Lake Merrin

by Samuel Colbran

  “No, you cannot do that!” Inquisitor Dale interrupts. “By the law, all of this is pure hearsay. There is no hard proof.” Stillwater’s rage is building on her face. “Yes, I see that you all disagree with me, but this Solo is the only one who can prove her guilt. By our law, that is not enough.”

  I look at her, dumbfounded. Stillwater gets to her feet and objects, “The Rejects and the Travellers have spilt blood over this. It all points to Zlata!”

  “Please, calm yourself. Do not let your emotions overcome logic. The law doesn't care about feelings. 'Know no opinion, only facts tell the truth.' Where are the facts that prove Zlata's hand in this?”

  The Duke stands up now. “Sergeant, stand down.” Stillwater sits and seems to calm herself. It looked like she was about to hit the inquisitor. “You are right, Inquisitor Dale. What are your thoughts, Abbot Kamil? I know you have some background in these sorts of matters.”

  “Well, Dale is correct. By the law, Zlata would be found not guilty on this man’s word alone. But my mind is not stuck in stone, I can see how the events add up. I believe you all. There is a case that I will be defending. Those concerned have been charged with weak evidence. It was based on testimony from a Knight of the Orange.” Inquisitor Dale takes a sharp breath. “Yes, Dale, he did the right thing, but Zlata has brought charges against him. His Charter, the Helpers, gained my favour for helping the Commander; they were in the office when he collapsed. So the best way to prove it would be for you to oversee the trial, Dale, and observe Zlata in person. Perhaps then we can find the facts needed to satisfy the law.”

  “You do realise, if this Orange does not bring sufficient evidence for what they did, the law will not protect him. I would like the Duke and Count to sit in on this trial as well; being the two highest nobles, it is customary in cases like this.”

  Count Darel and Duke Trahern nod in agreement. “As I have lost most of my guards, I would like to employ the Travellers and the Rejects to help guard the courthouse. The last thing we need is another event like this happening.”

  Inquisitor Dale turns to Count Darel. “I warn you, if the facts prove this corruption goes up to you, Your Excellency, I will be required by law to charge you with treason as well.”

  I was taken aback by this. Who is this High Inquisitor Dale and how does she have the power to do that?

  “I understand, and I welcome it. I do not need to prove my innocence as this news is shocking to me as well. How could something like this happen to my town? Or my county? Tomorrow we will end this!”

  Duke Trahern stands. “I think it is best if no one outside of this room knows what is happening just yet. I must prepare. I will see you all tomorrow morning at the courthouse. Again, thank you, Adventurers, for everything you have done.”

  There is nothing we can do but leave. The Count calls out, “Solo.” I look at him. He is bowing to me. He holds my gaze. “This is yours, I assume.” It is my medal.

  I wave my hand. “I do not deserve that. The medal was another manipulation of Zlata’s; a ploy to remove Joan from the Watch.”

  Everyone is looking at me. Count Darel asks, “Are you sure?”

  “I will earn it one day, but today is not that day. I thank you, Count Darel, Duke Trahern. Good night.”

  I bow, turn, and leave. If I stay any longer, I will be forced to accept it, and I cannot do that. I have done nothing special.

  I need some sleep. Back to Pela's.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Journal Entry Three continued …

  I am no hero. It does not matter what anyone else thinks, I am no hero. I just do what is needed. I learnt that all those years ago. But most people see my alter ego, Lone Solo, as a hero. That is why I go by my real name now ...

  Walking right out the door, I do not care what anyone says to me, I am no hero! I just want to be paid. I have nothing left. Well, I still have this knitting needle; I could sell it for some good slips. Is that carriage still here? I just want to sleep.

  Good, it is here. I feel a hand on my arm. I turn and it is Stillwater with the Rejects and the Travellers in tow. Great, what does she want?

  “Yes?”

  “Take it!” She has the medal in her hand. “I don’t care if it was another ploy of Zlata’s. This is yours, and you do deserve it.”

  I look at her, and then around at everyone else. “I am no hero. Everything I have ever done I did for myself. Really, you deserve it more than I ever will.”

  I step out of Stillwater’s grasp and hop into the carriage. “Residential Road, please.”

  I leave them all standing there, stunned. I do not care. How dare they pile it all on me? I did not ask to be a part of this. It is pure luck that I became a part of anything.

  Maybe I should quit the Rejects. I am an outsider and always will be. It was like that in the army; it was like that at the orphanage. My mother, father, and sister have all left me. I have no one, and I do not need anyone! To the Abyssus with all of them! Where do they get off? Bloody medal!

  Okay, okay, calm down. There is no point to this. Even though you are a loser, leaving the Rejects will just put you back at the start again, with no job and no money. No money means no roof, no food, and worst of all, no grog.

  I see that I am on Residential Road. Good. The driver pulls to a stop and pops his head in. “What number, sir?”

  “Here is fine.” I hop out after tipping him with my last silver slip. “Thanks for the ride.”

  “That is what I get paid for.” And he takes off.

  I can relate to that statement. I wander down the street. I will admit that I am glad I pay attention to all the street names. Even if they are so stupid a simpleton would have thought them up, they are easy to remember.

  I walk up our steps and unlock our door. There is Pela, sitting there washing her face and neck with a towel. The candle light hits her just right. She is so gorgeous. She would make me the luckiest man alive; well, maybe one day.

  She looks up and covers her shoulders with her shirt. “Solo, I didn't expect you home so—What happened to your clothes?”

  I look down to see that my clothes are ripped to shreds and covered with dried blood. Damn, I forgot. “It is nothing, just another day. I want to clean up and go to sleep. I have another job, so I am about to pay a lot of rent.”

  “Who cares about rent? Are you injured?”

  “No, I was touched by the Trinity via Abbot Kamil. All my hurts and pain …” Not every hurt or pain. “I am fine. How was your night?”

  She shakes her head. “If I'm not going to get it out of you, I won't try.” She takes a deep breath. “Well, I did hear something about a couple of Charters linked to murders on the highway: the Fellowship of the Sword and the Helpers. Yeah, who are they helping?”

  I cannot say anything. I do not really know her. “Yes, I am going to be one of the guards at the courthouse tomorrow for the trial.”

  “So, they are guilty? Screw them. Well, you have a big day tomorrow, I’ll let you wash and sleep.” She comes over and kisses me on the cheek. “Good night, Solo. You’re a real hero.”

  Grabbing my towel, spare clothes, and soap, I wander down the hall to the bathroom. Wash away all this waste of time. I stand there just letting the water cascade down my back. I love hot water. The boiler; such a marvellous invention. It is over and my body is so weary. Sleep is needed.

  As I walk back, Pela calls out to me from her room. “Oh, your clothes, armour, and weapons were delivered. I put them in the corner.”

  Good, and I will be bringing my shield with me too. “Thanks, Pela. Good night.”

  Set up my cot, and sleep overcomes me.

  Before I know it, a shaft of light hits my face; it is morning already. I still feel so tired. Pela must be asleep as her door is closed. Time to get ready; armour on, sword, knives, and last of all, shield. Off to the Hall. I check my wallet; eighty copper bits. I should have enough for breakfast and a nice cup of ale.

  I should leave a note. Y
es.

  Pela,

  I’m heading to the Hall for breakfast.

  I’ll see you tonight.

  Lone

  Leave that on the table, and now off to the Hall.

  I do like wearing my full outfit; people always get out of my way. I wonder why!

  Arrive at the Hall, not many people here. But there are Seth and Belgrim sitting down having breakfast. Should I talk to them? Either way, it will happen.

  “Morning, guys. What are you doing up so early?”

  “Oh, morning, Solo. Over your hissy fit from last night?” Belgrim asks. Seth laughs so suddenly he inhales the food he was eating and starts coughing.

  “Yes, Grim, I am. I just wanted to be clear. Besides, the people who received those medals last night really deserved them. I just do not think I do.”

  Seth finishes coughing, takes another mouthful, and calls out, “Bertude, get this hero some breakfast!”

  I add, “Could I please get an ale too, Bertude?”

  Bertude looks up and says, “What do I look like—your servant?” Pours an ale and walks over to our table. “You go to one bloody noble party—” Drops a hefty mug in front of me. “—and you think everyone is here to serve you. Bah! I’ll let you off this time, but we serve at the bar, not tables!”

  “Thanks, Bertude.” She just grunts at me and goes back behind the bar. I turn back to Seth. “So, are the Travellers ready for today?”

  “Yeah … except for Olive.”

  “Yes, I noticed she was not there last night. Where is she?”

  “Well, you know how we went out to stop the Bloody Swords? During the fight, Olive was hit by four arrows. Althanis stabilised her but it’s going to take some time for her to heal.”

  Belgrim laughs. “Yeah, she’s going to be really pissed that she missed last night. She'll say it would have been the best story for her to write. Oh well, I’ll just have to tell her later.”

  Seth points out, “She won’t be pleased with your description of events. You are too blunt.”

  “Yeah, that’s why it’s going to be so funny!” We all laugh at that.

  Bertude dumps a plate in front of me. “Thank you, Bertude.”

  “Yeah, yeah. You owe me one silver for that!”

  Seth holds up his hand. “Don't worry, I have this.” I nod and thank him. “So, what do you think we’ll be up against today?” Belgrim just grunts. I guess he likes rolling with the punches.

  I answer, “Not sure. Not like Zlata would do something stupid. I mean, there will be at least twelve guards there.”

  “Well, me lad, I always expect something stupid to happen because people are stupid.” I do have to agree with Belgrim. I have done that too. “Finish up your breakfast and ale. We need to move to the courthouse soon.”

  I finish while Seth pays for the bill. I have to pay these guys back soon. I do not like owing people money. “You done?” I nod at Grim. “Okay, let’s go make sure Zlata gets what’s coming to her.”

  We start moving towards the door and it opens, and there are the rest of the Rejects. Stillwater looks straight at me. I do find it more comfortable to see her in armour and battle gear than in that pretty dress from last night.

  “Good, you are here.” She steps forward and punches me in the gut. The wind is knocked out of my lungs. As I am on the ground, she says, “That’s for last night! Now that’s done, we have a job to do.”

  Seth and Grim help me to my feet. Both are chuckling at me. “You sure have a way with women, laddie.”

  As I still cannot breathe, Gunnar whacks me on the shoulder. “You are lucky she didn't kick you in your Jara’s hammers, Solo.” With that, Seth, Belgrim, and Gunnar laugh even harder. Stillwater is already out the door.

  We move towards the door and WayWocket stands in the way. “Come on, Way. We have to catch up or we'll end up getting the Solo treatment.” More laughter.

  WayWocket has not moved. He opens his mouth and words come out without his lips moving.

  “This is the time all will become clear.

  Fear the future, darkness is coming.

  Only the Dawn will reveal it all.”

  He collapses. We look at each other and I am unnerved. “Way?” I motion to the others, “We have to move him. Help me!”

  Gunnar steps up and takes his other arm. I ask him, “What the Abyssus was that?”

  He shrugs. “Don't know. Way can be weird, but I think that takes the cake. He'll come to soon, so we can ask him. Let’s catch up and let the boss know what happened.”

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Journal Entry Three continued …

  The courthouse, where the truth of everything was uncovered. Back then I did not think on how important WayWocket’s words were. In hindsight, we should have paid more attention!

  But I will always remember that day forever; it marked the start of my journey ...

  We jog a little, with WayWocket bouncing between us. My gut still hurts. That punch went through my Jack of Plates; I would not like to feel it with no armour. We catch up to Stillwater just before the courthouse. WayWocket has started to rouse. Good, he was getting heavy.

  “Took you three long enough.” Stillwater does not even turn around. This must be serious. “We'll talk to Knight-Commander Kingfisher and see where he wants us positioned.”

  Just have to go through the church to make it to the courthouse; should not be that bad. There are some picketers around as we enter. I make the triangle sign of the Trinity and the others do the same. None have the characteristics of Zlata's half-breed race that I could notice, so we should be good.

  “Weapons.”

  An acolyte of the Blue stands there with a box and several other people wrapped in blue. Not sure that we want to hand over our weapons. But seeing Stillwater unbuckle her sword, I do the same.

  As I hand over my sword and knives, he hands me a ticket. “Do not lose this, or we will not give you back your weapons.”

  Damn Blues. “Sure thing.”

  What is strange is how many weapons WayWocket has on him, mostly flasks and metal spheres. The occasional knife, but the pile grows and grows. “What did you think was going to happen today, Way?”

  He looks up at me. “Can’t be too sure.”

  Stillwater says. “Come on, we will be late.”

  No, they will wait.

  We enter the main area of the Courthouse. A group of the Duke's Shield walks towards us. “Come with us, please.” How courteous of them.

  We move into a back room. There is the Duke, the Count, High Inquisitor Dale, the Abbot, Knight-Commander Kingfisher, and the rest of the Travellers, except Olive. Guess she will miss out on all this fun. She really is nice, but devious.

  The Duke approaches us. “This will be a faked court session, which took me and my cousin most of the morning to convince Inquisitor Dale to accept. The Defendants are a recently formed Charter called the Helpers.” I think I know them, the knight and the Folk. “Zlata charged them with destruction of official documents, but it seems that she has filed most of what has been happening.”

  Stillwater steps forward. “No one will believe that this is a real court with…”

  “Sergeant Stillwater, you will be quiet!” Jara’s hammer, never seen that; Stillwater just being embarrassed, her face is a bit flushed. “We know that these are unrealistic, trumped-up charges, hence the convincing of the Inquisitor. Now, myself and the Count will be presiding over the court as the highest-ranked nobles. The prosecution will not be Zlata, as she is an official officer who will give evidence on the Helpers’ guilt.”

  All we can do is nod. Abbot Kamil steps forward. “I will be representing the defence, making sure that I have the chance to manipulate Zlata into revealing her true intentions.”

  This is going over my head. What do they need us for? Althanis steps up. “So, what do you need us to do, your Grace.”

  “As Zlata is a witness, we want your Charter and the Rejects to keep an eye on her. If she m
akes any move, follow and report back.”

  That seems straightforward, and after the last few days, a welcome change. “That seems easy, but do you really think she would be stupid enough to do anything in this court?”

  “If she is a pawn, yes, but if she is behind everything I would expect her to run.”

  Kamil adds. “After my questioning there will be no doubt who and what role she played in these events.”

  “Um, have you told the Helpers that this isn’t real?”

  My mouth moved before I had even thought to keep it shut. Gunnar glares at me. This again. Stillwater just looks towards the nobles. Not in trouble, thank Mela’s Mercy. Kamil answers my question. “No, we need them to react naturally.”

  Glad I am not in their shoes. “I will leave you with my Knight-Commander to assign your positions.”

  Everyone files out, except the Knight-Commander, the Rejects, and the Travellers, and of course me.

  “I have read each of your files from the Hall, and the report you made, Stillwater.” The Knight-Commander motions everyone over to a table. He points to a diagram. “This is the Courthouse.” I have never seen a schematic of any sort of building. Interesting, but confusing. He points down. “This is the witness area, which happens not to be in the chambers. We propose that you, Travellers, take this exit and corner.” He points at some random point. I have no idea where it is. “And your group, Stillwater, will be ‘witnesses’ as well. Your job is to pay close attention to Zlata.”

  Althanis asks, “Won’t Zlata be suspicious if Stillwater and the Rejects are in the witness area?”

  Stillwater pipes up. “We have submitted a report about the occurrences happening at the Grain Mill. Zlata knows us by sight. If we were hanging around on a corner, she would become more suspicious.”

  Slow clap. Everyone is five steps ahead of me. I was weirded out about a fake court case. Does this sort of thing happen every day?