Serpentis Family/Henrich/The King's Justice
Henrich had made his decision. The Stormbringers reached Kybcyell and formed two lines, marching down the road to the main port. The High Magistrate sat at the inn’s hall and removed his gauntlets, warming his hands in the hot steam of his stew. The strong-bodied wine warmed the blood in his veins. While he made his meal, two soldiers entered bringing a foreign merchant that introduced himself in a polite greeting.
Henrich Eyolf: “Take a seat. I have a special delivery. I knew you will pass through the ports in the Colonies…”
Captain: “Yes, Milord… you’re right. I'll be glad to assist you.”
Henrich Eyolf: “I have a prisoner. His name is Erasmus, a man who found very funny to change the signs of the roads during the winter. I would have cut his hands before hanging him but I believe every man, even the most stupid, deserves a second chance.”
Captain: “I'm not used to transport prisoners, Milord.”
Henrich Eyolf: “You don’t need to worry. He will travel in chains. Just throw him in the cellars and leave him there. If he dies in the sea, then he’s not my problem anymore. Here I have six gold coins that belonged to the miserable and six of my own pocket. That is enough?”
Captain: “Yes, High Magistrate. It’s enough for the travel and the accommodation of my new host. I promise you to give him a good treatment with bread and water.”
Henrich threw the coins on the table, paying the merchant captain. He finished his stew before it got cold, swallowed the rest of the wine and put his gauntlets, tying the cape over his shoulders, going back to the cold night. Even with the cold winter and the freezing night, many people left their homes and filled the harbor with their torches. The fortified coach that came from Via arrived in time, protected by guards and a black hooded jailer. The silent crowd didn’t contain the cry and the offenses when Erasmus was brought under the moonlight, with hands and feet in chains and fetters held by a heavy iron collar.
The Stormbringers formed two lines, holding their black shields not to protect the prisoner, but themselves against the rotten fruits thrown against the traitor. They only calmed down when the High Magistrate has taken his place to read the sentence.
Henrich Eyolf: “Erasmus La Pointe, I declare you a traitor of the kingdom. Today I don’t do justice only for my people, but also by Terran where you were convicted. Say farewell to Dwilight. Your return will result in execution by the axe! This is the King’s justice!“
Henrich waited for the commotion while the soldiers threw the criminal on the ship that would take him to his new destination. The young judge waited there with his soldiers in line and the crowd behind him until the ship leaves the port. Only then his banners blew their twisted horns, scattering the crowd while the soldiers advanced in his military discipline. Their destination was the southern border and what was hidden beyond the mist.
