style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">A
friend in need is a friend indeed.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">Four
people enter the city of Vochaux in two manners: three of them in glory, and one
in defeat. But they all use the same way: sneaking. They sailed by a skiff and
landed on a deserted beach not far from the harbor in the middle of the
night.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘Drat!
Draggin’ this bloke and go unseen is one tough work! If only we didn’t torture
him so badly!’ Baxter complaints as he and Ellephar drag Robert to the
shore.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">Sheena
Mekh’ta, leader of the gang replies threateningly,
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘If
you don’t keep your mouth shut, I’ll cut your tongue so we’ll go unheard as
well!’
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">Baxter
winces. He and Ellephar have been stuck with Sheena since she chose to protect
them when Kyflynn’s party wiped their gang of bandits out. Sheena aspires to
turn on a new leaf – as a pirate – and Robert is their golden ticket to fame and
fortune. Judging from Baxter and Ellephar’s haphazard characteristics, Sheena
must remind them every once and then to prevent them from ruining their plans in
that crucial time. They walk on quietly, avoiding the soaring light from the
lighthouse.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">Robert
is still very weak because of his wounds and the Enfeeblement Powder. His mind
is still intact, though, and he is fully aware of his
surroundings.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">So,
I’m in Vochaux after all. I don’t know what I’ll endure next, but as long as I
have my breath, there’s still hope.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">Defeated,
but not lost: the thought that rings on and on in Robert’s mind as Sheena and
her gang drag him farther towards the city. At a certain point in front of the
city walls, Sheen a whistles melodiously. A city guard shows up on top of the
wall and looks down. Sheena’s face is tensed.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">Did
she call the wrong man? It’s an Arcadian soldier up there! style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">Robert
thinks worriedly.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">The
Arcadian guard looks at Sheena, but he doesn’t rush away to sound the alarm or
call his comrades. Instead, he looks to the left and right. And then he whistles
in the same tune as Sheena did.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">So,
he is Sheena’s accomplice. A bribed soldier, style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">Robert
concludes. And what a right conclusion it is!
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">Soon
hereafter, two other soldiers join the bribed soldiers on the parapet. From
their next actions, it’s crystal clear that Sheena bribed them all. They throw a
thick, strong rope (with one end tied to the wall, of course) down the outer
side of the parapet.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">Ellephar
– the heaviest of the four – climbs the parapet first. After a long time (of
course!), Ellephar reaches the top and the three soldiers are already out of
breath. Now it’s Ellephar’s turn to pull the rope with Robert tied on waist and
armpit on the end of the rope, as Robert can’t climb.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">Then
the three soldiers help Ellephar to pull Sheena, and then the last one, Baxter.
The entire process takes less than an hour and without disruption
whatsoever.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘Here
you go,’ says Sheena, distributing coins of crowns and florins among the three
soldiers. ‘Thank you. We’ll contact you again when we’re going out of
town.’
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">The
Vochaux city guard answers, ‘Of course, ma’am, it’s a pleasure doing business
with you,’ and jiggling his now-heavier purse. Without further ado, the city
guards use the rope to lower Sheena, Robert, Baxter and Ellephar into the city.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">Then
the four intruders walk on quietly and (except Robert) stealthily in the city.
Sheena seems to know the streets of Vochaux very well and timings of passing
soldiers and night watchmen so they don’t have to waste too much time to reach
St. Themitius Cathedral – also the embassy of Vadisian authorities in Vochaux.
Moreover, Sheena doesn’t have much trouble finding the secret back door either.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">They
walk through a number of hallways and corners until they find the night
watchman’s office. The night watchman, an old, balding man with a bored and
boring face seems paying no attention to them at all. He is too busy trying not
to get asleep.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘Hey,
sexy baby. Hot Momma’s here,’ says Sheena in a soft, seducing but mocking voice
to get the watchman’s attention. Still, the watchman pays no attention to
Sheena. Instead, he is now in a verge of ‘sleeping and taking a vacation to
paradise’.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">So,
sheena comes real close in front of the watchman’s face. Losing her patience,
she resorts to a method she calls: ‘When all else fails, use the absolute power
of pain.’ She takes out her Poniard dagger and makes a surface cut on the
watchman’s hand.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">The
sleeping watchman’s face changes from a smile to a grin, then his grin vanishes
and he begins muttering, ‘Ow, don’t bite too hard, baby, ow... ow... AWWWW!’ He
immediately leaps up from his seat, holding his bleeding hand,
swearing.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘OH
DAMMIT-DAMMIT, VADIS FORBIDS! HOW DARE YOU BLASPHEMERS SPILL BLOOD IN THIS HOLY
PLACE! CURSES ON YOU FROM NOW ON TO DAMNATION! DAMN...’
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">The
old watchman doesn’t continue as Sheena’s dagger is already on the skin of his
throat. Sheena whispers,
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘Shut
– your – mouth. We only want to see the Bishop. Go, tell him that Sheena Mekh’ta
is here with the fugitive, Robert Chandler. Oh, don’t try anything foolish, or
you won’t have your throat when I’m done with you,’ says Sheena, patting her
newest spoil of fight: the Dragon Saber style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Grimlock. ‘Understand? Now go! And make
haste! ‘Cause time is money!’
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">The
night watchman becomes terrified under Sheena’s intimidation, and he darts away,
still holding his skin-deep-wounded hand.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘Bax,
follow him,’ says Sheena. ‘You know what to do if he messes
up.’
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">Baxter
replies, ‘Got you, Sheena.’ And he goes out from the
office.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">Sheena
stares at Robert. His body bends real low as Ellephar’s arm presses him down on
his seat. Sheena snorts. Robert’s error was purely human, but as Sheena is also
a human, she can’t help but worry that she might fall into a similar trap as
Robert – as she actually have.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">All
people in that room fall silent until they hear the door opens. The old watchman
goes in first. Following him is a 42 years old priest. He looks like a warrior –
big and well built – but the look on his face and eyes clearly shows that his
intelligence and wisdom far exceeds his brawn and the combination of both makes
him a man with a great integrity.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">Sheena
looks at him and greets him respectfully.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘Greetings,
Father Alastair du Pare, High Bishop of Vochaux, servant of Vadis. I, Sheena
Mekh’ta, a corsair come with good tidings.’
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">Just
then Baxter arrives in the room. Father Alastair looks at him inquiringly, then
looks back at Sheena, saying,
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘What
tidings do you bring in this late hour? Is that about the man in rags over
there?’ asks Alastair, nudging at Robert.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘Yes,
Your Grace. We brought you the fugitive, the most wanted man for the murder of
the Pope: Robert Chandler.’
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘Hmm.
He indeed looks like Robert: his hair style, blue eyes, face... just like on the
posters. But what do you have to prove that he is him?’
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">Sheena
immediately takes out Grimlock and
shows it to Alastair, saying, ‘I do have it, Your Grace, Robert’s legendary
sword Grimlock. I claimed it when I
defeated him, so it’s mine now.’
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">Alastair
replies coolly, ‘Hmm... Grimlock.
Impressive. But how do you prove that this is the REAL style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Grimlock, not some phony sword wielded
by an impostor?’
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘I’d
like to hand this to Robert for some demonstration, but it means giving wings to
a lion. Let’s see if I can draw some fire from it.’
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">Sheena
then holds the broad-saber tightly and concentrates on it, but nothing comes out
of it. No fire, no aura, nothing.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">Then
Sheena activates the fire aura in her body and tries to trigger style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Grimlock with it, but the saber resists
the energy instead. Sheena tries some slashing move using her full strength, but
still no fire comes out from the saber. The corsair is real upset now, seeing
Alastair’s doubtful face, but she doesn’t run out of
ideas.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘Wait,
Your Grace. I have one more proof that he is the real Robert Chandler. You see,
he has this peculiar habit of – may I borrow a quill and a piece of
parchment?’
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">The
old watchman takes and hands the quill and parchment to Sheena. She scribbles
something on the parchment and then hands it to the Bishop,
saying,
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘Here
you are, Your Grace. Now, Robert, show us your signature habit. Do it
now!’
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">Robert
snorts, and then rubs his index finger right below his
nose.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">Suddenly,
Sheena slaps Robert real hard, saying,
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘That’s
NOT it! The OTHER habit, Robert! I’ll cut your finger if you try to fake things
up again!’
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">With
a cold face, Robert doesn’t speak up at all. He just raises his little finger
and kisses his mother Klarisse’s ring on it.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">This
time Sheena turns to Alastair and says, ‘Yes, that’s it, Your Grace. Does that
satisfy you?’
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">Alastair,
his expression unchanged, answers,
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘I
know this Robert no more than the description of him and his sword from Valanis
authorities. So he and his sword will suffice for now.
GUARDS!’
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">The
night watchman opens the door and two cathedral guards come in with a monk.
Alastair talks to the monk.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘Ah,
you’re here too, Declanus. You go with the guards and the prisoner to the
jailhouse. Give the warden this note.’ Alastair scribbles a short note on a
parchment and adds a stamp with his signet ring.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘And
don’t let the prisoner escape! Failure means excommunication for you
all!’
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘Don’t
worry about that, Your Grace,’ says Sheena. ‘Robert will remain as weak as a
vegetable until the next two days or so.’
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘I
don’t ask your opinion, woman,’ says Alastair haughtily. ‘Guards, do your duty.’
Sheena got that remark lots of times already, so she chooses to remain silent.
It’s all about the money – that’s the sole important thing to her.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">The
guards reply, ‘As your command, Your Grace.’ Declanus just bows low with his
hand on his chest as a salute.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">The
guards drag Robert outside the room. Robert just goes along, barely unable to
walk. Declanus shows a bit of wisdom by supporting Robert along the
way.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘Thank
you, father,’ says Robert.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘Don’t
thank me,’ replies Declanus. ‘I just want to complete this task as quickly as
possible. Let’s say this is my expression of love to Vadis who blessed me
abundantly. I’m bringing the traitor of Vadis to justice.’
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘I
admire your devotion. But am I a traitor or not, let Vadis decide. I’m resigning
my fate into his hands,’ says Robert.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘You
really think so?’ says Declanus. ‘Then I think you’re not the heir and maybe you
didn’t kill the Pope either. But you have to face justice and prove your
innocence.’
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘I’m
going to, but I need to seek a friend, a very wise person who can help me out
from this mess first.’
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘Hmm,
I understand. But it seems Vadis wants you to defend yourself
now.’
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘Let
it be as his wish,’ says Robert. Hmm,
that bit of truth didn’t move him to free me at all. I better not make things
hard for him. A true devout is hard to find these
days.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">The
guards drag Robert to follow Declanus to the jailhouse. They arrive there after
half an hour walk. The jailhouse looks more like a fortress, not as simple as
its name. And it has dungeons for most dangerous criminals, like in the
castles.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">The
warden, of course, puts Robert in the dungeons, in a solitude cell with one
other man (who probably is the second most dangerous criminal around
here).
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">As
soon as the jailers slam the door, lock it and go back to their posts, Robert
sighs and leans on the wall. As usual, he takes a look around with his style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Eagle Eye.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">Well,
there’s nothing here. No secret walls, no holes on the floor, nothing except
this man here.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">As
jails are normally for locking up criminals, Robert decides not to sleep and
stay alert at all times. The man looks fast asleep, but who knows what he’ll do
when he wakes up.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">Then,
Robert tries to observe his jail mate. He looks thin, old and weary, with a
long, black beard and ragged clothes. It seems he has been here for a long, long
time.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘Don’t
just sit around and look at me, young man,’ says the sleeping prisoner suddenly.
‘Come closer and let’s have a talk. I haven’t got a single nice jail mate since
I got here three years ago.’
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘I’m
sorry, sir, but I’d better be cautious in here. I don’t know you.’ Robert
answers calmly, not surprised at all at that sudden
remark.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">The
prisoner then gets up, laughs hoarsely and sits facing Robert.
style="TEXT-JUSTIFY: inter-ideograph; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0.5in; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; TEXT-ALIGN: justify">style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 150%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'">‘Har,
har, har! That’ll be both of us, lad! Very well then, as courtesy demands, the
earlier occupant should introduce himself
first.
3.2.10.4.
Blog Jockey (BJ Vadis)
Imagination!
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