news arrives

You manage down the repulsive meal one of the guards had given you. It's been a whole night, and likely the morning as well, but it's hard for you to tell time in the dungeon.

A familiar young guard approaches with an unhidden excitement. "I've come with news, Morgan. It's fantastic."

"About the judge?" you ask Theor.

"Yes. He's been found guilty of, well, I don't remember what they called it. Misuse of power or something. Anyway he's no longer a judge, and even better—"

"Should you not be at your post, boy," interrupts the most regal looking man you've ever laid you eyes on. He's a rugged one, with his thick beard and muscles, but underneath the hair, his face is very handsome. The man is like-wise tall, which is why you are only now noticing the marks of a crown.

"Your Grace," Theor says while moving to one knee. You're already sitting on a cot, would he expect you to get up just to go back down—would you even want to kneel to this man.

The King nods to Theor, then dismisses him saying, "to your post."

"At once, your Grace," he says, then turns to you. "Miss," he says with a polite bow before leaving.

You wait in silence as Theor goes through the hall. The King refuses to speak as well. You figure it best, since he is the one whose come to you, to wait for him to start.

"Morgan Hamilton." He waits for you to stand. You remain seated. "Morgan Hamilton," he repeats, "you are hereby given your freedom, as the gods have deemed it to be." He moves closer to the cell and looks to be taking his measure. "You are being set free, but we both know you are guilty. Do you deny it?"

"No, I'm proud of what I've done—you should keep your noblemen in line."

The King is obviously unused to such brashness. You can see it on his face. He shakes off the shock and continues, "I can understand why you'd want to do it. I've seen what my fellow man is capable of—hell, I ought to be thanking you for getting rid of that sad excuse of a knight."

"There are many knights as depraved as Ser Terrowin was, only they don't have the same talent."

"Sure there is corruption—that much cannot be helped—but at least those other knights aren't half as bad as Elric was."

"You've come to free me? It doesn't take a king to do that."

"No," he admits. "I've come for another reason. You've earned your freedom—it'll not be denied you—but I cannot have you in my city."

"What do you propose?"

"I am asking, as your King, for you to leave this land and never return."

"And I'm to do this out of my great love for you and your nobility."

"You'll be given whatever necessary."

"How about my own noble palace," you jest, "and a million servants for my every whim."

The King laughs. "No, he replies, "I couldn't do that. They're half the reason I need you gone. What I can offer you is gold, possession, protection, and transportation."

"And where would you have me go?" you question, pondering where you'd want to. Perhaps the plains of Norwgyn, though the heat can be unbearable in the summer. The swamplands would be safest—you're well adapt at handling those beasts. The forests of Everglan are another option; the spiders give you no fear.

"Anywhere you desire, other than here."

The idea of leaving grows on you; you've no love for this kingdom, but you are unwilling to let the judge get away with his crimes. He's lost his job, that much Theor told you, but he deserves far worse.

"What happened to the judge who sentenced me?"

The King looks to consider your question. "I suppose you have a right to know," he admits. "The judge had loyally served the kingdom for near twenty years, but his crime called for execution." The King stalls before continuing. "His loyalty demanded lenience, but his crime was too great. I had to exile him—a sort of execution for an older man like him."

"Which way did he travel?"

"You want ****, yes? I imagine I would as well. He's nothing to me now—he's off to Everglan. Has some relatives there, I believe. Could of been lying though."

"All I want is money and arms," you tell him. "I'll buy whatever men and transportation I require with it."

"You want royally forged steel. Done. You'll have your pick from the royal armory. I'll also have you sent more gold than you'll need to pursue whatever you desire."

"One more thing," you begin. "When did the judge leave?"

"He hasn't yet—buying a carriage and guards for his travels."

"How many?" you ask.

"As many as he is able. I've prohibited my guards from escorting him, and he's made no friends amongst the mercenaries. He has enough gold to buy six able men, provided they don't use his desperation to increase their price."

"I want my price paid now. I've little time to waste."

The King sets you free and takes you to the royal armory. You're surprised he brings no one to guard him, but it matters little; with what he's giving you, you'd be foolish to rob him. You pick two steel daggers, a steel longsword, a hunting bow with arrows, and a reinforced leather doublet with a chain mesh. You also take an emerald necklace you fancied. He gives you several bags of gold, which you place in a larger sack. The King sees you to the exit of the royal palace. Before you go, he tells you it is likely that the judge will take the northern road.

You leave the kingdom, ready to give the judge what he truly deserves.