Night of Quietus

[Fez_The_Kid]

The rebels would sooner or later grow bold, even in the face of heavily armored and armed guards, and stock up on improvised weapons; pitchforks, shovels and pickaxes would be issued aplenty. It was only a matter of time.

Back still to the scene, Daelon switched his attention to the virtually empty corral. The horses had been probably lead back to their stables. Excepting Quinton, which is what confused the viscount as the beast stood unchaperoned in the center of the area. He would have to check on him when time permitted.

The viscount flicked his gaze to the stairs, where now stood Lind's hunched figure. Daelon approached, wiping at his brow once again. He studied the major-domo for a moment, his lips pinching. The man was dog-tired.

"You wanted me, sir?" he asked, voice toneless.

"I want you to stay with Orina till I'm back. Protect her no matter what, Lind. No matter what." Reassured by a fervent nod, Daelon moved toward the staircase, then paused at the first step and turned. "Also, check on Quinton when you can. See why he isn't in the stables with the rest of the horses."

"I'll see to it. Master, can I ask what do you plan on doing, sir?"

"I need to speak with the earl immediately. Unchecked, I fear his answer to a revolt will not be a promising one. I sense a massacre coming, Lind. Do you understand? Raeder needs to be restrained lest he start killing his own people."

The major-domo sighed slowly, gritting his teeth as his gaze averted to the floor. Then he simply nodded. "Be safe, sir. I do not know what I would do if you ever came to any harm, Sway forbid."

"Aye." The viscount descended the steps. "And remember, Lind - no matter what."

[Fez_The_Kid]

Torchlights suspended on sconces lit the gloomy stone hallway in a warm, fiery color. A thin silk-threaded carpet extended from the viscount's position at the hallway's entrance to its invisible end, covered behind a bend of wall. On one side was an interspersed array of fully armored mannequins, each one wielding a different weapon; a foreboding quality that chilled Daelon at the spot. He had managed to reach the castle without any trouble, yet his men were forced to stay outside. If he would see any of them again was a mystery in itself.

Ryder edged into view beside him, fronting who would be the earl's own attendant. The man nodded at the viscount and gestured for him to follow, then ambled ahead and disappeared behind the bend.

Daelon spared Ryder a glance and found the young man staring at him. He studied him for a moment, then jerked a firm nod before slipping ahead in the other attendant's wake. They came to a huge wooden door with an arch, which the man knocked on twice, then nudged it open with surprisingly minimal effort. Dust seeped from the thin space between the woodwork and frame. The man then edged forward and paused just beyond the entrance.

"Lord," they heard the man, "it is Viscount Daelon." A moment later, "Yes, sir," he turned and side-stepped, waved for him to approach. Only Daelon entered, the door creaking shut behind him.

Standing stock-still before one lancet window, as if basking in the mid-morning sunlight, was Raeder, a tall, lean and gray-haired figure. The revolt, Daelon then realized, was fully in his view. Behind the earl was the remaining space in the chamber reminiscent of the viscount's own study, outmatched by this one in space and quality both. The viscount approached, halted three paces from beside the earl, whose cold gaze stayed fixed on the ever-nearing column of rebels.

"These people were my responsibility," he muttered. "Not fate, but they—" one slender finger jabbed toward the scene beyond the viscount's field of vision— "they are what bequeathed me my leadership." He turned, glared at the viscount with widened eyes. "My legacy…"

[Fez_The_Kid]

Daelon felt a chill grip his backbone, said nothing.

Raeder's expression seemed to ease, his voice softening - if only slightly. "Tell me, Daelon, do you believe in destiny?"

The viscount was quiet for a long moment, then he considered, "Perhaps I do." There was a brief pause. "Do you, Lord?"

The earl fixed his attention on the column once more. "No."

Whatever emotion that ran ablaze within that man was subtle, for Daelon could not discern it. But it definitely doesn't bode well. "Lord, if you do not mind my asking—"
"Depends on what it is you're asking."

"—I wish to know what you plan on doing with them. If they reach here…"

"Daelon, I said they were my responsibility. Do you realize what they have done by marching up this street, daring to even threat my life? They are now but a liability… a cancer." He turned from the window, making for his desk. "One that I am obliged to scour clean from my city."

"But Lord, these people," Daelon said hastily, "there are at least a thousand out there. You cannot just kill them!"

Raeder sat in his chair, leaning forward. "I am the ruler. I do whatever I want."

"Listen to reason! These are innocent people, they have not done aught—"

"I am the Earl of Ursten!" he barked, his shrieking voice an agonizing ring in the viscount's ears. Raeder's face darkened, when he muttered, "Regardless… I have decided to give these people a chance. One. Chance. You, Daelon, shall stand before the very frontline. Yes, you. And you shall persuade them to turn, lest I spare no-one."

"Lord…"

"I have spoken. I do not want to see you again, Viscount. If you even dare elect to show your face here… I'll make you know fear. Merrerid!"

Daelon fought a shudder, clenched his jaws. He heard the heavy doors squeal open behind him.

"See to that the viscount is escorted outside."

[Philomel]

Name of Thread:
Night of Quietus
Judgement Type:
No Judgement

Fez the Kid receives:
2860 EXP
and
145 GP


These rewards include the special Althanas day rewards!

[Shinsou Vaan Osiris]

All rewards added!