tactically dismantle an event after the fact. To me I call it like a see it. Those people? Dead right there. Massive organ failure due to gaping gunshot wound..."
Lya stares hard at the assembly of constables for a long moment as they reveal her cousin’s whereabouts. Particularly at Willem for his initial reply. Her right hand resting on the guard of her blade Razorburst tightens noticeably, her eyes hard. Both Rush and Merton sense the change in their mistress as well and tense ever-so-slightly, ready to draw weapons at the nod of Lya Jierre. Lieutenant Marseine seems to notice as well and takes an involuntary step back from the constables, though the rest of the Danoran soldiers at attention do not seem to take notice.
Emerson’s easy quip seems to break the tension at that point, with Lya’s eyes flicking quickly between him, Willem, Gemma and Tobias. Whatever passes in her mind eases her stance, and the moment of danger passes. She looks behind the constables to Marseine and curtly addresses him. ”Lieutenant. Please take your men, board the ship and present yourself to Captain-Commander Duvalier – convey to him the current status of Axis and your logistics, so that he can plan the deployments accordingly. I will be along to give final instructions before granting formal disembarkation of our military forces to the island.”
After Lieutenant Marseine and the soldiers leave the docks and board the Lux Profectusque, Lya Jierre gives a tight-lipped smile and says, ”Well well, I said I would not hold you accountable for the fate of my dear cousin, and I am a woman of my word. I do not understand why he has been arrested by Risur…and this news of asylum troubles me greatly, for both suggest he had a hand in the tragedy that befell my people here and nearly led to yet another war between our nations.”
The scion of House Jierre shakes her hair then and abruptly gives a warm laugh, as if nothing further is troubling her. Though the constables discern she is using a practiced demeanor to conceal her true feelings, the act is convincing nonetheless. It is her next words, however, that surprise them most of all. ”No matter! I shall be returning to Slate soon enough after my business is concluded both here and in Cherage, and there I shall see my dear young, foolish cousin and see what can be done to return him to his proper and rightful place – House Jierre is an enlightened and learned house after all…and I am sure Nathan was doing what he thought was right. I am certain Aodhan will see to the request for his return – if nothing else how could he refuse the benign request of his bride-to-be? No no, having a petty disagreement over such a trivial matter between a new husband and wife will simply not do! Would you not agree, constables?”
Looking to them with a sense of smug satisfaction, Lya Jierre adds ever-so-amicably, ”And it would not have been possible without your service to save both King and Country as you all have done – a credit to you all! I must make sure are all in attendance at the peace summit next Spring…and invited to the wedding after the treaty is concluded, of course. In the meantime, ladies and gentlemen of the Constabulary, I must have my aides see you to your ship – regrettably not all Danorans disembarking here are expected to be as…understanding…as I am for our new Risuri friends. Do you require anything else of me before you board the Impossible and depart Axis Island?”
"Minister, I can not speak for the King or magistrate but if it was me, I would let him go free or have him work for Risur. To me, it sounded like an inexperienced youthful mistake of archaeological and scientific tunnel vision which made him oblivious to the danger. However, it is not in our power to make that decision hence the reason why he was taken into custody."
Lya shrugs her shoulders as if the matter is of no great concern, her demeanor one of assured confidence and command. "It is of no great consequence. I shall attend to it with King Aodhan directly when next I return to Risur. Anything else?"
"I believe that is all Minister Jierre." Jesselle smiles and makes a small bow, "On behalf of Risur we thank you and Danor for your patience and understanding in this matter."
She than looks to her companions on either side of her, "Let us depart."
She than starts towards the Impossible.
Emerson follows suit with a short bow and turns on his heel to follow Jesselle towards the gangplank. As he strides up next to her he remarks "That could have gone a whole lot worse. I think the whole, us saving Axis Island may have tipped our hand, huh?"
His limp is evident as he tries to keep pace with Wesmere. "And what was that business about marrying the king? How is THAT going to work? Isn't he like 80 or something?"
"What, don't you believe in love?" Anneca grimaces at the thought of the king marrying that woman. "It seems that it would have been easier just to not murder one another. I don't trust her. Well, I don't trust anyone, but I don't trust her a little more than I don't trust the average person." She seems distracted, as if the thought of a greater threat lurking behind the shadows has gained some traction in her mind. It will take some research and a lot of time to piece together the evidence - but her mind turns and turns at the possibilities.
The announcement of the impending wedding of Ly Jierre to King Aodhan is indeed a surprise and a shock. In fact, Gemma sees it as an outright travesty. Yet, she does well to hide her displeasure at the idea even though her guts are churning at the very thought. Despite having never had to fight for her nation like some of the others, she is intensely loyal to Risur. Now, given all the new information, she must make the calculation that she never thought she would have to...is her loyalty ultimately to her king or to her country.
On the way back to the ship, she listens to the others, not entirely sure if she should even attempt to join in the conversation. The initial meeting with the other constables didn't go so well and she wonders how it will all pan out in the end. She, again, like so many times before with others, feels no connection even though she would want it to be so. The secret that kept her distant from most people her entire life had now been revealed and it seemed of no consequence to anyone but her, leaving her with a bit of an empty feeling. And even though the mission had been ultimately successful, she felt no sense of pride in how it all turned out.
"Who else besides Anneca and myself feels that this has all gone a bit sideways and may turn to s@~+?"
Willem nods, follows suit with Jesselle with a small bow to Minister Jierre, and departs with his fellow constables.
When they move out of sight and hearing of the minister and her entourage, he quietly replies, he looks at Emerson then the others "It's not for love that is for sure. Purely politics and she seems a bit unhinged to me so Constable Atherton and Summers, you both may be correct. We may have to protect our King in the future from House Jierre."
Fethryth snorts. ”Yeah, that one’s a piece of work. Her attitude reminded me of Varal; people who think the rules don’t apply to them because of their high status. I hope the King knows what he’s getting himself into.”
"We should likely keep this piece of information to ourselves. I could only imagine how it would come across if said information leaked." She mentions to the others.
"Agreed. There is more going on with the Minster that we know at present. Let us hope that whatever it is if discovered, before there is no turning back." She comments.
"Things went sideways when Jackson and Ifris were repaid for their valor with an arrest. Or maybe when every member of Resilience was killed by the magic that they're experimenting with." She looks over at a glare at the trio of interlopers, still totally unready to give them any credit or quarter. "Hip, hip, hooray," she says with a fair amount of bitterness.
Jesselle stops in her tracks as she is blasted with Anneca's comments and glare. Her pulse starts to beat at a quickened pace as she tries to take the charged comment. Something inside her just goes off. "Listen, if you have a problem with the orders then take it up with 'Director' Prince-Hill."
The woman takes but a moment to pause before she continues, "Perhaps you did not understand, but Ifris was being coerced to follow an illegal order from a traitor to the Constabulary and Jackson had the same order that he was following out of what likely encountered in Shale. The three of us were carrying out our duty, and this would have been resolved before you even left for Axis, but damn, we were teleported into the middle of a naval engagement that damaged our ship. I apologize that we missed the rendezvous, but please, as the saying goes, don't shoot the messenger!"
Jesselle seems to have let out a little bit of her fury as she continues in a calmer tone, "Listen, we all know you're one damn smart woman and I get it, you all went through hell to get done what needed to get done. No one is taking that away from anyone. But you have to know beyond the emotion that what was done to Ifris and Jackson had to be done. I do not blame either of them, they had not yet followed through with those false orders. They did nothing wrong, and you know that Tobias, Fethryth, and myself, did not do anything wrong either."
"Let start anew, perhaps?" She then takes a step forward and holds out her hand before her, "Hi, I am Constable Jesselle Wesmere."
Anneca ignores the offered handshake. "I understand the situation just fine. You were doing your job, fine. But that doesn't make you one of us. Where were you when Resilience got killed? They can muster up a teleportation spell to arrest decorated constables, but not to save them? We paid our price in blood, Jesselle, and you lot just skipped in at the end. You don't do any of the fighting and then you're demanding credentials? You're certainly not in charge of me. Once we get back to Flint, you can head back to Slate and we don't have to see each other anymore. Take your fancy manners and get out of my sight." Clearly, Anneca has not worked through her anger at the situation. She turns and walks away, heading hurriedly towards their destination.
Gemma stops for a second, listening to the new constable's outburst. To her, Jesselle Wesmere seems very straight-laced and proper. Even though it's for completely different reasons, Gemma can see it as a shared quality and possible common ground. To then see her finally pop from Anneca's fire is actually refreshing, especially given her own recent outburst. For Gemma it's a genuine reaction, not practiced, not proper and allows the opening for a reset of sorts. The woman let down her guard. That and Gemma's just happy that someone else lost their cool.
Gemma approaches her with a quick but genuine smile and claps her on the shoulder before walking away. "Welcome to the team, Constable."
" Once we get back to Flint, you can head back to Slate and we don't have to see each other anymore. Take your fancy manners and get out of my sight."
Tobias had been mostly quiet for the better part of the recent conversation, weighing the political implications of everything they heard had taken up most of his attention but hearing Summers admonish Jesselle snapped him out of it and he moved up next to his Slate colleague and shouts after the retreating mage.
"Where were when the Resilience died? We were keeping the Slate in line so they could operate freely. We were uncovering a plot to circumvent the King . Pray tell, how would we have saved the Resilience when, at the onset of our journey, we did not even know they were dead? Whatever chip you have on your shoulder you'd best brush it off! I lost a close friend a mentor when the Resilience were crushed in that tunnel and I'll be dammed if I have his death laid at my feet. In case you forgot, they were also from the Slate office. We're all constables in service of Risur, we are 'one of you' so you'd better get used to it." His dark skin grows even darker as the blood rushes to face. He barely registers Gemma speaking with Jesselle as he runs himself through the old techniques to calm his emotions. His hands ball in to fists as he once again remembers the loss of Letmas.
Gemma quietly responds to Tobias as she continues to walk away from the situation. "While we're all truly sorry for your loss, Constable Utegg, we'll probably need to give each other some time through all this. Anneca lost her mentor, too, before we even came here. And we were the one's to find Resiliance and see first hand what happened to your mentor just an hour after we spoke to him. She was the one to dig what was left of Glix out of the rock with her magics. We've all had a bad time of it lately."
Gemma's words are heartfelt but said with a tired manner to them, as if the night's events have finally caught up with her and she's ready to go home.
Willem turns to the (3) new constables while holding his rifle from being slung around, "Don't worry about us, we will come around. The law is the law and you were followin' it whether we like it our not. Both Constables saved our lives, sweat, and bled with us so it seems unjustified that they were taken into custody at the time. In addition, our adrenaline was on high after the battle so that is always an issue in bein' ornery, nothin' personal, just human. Also, Constable Hill and I know Constable Lanvaldan from our military days in the Yerasol War so we are a little closer to her than Constables Atherton and Summers. Hang in there for a mission or so and I am sure this day will be forgotten especially if Constables Jackson and Lanvaldan are released from custody or somethin' we did not know about them comes to be."
'Wow, that was uncalled for Anneca.' He looks at the quickly departing Summers and shakes his head. 'Way to win friends...'
"Don't mind her. She's just unusually grouchy lately. She's threatened me with bodily harm many a time and I'm doing just fine." He senses the other constables eyeing his leg and slaps his thigh with a wink in his eye. "This I got in the last war."
”Wesmere, Utegg, peace. You’ll gain nothing from arguing with Summers” The elf watches Anneca stomp off with a sad expression. ”Stars above, it’s like watching a younger version of myself. When you’ve got anger and hurt roaring through you like that it’s hard to keep an open mind. You have to work at it constantly, at least you do in my experience. Give her time to cool down and to learn the facts behind our arrival.”
She turns back to the rest of the constables ”You know, if Hopkins hadn’t been subverting the R.H.C for his own use, I would have been part of the Shale raid. I should have been there, but instead I got shipped out to a farmhouse because I wasn’t in Hopkin’s pocket. Wesmere was hiding out in a safe house so nobody would try to knife her, and Utegg was part of the skeleton crew trying to chase down leads in Slate on top of the regular criminals. Like you said Utegg, we’re Slate branch; we lost a lot of friends and colleagues today.” She sighs.
”The point is, I don’t think Summer’s reaction has much to do with who we really are or what we’ve done. Hell, Utegg nearly died in that maze and she still thinks we just ‘skipped in’. It’s coming from a place of hurt and anger, so let’s let her blow off steam before we try extending the olive branch again.”
"You got that right Feth. Word on the street is she accidentally drank a flask of alchemist's fire one night. She's never been the same since."
"Crappy assignment aside, you guys are alright by me."
Jesselle stands there and watches Anneca depart, 'Not exactly the sort of reaction I was expecting, but what can you do. We all have the free will to make chooses for good or ill.'
She takes in a deep breath and lets it out and another.
She looks to Willem and comments, "I went through training with Constable Lanvaldan, we graduated in 498 together. Most of them probably forgot about me after I snatched away from Flint for an undercover assignment. I cared enough to talk her down for her own good. I want to see her come out of this too. I hope Jackson gets help too."
She nods to Emerson, "Thanks."
"I gained plenty from yelling at Summers." Tobias says turning to face the test of the group. "I got to vent. You're all right of course." He runs and hand over his head and sighs. "Any way you look at it, this has been taxing for all of us."
"I think we all need to thank you, Emerson, for that little quip at my expense. I was convinced lady Jierre was about to give me a more hands on demonstration than I actually wanted."
He laughs genuinely and relaxes a little. "I don't know how much we'll end up working together once we all get back home, but you're all fine constables as far as I'm concerned. Muhnee, I'm sorry if I ever let the talk about you effect the way I treated you, but anyone whose seen you in action has to know you're better than your reputation. " He smiles at his old college and extends his hand. "I'll be sure to praise you back home and get them all pissed off."
Willem nods and smiles, "That is good to know Constable Wesmere and I am in agreement. We all hope she comes out for the best and it is not as bad as it sounds."
Willem shakes Tobias' hand, "Thank you sir! I am not goin' to bad mouth who the main cause of that was because a lot of us know who it was and perhaps that person has been humbled by all of this? And we can not go forward holdin' on to the past which means the same for us. Let's all bury the axe at the tavern when we get back? If Constable Summers joins us, the better. If not, it is her problem to overcome."
As the seven constables make their way across Axis Harbor to the other docks where the R.N.S. Impossible awaits them, they can already see the sailors and officers bringing up mooring lines and making ready to sail with the evening winds. Captain Rutger Smith stands at the gangplank to the main deck, nodding to each of them as they make their way aboard. "Good good, it seems all is to satisfaction then? You have the signed agreement and our last bit of business here is done." With a hand towards the best quarters that the fast clipper has to offer, Captain Smith bids them to retire comfortably and take their well-earned rest.
"Two days to the military harbors north of Slate, where I'm guessing carriages and an honor detail will provide you escort to Slate Branch for your debriefing sessions. Myself and the lads here will push on back to Flint after you disembark, but I'll see at least some of you again in Flint I'd expect! You can always count on the Navy to see the R.H.C. through if it involves a body of water."
With a nod he looks to his senior officers and gives his orders to be off. "Raise anchor, gentlemen. Let us be gone from this strange island - I've had enough of my fill in seeing it to last a good while."
"Aye aye capt'n," answer the men with the tone of agreement in their voices clear. The Impossible starts to pull away from the stone harbor pier, the mechanical sea gates wide open to allow them passage out to the open expanse of the sea. Soon it will be a southerly turn, and home to Risur.
(prior summary covering 2 – 8 Spring)
The King’s Speech of Peace on 1 Spring
”…most trustworthy sources close to our esteemed Director Price-Hill confirmed to me that the loss of so many of the constables – both at Shale City and this most recent report of the entirety of famed 'Resilience' – will not affect the security of Risur or His Majesty to any significant degree. Indeed, rumor has it that the secondary team was able to complete this most daring of missions after the primary members of 'Resilience' fell to lethal accident. While this author has reservations on the loss of so many veteran constables – indeed the fall of entire branch of which there are publicly only four to begin with – it should be stressed to our discerning and thoughtful readership that the R.H.C. has come through on many occasions before, not the least of which was the successful foil of at least two assassination attempts on His Majesty by none other than his own jealous sister, embittered with a dark heart and delusions of power! Proper society and the cradle of civilization as Risur is to all of Lanjyr, we should strike to remember in these upcoming times that…”
”…and the latest gossip from the courtiers at Torfield hints of a very interesting audience demanded by our beloved King Aodhan to none other than the brutish enforcer of the fey lords of the Unseen, one Asrabey Varal by name and fearsome reputation. That he was bested by Risur’s finest has already been known to this loyal readership for the past day now, his armor and weapons stripped from him along with the eladrin’s pride and arrogance! What is less-known is that, upon the return of his equipment to do foul mischief as he had done upon our own soldiers in the action of Axis Island, the King ordered him banished back to the Unseen realm for an undisclosed period, yet to the fullest extent of the laws that bind our realm and theirs as one! Oh what disgrace was visited on this fey villain, the look of outrage and petulance only matched by the knowledge that the mighty Varal was humbled so soundly by unnamed heroes of the Royal Homeland Constabulary…”
”…indeed whist all the dailies both high and low speculate as to the choice of the bride-to-be that shall become the next Queen-Consort of our beloved King, our loyal readership knows the sources this publication entreats with are beyond all notions of doubt or reproach! That she must be a Danoran is, of course, obvious even to the most lowbrow cretins of the realm, but can it be that our good King Aodhan would have his eye set upon the niece of Sovereign Han Jierre to bind the upcoming alliance next Spring? Alas, while neither the Principal Minister nor any of Aodhan’s inner circle will comment on the matter until after the trial of Ethelyn Lesterman has been concluded, our informants have determined Minister Lya Jierre – formerly of the Consulate of Flint – has now vacated her position and her abode in Flint City itself, with confirmation of two of our sources stating that special quarters have been setup in the visitor’s wing of Torfield Palace just in the past week…”
(Excerpts from three Risuri dailies in early Spring...)
As shockingly sudden and bloody as the rebellion of the former Duchess Ethelyn rose up on 1 Spring, the fall of the rebellion was no less surprising to the citizens of Risur. Starting on 14 Spring, the people became aware of Ethelyn Lesterman’s whereabouts upon Axis Island only at the same time of learning she had been captured, along with the surrender or death of her prized regiment of elite rebel forces, her fleet either captured in harbor or sunk with but a few holdouts hiding in the Yerasol Archipelago. The loyalist fleet returned from Axis to blockade Shale’s harbor by 16 Spring, with representatives from First Army parlaying with Shale City’s rebel commanders to demonstrate proof of her capture and capitulation. By 17 Spring the remaining rebels surrendered their colors and their arms to the loyalists, marking the end of what came to be called “Ethelyn’s Rebellion” by most of the dailies. Reports of the tallies of over a thousand deaths and triple that of wounded were the subject of many accounts in the following days, as Risuri mourned the loss of brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, friends and loved ones in one of the rare civil conflicts that stained Risur’s rich histories.
Even as the negotiations for surrender of Shale’s rebel commanders were underway, the Risuri public became aware of a different sort of negotiation by their King – that of admonishment and banishment of the Unseen Court’s formidable royal enforcer, Asrabey Varal. By the terms of the Pact of Kelland King Aodhan had the right to issue summons to Asrabey once he was on Risuri home soil, with the eladrin warrior having no choice but to answer. There in front of the King and his Court, Aodhan leveled accusations of his slaying of many Risuri marines in his attempt to reach and execute his sister – accusations Varal had to answer truthfully if he had committed. Though the ‘King of the Waking Kingdom’ had no authority to issue penance or judgment upon the enforcer of the Unseen Court, he did have the right to banish him back to the Dreaming for a period of no less than thirteen days, as well as to request a proper penance be laid upon him by the Monarch of the Unseen Court. Asrabey Varal received back his famed possessions and promptly was escorted to the nearest locale for him to make the transference back to the lands of the fey, and nothing else was heard from him throughout the Spring. King Aodhan issued compensations for the bereaved families, meeting with several in Slate to express his condolences and praise their sacrifice to uphold the traditions of Risur. For many days afterwards, however, more progressive dailies strongly opinioned the treachery of the fey and questioned the need to uphold such archaic traditions…at least until counter-arguments of the Great Hunt's unmistakable presence and the documented might of the fey titans throughout history quelled such naïve notions. It was said that for their part, the Unseen Court had little contact with King Aodhan or their usual representatives in the rural parts of Risur, for the fey lords were at odds with themselves and had their own rifts and animosities to deal with. Politics, it seemed, were rife in both the Dreaming and Waking realms.
Shale City underwent martial law initially, its damages from both rebellion and counter-siege an extreme blow to that once proud bastion and traditional city of Risuri life. By 28 Spring however, a new permanent civilian Governor was installed from the House Romana: Jacob Romana, nephew of Catherine Romana, the matriarch of her once-royal house. The appointment was surprising to many in elite Risuri circles, not as much for the character or abilities of Jacob himself, but that the House Romana was seen initially as a possible rebel supporter of the former Duchess – the two women being quite close over many years. Yet after a public denouncement of Ethelyn by Catherine in the company of top nobility and kingdom officials, the rumors of Romana’s possible double-dealings died off. Catherine seemed to be able to describe an upholding of traditional values and even disagreement over some of the King’s policies, yet still maintain her firm loyalty and devotion to him. For his part, King Aodhan seemed to welcome the appointment, citing publicly that differences of opinion with him did not mean sedition. Most of the efforts in Shale were to restore the city’s infrastructure and fortifications, which were greatly reduced by both siege and a terrible fire that consumed a portion of the city’s center on the night of 4 Spring.
Just over thirty days later after the capture of Ethelyn Lesterman, the trial for her treason and attempted fratricide began on 44 Spring. Though it seemed obvious to most as to her guilt, the King’s Court decreed that all charges and burdens to prove her wrongdoing would be met with the highest regard for the law; no hint of wrongdoing would be allowed to fan the flames of rebel sympathy that certainly still existed in various quarters of Risur. Led by Principal Minister Lee, the charges and accusations were made clear with no expense spared to enter in testimony and evidence to the trial. Though the public itself was not allowed direct access, noted scribes of the various Risuri dailies were given invitation, with constant dailies and opinion pamphlets sent out twice a day to keep the public informed. For three days the nation’s commercial, cultural and political affairs came to a veritable standstill, as all waited to know the final verdict of the former Duchess of Shale. In the end the verdict of the magistrates were still certain: guilty on all charges, with the sentence of execution by arcane mage’s bolts in three days’ time given as one of the nobility would receive.
For three more days Risur waited with anxiety and anticipation, the sentence to be carried out on 49 Spring. Some protests in Shale erupted, though for the most part they remained peaceful demonstrations of expression about a leader that had a long history of treating the common people well and defending their traditions and values during the last two Yerasol Wars. Some scribes and gossipers would later opinion that the King only issued his stay-of-execution from the fears of another rebellion erupting in Shale after her death and martyrdom, while others defended Aodhan’s actions as proof that he was not addled and a mere puppet to the Danorans as Ethelyn once claimed - for surely the Danorans desired her dead for atrocities committed their people on Axis Island. In any event, on 49 Spring the execution order was rescinded by King Aodhan per the lawful powers inherit in his monarchy, the sentence reduced to that of permanent imprisonment in the jail towers of one of the six Slate castles along the banks of the Great Delve River, her arcane powers of sorcery stripped from her by the mighty arcane magic of Principal Minister Lee. The former Duchess would be reduced to just ‘Ethelyn’ in both title and ability, a living reminder of the King’s mercy as well as his power as supreme authority of the nation of Risur.
Other trials would occur in Spring after the Judgment of Ethelyn Lesterman: surrendering rebel commanders and army officers, rebel naval captains and officers of the once-proud Western Fleet, notable Skyseers who broke their covenant with the King at the Dome and Tower. The methods used during Ethelyn’s trial set the tone for the rule-of-law and leniency where possible, as it was clear to most that overly harsh reprisals against the rebel ringleaders would only deepen the rifts between Risuri. In a fortunate stroke of luck, it seemed that the rebels accused of the worst atrocities were already dead – some slain in the fighting to retake Shale prior to its surrender, most others killed in the ‘Axis Incursion’ as it was called now. By the end of Spring there were only four noted executions, all exclusively in the naval ranks where the penalties of treason and mutiny were considered too egregious by the Admiralty to allow a dilution of long-standing precedence of command on the high seas.
A week after the Judgment of Ethelyn was concluded, a royal announcement was finally made to the people of Risur on 55 Spring concerning the upcoming treaty talks with Danor and their monarch’s impending marriage. King Aodhan would indeed select Lya Jierre as his Queen Consort next Spring with a successful binding treaty, the niece of Sovereign Han Jierre and former Minister of the Flint Consulate currently reassigned to the restoration of Axis Island. Countless dailies and pamphlets circulated the various gossip and opinions of a ‘Malice-Born’ female becoming Queen of Risur…and the more sordid gossip delved into the vast age differences between the “couple” and their prospects for having children (including lewd circulations and sketches that suggested Harkover Lee’s magic could restore the King’s vitality at his age to do so). While the action to take on a second Queen was widely regarded in the negative by the majority of Risuri – especially after the deep love and respect that was felt for Queen Avilanne and her passing four years ago – it was rumored the union was a cornerstone requirement by Sovereign Jierre for the peace treaty since the early days of its inception. Ultimately, all of Risur simply had to become reconciled with the notion and understand the terms did not grant her any formal rulership over Risur or influence on the next Succession, whenever that would be.
Spring-season storms from the western ocean were particularly harsh and wet throughout the land, with some atypical flooding of the western Weftlands and southern High Bayou regions. As Summer approached the temperatures and humidity were rising ahead of seasonal norms, suggesting an active rainy season to come later on. Many poets and playwrights who strived to encapsulate the tumultuous events of Spring 500 A.O.V. used the weather as tangible parallels to the upheavals the Risuri people faced, both from ‘Ethelyn’s Rebellion’ as well as the unprecedented peace between Risur and Danor after four wars and two centuries of conflict.
Fourteen.
Fourteen stands as the final blood-stained tally of constables and inspectors that gave their lives in the service of Risur, to be hallowed in the annals of R.H.C. lore for all-time. Though the Constabulary have lost professional brothers and sisters before in its four-decades long history, the loss of so many at once is unprecedented, as is the loss of an entire branch compound. For the rest of Spring the Constabulary attempts to deal with this profound loss and starts the process of recovery and healing.
Of course, not only does the R.H.C. have to contend with the losses they have suffered from the heroic dead, but they have to deal with added pressures of scandal and disgrace. For former Chief Inspector Spencer Hopkins was as decorated as they come in the public eye, and his fall from grace and subsequent imprisonment does not go unnoticed by the gossip-mongers and shrewd scribes of the various dailies. Neither does the leaked story of two well-known former war heroes in the public eye – Johnathan “Spiny Jack” Jackson and former “King’s Bodyguard” Ifris Lanvaldan. It is a small comfort perhaps that the disgrace of Spencer Hopkins, which would normally be front-page news in the main circulated dailies, takes lesser prominence in the light of the quelled rebellion, the fate of Shale City and that of its former Duchess. So too does the public bear great sympathy and appreciation to the R.H.C. for their efforts to save their King from fratricide and capture Ethelyn Lesterman, effectively ending the rebellion. The R.H.C. has always had its detractors that desire to “expose” the King’s agents as corrupt, power-hungry, heavy-handed thugs, yet this sentiment is thankfully not shared by the vast majority of Risuri citizens. For now, the credibility and reputation of the R.H.C. remains largely intact.
Director Nigel Price-Hill is all-too aware of the fact that politics and public perception are essential to the survival of the Royal Homeland Constabulary, even as the missions it undertakes insure the survival and preservation of the Risuri people and way of life. All too clearly the former Risuri Special Service’ failed to learn this lesson, leading to its public and shameful disbandment seven years ago. Although the reputation of highly trained and vetted constables being beyond corruption and treason remains (mostly) intact, the actions of Spencer Hopkins and the subversion of Lanvaldan and Jackson are too painfully close to bear without action. Politics, it seems, takes precedence within the R.H.C. as much as outside of it. And so immediately after the final debriefing sessions of the returning seven constables from Axis Island, a special court-martial is established in Slate, presided over by Director Price-Hill, Inspector Burke of Bole Branch, and royal magistrate Callum Gordon of the King’s Ministry of Justice, with Director Cyneburg advocating the charges and Inspector Hart of Slate Branch advocating the defense. The court-martial is ‘sealed to the Constabulary’ and closed to the public, but all R.H.C. staff are privy to the progress of the court, either with posted transcripts or reviewed in their morning briefings; by doing so the Director conveys both a transparency to the proceedings for his people…and also a firm display of discipline and example of what happens when R.H.C. staff break the rules.
Spencer Hopkins is subject to the first court-martial on 21 Spring and unanimously judged guilty on all charges against him three days’ later. All of the wrongdoings by Hopkins are exposed for the constabulary to know: the improper relationship with Makala Fileccia, the presumption to place her on Resilience over Anderson Sperring without an unbiased evaluation, the alteration of a top-tier mission directive after it had been decreed by both King and Director, the false-charges leveled upon Fethryth Teldanona to sideline her in favor of a more pliable agent, the willful bribery of Johnathan Jackson to the changed mission directive, the deceitful evaluation of Jackson’s mental state to place him on the mission roster, and the willful blackmail of Ifris Lanvaldan to the changed mission directive after her placement on the mission by the King. For these charges and lesser infractions of improper requisitions and falsified reporting, Spencer Hopkins is removed from the R.H.C. roles with all disgrace, subject to an imprisonment term of exactly one year and his accomplishments stricken from the records for all-time.
Johnathan Jackson’s court-martial comes next on 25 Spring and takes only a day to decide. In many respects the trial of Spencer Hopkins lays much of the background for the next two constables. Constable Jackson’s willful agreement to assassinate the former Duchess at the first available opportunity is freely admitted to by Jackson, who seems to still not see the seriousness of that mistaken directive. After judgment of his guilt on two counts, it is initially prescribed to place him in an approved countryside asylum for treatment in Spring, followed by a year’s probationary status limiting him from field duty. However, in a display of encouragement Chief Inspector Burke recommends the probationary status be changed to allow active duty under his direct supervision at Bole Branch. Perhaps because of Johnathan’s war hero status, or the fact that Director Price-Hill believes the scarred and misguided man should receive a second chance at redemption, the Director agrees to the revised terms that Chief Inspector Burke proposes.
By all rumored accounts, the court-martial of Ifris Lanvaldan on 26 Spring should have been by far the most minor of the three; her infractions to carry out unlawful directives could not be overlooked, yet the mitigating circumstances should have relegated her penance to a season or two of probationary desk duty as well as a permanent black mark upon her record. Certainly her status as a Yerasol war hero, savior of the King on 1 Spring and unique psychic talent in all of Risur would never imply the Director would force her to resign her commission from the Constabulary. No one knows for certain if Lanvaldan politics were involved or what was said to Ifris privately as to her fate, but prior to the penances being read she abruptly interrupts them, casts her R.H.C. badge upon the floor and resigns her commission to the Constabulary. Further citing that she had asked for and received political asylum from Ber and that she was no longer subject to their laws, Ifris Lanvaldan leaves the court-martial. That not even Price-Hill ordered her stopped is perhaps as much about avoiding bloodshed upon the floors of Slate Branch as was his being stunned by her maneuvering. Though the Risuri public is never given details on this dour event, Ifris Lanvaldan was made part of Ambassador Brakken’s official retinue that same day and departs for the Flint-Bole railway by 27 Spring, making for the Beran city of Reo Pedresco by way of the Anthras Mountains crossing.
Even before the courts-martial are underway for Hopkins, Jackson and Lanvaldan, the Directorate starts issuing the first of many promotions and transfer directives that would change the makeup of the Constabulary’s branches in ways that had not been seen since the end of the Fourth War and the elimination of the Risuri Special Service. First, Chief Inspectress Hart would become the ranking CI of Slate Branch, receiving two Assistant Chief Inspectors to split the day-to-day operations of domestic and foreign affairs. Senior Constable Kurbar Danst was promoted to ACI of the domestic affairs side, while in a somewhat surprising move Senior Constable Burton Glix was promoted to ACI of the foreign affairs side. Burton Glix had received powerful restorative magics by Old Faith oracles which saved his leg from amputation, though he now walked with a limp and would never be as spry as he once was. So too was Kurbar Danst limited in the use of his arm from injuries suffered on 1 Spring, giving rise to the unofficial dark humor that to be promoted as an ACI one had to be crippled in the line of duty as Delft, Glix and Danst were…either that or be a war hero in the public eye as Anya Landreth. Naturally, ACI Landreth did not find this offhand perception to be in any way humorous.
As Constable-Inspectors Tremaine and Harrison needed little oversight with their long-standing elite team of Indefatigable, Chief Inspectress Hart tasks Assistant Chief Inspector Glix with focusing on the formation of a new but smaller team to replace the operational loss of Resilience. For this task he recommends Anderson Sperring, who receives his coveted transfer to Slate Branch at long last. Known for working as a lone spy for many years, Sperring advocates for a more flexible team of spy and supporting agents in the field, and for this he calls for the transfer of Constables Renzo Moreschi and Bridget Sharpton to him from Flint Branch – both had just returned from a near-season long expedition to open up an ancient ruins in the south of Risur with a team of archaeologists from Mitchell University. As the team begins to train and work together as a trio, rumors amongst the constables suggest all manner of derogatory names to describe its snide leader aptly, though the formal name chosen by Sperring is revealed as Sagacious.
The sudden departure of Moreschi and Sharpton do not spell the end of transfers from Flint Branch, as the Director draws upon Saxby’s now deep reserves to replenish the R.H.C.’s needs elsewhere. Constable Jaevin Darjudin is transferred to Slate Branch to bolster domestic investigative experience now vacated by Kurbar Danst, while a full four constables (Josiah Crux, Gaethan Blackwater, Drake Wellingham and Arthur Wilde) are transferred to Shale Branch to anchor the rebuilding and oversight efforts there. So too are Constables Joren Ettevand and Rhegalion Arbalistre transferred to Shale Branch, joining Basil Dawson’s Unremitting team and bringing it back to full strength.
It is no idle rumor that Chief Inspectress Saxby is most upset at the Directorate for choosing Anya Landreth as ACI of Slate Branch over her favored Carlao Ven – indeed that three new ACI’s were chosen and not a single one from her esteemed Flint Branch senior ranks. It is also said that her ire at other constables (senior or otherwise) being transferred to other branches by the Directorate caused a great stir at the offices of Viscount Price-Hill when she visited there directly on 34 Spring. Some gossip amongst the staff suggest Lady Saxby would not suffer a “gutted dilution” of her best and brightest and leave Flint crippled in its many assignments, relegating it to “lesser status” as that of Bole Branch. Whatever the words used, shortly after that meeting it was declared that the notable secondary team to capture the former Duchess would be kept together under her command at Flint Branch: Constables Teldanona, Utegg and Wesmere would join the recently transferred Constable Muhnee and the other three “four-double-nines” remaining in Flint Branch. Rumored that this is not what Saxby wanted, she nonetheless relented to Price-Hill after receiving permission to form a permanent four-member team of her seniormost constables (Ven, Taflis, Sorginson and Than’dil) under her direct command.
Of the former Duchess’s conspirators that so boldly strived to assassinate the King on 1 Spring, only the reborn deva Garrys Tranth remains alive. Of course, he knew nothing of what he had been part of before, and even Governor Stanfield had no knowledge or suggestions to restore the memories of Tranth’s former life in order to determine any other conspirators. Garrys Tranth is transferred to Slate Branch for an undisclosed period of confinement which is ‘sealed to the Directorate’ for the time-being; some rumors persist that he has an affinity for elvish poetry and draws sketches of an elvish woman bearing an uncanny resemblance to an eladrin female, though he cannot recall anything else about her, not even her name.
What is known to the Constabulary is that the eladrin air sorceress and terrorist, Hana “Gale” Soliogn, is acknowledged as not being involved in the conspiracies of the former Duchess to assassinate King Aodhan or sabotage the R.N.S. Coaltongue on 1 Spring. Nevertheless, she still remains a suspect-of-interest in several other unrelated terrorist incidents on Flint citizenry and property, to be captured and arrested if possible. Her reduced threat status, however, effectively means capturing her in the rural reaches of the Cloudwood is a nigh impossibility, as the R.H.C. will not devote full resources of the realm to hunt her down; the R.H.C. leaves it to Flint Branch to capture her should she resume any terrorist attacks in the borders of Flint City proper.
By the end of Spring, the Royal Homeland Constabulary is in a state of great transition, with acknowledged reduction in capacity as it retools and retrains at all home branches to meet the revised needs of a changing political reality. No espionage incidents from the Danorans are encountered, though hints of a splinter faction of Drakran fanatics adhering an extremist form of Eschatology and carrying this ideology to Risur has the Directorate somewhat concerned. Mostly, the Constabulary is still worried about underground domestic factions of traditionalist terrorists inspired by ‘Ethelyn’s Rebellion’ to forcibly stop Risur’s progress on a path towards industry and alliance with their former enemies of Danor.
After days of anxiety-filled preparations to bolster Flint against an anticipated assault by the rebel Duchess and her Western Fleet, the news of her downfall and capture on 14 Spring comes like a thunderbolt to the city. A thunderous flash of victory, spelling the end to an unseen siege to the eastern city that built the Coaltongue and came to embody all the technological progress and change that Ethelyn and her rebels despised. That she had invaded Axis Island was of little consequence to the denizens of Flint; they are just relieved that her menacing rebellion is at an end. Citizens flock to the streets from the Stray to Eastside, with impromptu Docker performances cropping up all across Bosum Strand and the livelier parts of Central. Though philosophers in the taverns and tea rooms debate and ponder the wider meaning of Ethelyn’s Rebellion, the vast populace simply jeer or jest at her misfortune and look forward to her upcoming trial for treason. Further news that the peace summit next Spring would take place in the city seems to vindicate Flint as the crowning jewel of the future of Risuri prosperity and progress to a bright future…even if that future seems much less bright to the smog-choked laborers and poor workers of Flint’s sweatshops, factories and docks.
For Flint Branch, the formal end of Ethelyn’s Rebellion by 17 Spring finally marks a bookend to Makala Fileccia’s murder. In some ways the constables of Flint Branch get off easy, at least when compared to the complete fall of Shale Branch or the deaths of the Resilience team at Slate Branch. The court-martial of Spencer Hopkins on 21-24 Spring casts some small stain upon Makala’s otherwise brilliant record, but it is agreed that the official records in the annals of the High Hall would not reflect it officially. Flint Branch emerges from the ordeal of Ethelyn’s Rebellion relatively unscathed. Indeed, Chief Inspectress Saxby for a time seems eager to see her protégé, Carlao Ven, promoted to ACI of either Shale or Slate Branch, and possibly Serena Taflis as well. Such hopes are dashed quickly however: it is no secret to the constables of Flint Branch that CI Saxby becomes wroth with anger over the Director’s appointments for Shale and Slate inspectors, particularly ACI promotions of Anya Landreth and Burton Glix.
Instead, Lady Saxby is graced by 30 Spring with sudden multiple orders of transfer on 30, on what seems to her like a veritable gutting of her meticulous collection of veteran constables: eight in total transferred for either Shale or Slate, including three of her seniors and one of the best domestic investigators of her retinue. Saxby takes a fast carriage directly to the capital to protest the transfers taking place without her input or prior knowledge to them. It is said her meeting with the Director on 34 Spring in Slate Branch was a most tenuous ordeal. Though the transfer orders would stand - and Flint Branch’s role in part as a training and selection post for the R.H.C. means she is not allowed unquestioned discretion to cherry-pick the constables she prefers – the Director does concede to the former famed war veteran an allowance of permanent team status to her most senior four constables, under her direct command. Saxby is also granted the “honor” of overseeing the reunion of the seven constables responsible for the impressive actions on Axis Island…though it is rumored she seemed less than enthusiastic on this “gift” of the Director to her own retinue.
So even before the formal trial of Ethelyn Lesterman begins on 44 Spring, constables Josiah Crux, Gaethan Blackwater, Anderson Sperring, Renzo Moreschi, Bridget Sharpton, Jaevin Darjudin, Drake Wellingham and Arthur Wilde depart Flint Branch for their new home offices. In return the arrivals of Fethryth Teldanona, Tobias Utegg and Jesselle Wesmere reunite the final “secondary team” from the Axis Island mission. Assistant Chief Inspector Stover Delft takes all the roster changes in stride and good humor, reorganizing the offices and briefing sessions to bring everyone up to speed with his particular manner of doing things. Lady Saxby, on the other hand, is what could mostly be described as aloof, spending most of her time with the four senior constables on the formation of their team and elevated assignments, leaving Delft to deal with the rest.
Shortly after the dramatic events of Ethelyn’s reprieve on 49 Spring, R.H.C. affairs in Flint Branch settle down to more routine business. The Elite team of senior constables continue for a time in their efforts to uncover the hidden places of the fey terrorist Hana “Gale” Soliogn in the Cloudwood, though their efforts and contacts are mostly fruitless for the rest of Spring season – eventually Inspectress Saxby places them on assignment to gather information on a faction of extremist Eschatologist followers the ambassador of Drakyr sent a warning communique upon. The second group (jokingly referred to by Constable LeMont as the “B” Team) spend their time in pairs tracing the fey terrorist’s efforts to operate within Flint, work on any connections to Gale from a rash of factory and warehouse fires that start up in Parity Lake, and also continue the investigation on the “Ragman” killer in Parity Lake after the departure of Jaevin Darjudin to Slate Branch. The third group known by gossiping R.H.C. staff as “The Seven” work in pairs or quads on a variety of low-profile assignments Delft needs traction on, as well as assisting the paperwork of the “Elite” and “B” teams as they try to form tangible profiles on suspected operatives.
Somewhere around 63 Spring the first of a series of tremors begins to occur in Flint City, causing a great stir of anxiety and speculation in the various dailies, taverns and gossip circles. The source of the minor earthquakes are unknown, and cause no real damage to buildings other than the occasional shattered glass or broken crockery. Still, the traditionalists worry it is yet another sign that Flint’s industry and technological innovations will lead to its eventual doom – planning of site excavations for the Central District’s subrail tunnels had just started and is mostly to blame, though the district mayor assures the populace that no real excavation efforts have begun yet beyond surveying and sampling of the rock. By 91 Spring the earthquakes seem to shake portions of Flint at least once every two-to-four days.
More sinister are the rash of fires that break out in the Parity Lake District: eighteen fires in all that have killed just over forty people, far too many and too concentrated to be considered anything but arson. So far the fire-quenching brigades have managed to keep the fires from spreading. The fires seem to target factories and warehouses by factory owners and industry entrepreneurs, sending several out of business. Naturally, the prevailing wisdom is that the fires are the work of Gale, intent upon a new campaign of arson to stamp out the industry she and her terrorist cells despise so vehemently.
Though murders occur in Flint’s various districts almost daily, the murders of the so-called “Ragman” have grown more active by the end of Spring season – four more deaths just in the course of the last two weeks. The Flint Police in the Parity Lake District have once again called upon the resources of R.H.C. Flint Branch to assist in the investigations. Most recently, an impoverished Yerasol war veteran claims the victims bear the same pattern of wounds he saw on fellow soldiers in the Fourth War, though the accuracy of these claims are unconfirmed.
Docker leader Thames Grimsley lodges a formal protest to the Governor’s mansion on the plight of dock workers and haulers as the heat and humidity climbs in the city of Flint, with signed petitions that the steelworkers and ship builders demand better working conditions before a second steamship keel is laid down. On 81 Spring the famed Docker celebrity, Rock Rackus, holds an impromptu protest and street concert to help bring attention to the plight of the dock workers and their factory-worker fellows in Parity Lake. An attempt to block the Stanfield Canal in rousing protest is met with dispersal by Flint Police and the Governor’s men, but no one is seriously injured and threats to arrest Rock Rackus for his actions is never acted upon…leading to Docker parodies of various district mayors and officials painted on walls and sung on street corners or taverns.
Anneca attaches another clipping to her great wall of odd happenings, pinning it into the wood and tying a piece of twine to the end. While the townhouse is fairly small, its layout allowed her to put in a convincing false wall to hide her wall of evidence, closing it from view when she is not examining or adding to it. The clipping, a short story regarding the Parity Lake fires, ties to the fey figures that dominate the left side of the wall. The skillful profile drawings completed by Kaea show the motley group of fey and eladrin that have emerged in the investigation: the Unseen Court, Asrabey Varal, Sorkana Dell, Gale Soliogn. On the right side of the wall, the war machine of Danor looms. The drawings of Lya Jierre and King Aodhan next to one another trouble her. Countess Catherine Romana, Nathan Jierre, Lya's aides, and half a dozen more. Surely Kaea tires of drawing them for Anneca, but she continues to indulge the requests. In the center of the great wall of clippings, notes, and illustrations sits a blue star in a purple sky. Somehow the entire conspiracy, as Ethelyn phrased it, centers around the blue star. For months, Anneca has been linking the two groups, tying bits of string from one news item or person to another. The mystery frustrates her, angers her, excites her. She taps her foot, twice on the heel and once on the flat, as she tries to make headway. There are simply so many agendas at play, so many variables, and there is a great deal still unknown to her. Her eyes fix on the illustration of Ethelyn, with her mind following - as it often has over the last few months. The question has been gnawing at her every night: What if she was right? She barely expresses the thought to herself, much less to Gemma, Kaea, or Serena - the only others who know what she suspects. She knows that Fethryth would be helpful in the research into the blue star, but she can't bring herself to ask her for help. While her anger at the trio of relief constables has passed, she can't quite let go of the bitterness. She can be professional, but trust is another matter.
Every day after her duties, she returns home to work on the mystery. She has quietly plumbed the libraries of as much background information as she can, while recreating from memory as much of the records that they discovered upon defeating Ethelyn. She fears that she is approaching the end of the leads. Pressing harder would alert others to her suspicions, and she cannot know who might be compromised. "If only I could have an audience with Ethelyn," she mutters to herself. "What don't we know? What sparked her suspicion?" She finds herself talking out her investigation to herself again, though it no longer bothers her as wasteful energy. Once Gemma and the others arrive, she'll have someone else to go over the facts with, although she's not sure if the others are merely indulging her theories rather than being fully involved. She taps her foot again, impatient and worried. They should have been here by now.
Almost on cue a polite knock is heard at the front door. Anneca moves out of the room with secretive evidence wall, noting that all looks relatively normal as she passes through the luxurious former residence of her patron Makala towards the entrance foyer. If anything, the wards and traps of the townhouse have had some homemade additions of Anneca's own making; the paranoia of downing Ethelyn's conspiracy - as well as possible retributions by the fey from the incident with Asrabey Varal - have done little to lessen Anneca's paranoia about possible threats to her life. Not that the past seventy-some-odd days of Spring since her return to Flint City have seen any indications of threat against her. Yet the old habits die hard, and have served her well to this point.
Anneca opens the door after undoing several locks and observing a single woman through a hidden peephole (using a clever mirror array to view the arrival without revealing oneself directly at the door). The woman bears a cowled cloak and moves with a practiced, albeit lethal, grace. It is Serena Taflis who has come to call, the Senior Constable that most of Flint Branch considers the "number two" of Lady Saxby's elite team formally led by Carlao Ven. Certainly all would consider Serena to be the brains of the elite team, even if Senior Constable Ven is the enigmatic face of it. Stepping inside and revealing her face which is striking though not beautiful by any means, it is Serena's calm and almost sisterly (some would say motherly) demeanor which is unmistakable to the other female constables of Flint Branch. It is not lost upon Anneca either that Serena's friendly and caring disposition conceals the fact that she is deadly with her short blades and has the skills of a lethal agent, including the arts of poison and knowledge of anatomy to inflict damage.
Serena Taflis smiles as she moves to unbutton her cloak in order to place it on a nearby rack, her first words already answering Anneca's unspoken question. "Kaea cannot make it tonight I'm afraid dear, so I shall have to do. She is still at Branch HQ for a good while longer tonight, writing some last detailed briefs with Dima on probable contacts with traditionalist sympathizers of Gale and her ilk. Lady Saxby will undoubtedly focus the entirely of my team's assignments on the case with the radical eschatologists, so this was Kaea's last opportunity to finalize some outstanding reports to the record. That and...well...it is still difficult for her to come here still."
"You don't happen to have some fair-quality tea on-hand do you, dear Anneca? I have a penchant for it and the stuff at the branch is simply dreadful!"