Heron frowned; he was not at all pleased by such an action. It was a gross violation of protocol and law, even if for an understandable reason. However, if Exador truly was willing to pay the price for such an action later then he could tolerate it for the moment. He hoped he wouldn’t regret it. “What brings you to my ship uninvited Exador, assuming for the moment I am willing to allow justice to be postponed on the matter of your approach.”
Exador smiled grimly. “Out of my sense of duty and honor for the prosecution of justice, I thought it best to inform you that not only have I ascertained that Lenamare is in this city; the people mentioned in your warrant are also here and I am further aware that he truly does have the artifact he so perniciously stole from the sovereign lands of Oorstemoth.”
“You are sure?”
“I have seen him with my own eyes, and seen the book in his hands. So help me on all I hold sacred. I doubt even the Council of Wizards is so fraudulent as to claim other than that Lenamare is present, even if they don’t know of the book. However, I may also assure you as to the book’s presence and further that it is the same individuals you seek that most recently delivered the book into Lenamare’s hands.”
Heron’s eyes seemed to glow in the dark. “Are you telling me that the vile miscreants who sunk our Constabulary Vessel had the book with them at the time?”
“Indeed they did, and it was fear of exposure to this crime among many more that caused them to behave in the reprehensible manner in which they did.”
“The heathen savages. How despicable of them. Their traitorous actions simply compound themselves.” Heron was visibly annoyed, not that he hadn’t almost expected something of the sort.
“Further, if one were to investigate a little farther, one would find that they are consorting with an entire horde of demons. With which they are holding the city to their sway. One need only ask the Rod members for confirmation of this.”
“Really? Demon hordes in the city?” Heron was appalled; this was starting to get unbelievable. “So why are you still there, Exador? I would assume you’d wish to exit to some more pleasant surroundings.”
“Admiral, these vile evil doers have vindictively and unjustifiably tarnished my good name and besmirched my honor through their false accusations, of which you are aware. Further, they are threatening the lives of a great number of innocent people within the city. Do you think I could leave, when such a gross violation of the law and common decency was at hand. I seek these people brought to the justice they so richly deserve. I have stayed to see that they get it. Now that you have arrived, I am certain that they will, and I wait to be of assistance to your lawful arrest of these perfidious individuals.”
Heron stared at Exador for a moment, trying to decide how much he believed. “Very well, Lord Exador, your valor and steadfast devotion to justice will be noted. I am sure it will be in your favor on the inquisition over your illicit boarding practices. Are you or any of your people capable of watching this vessel from in the castle?”
“Certainly, admiral.”
“Very well then, we will be in touch with you via mirrors, I trust your people understand the standard code?”
“I will assign someone who does.”
“Very good. If you have no other information to impart, I will be in touch.” Heron said, dismissing the wizard. Exador nodded somewhat stern fully and vanished.
Edwyrd sat in his bed listening to Rupert’s breath ease into slumber. Even if he did sleep, he probably wouldn’t have been able to, given all the insanity outside the gate and inside the gate. He could, of course, just duck out to the Abyss to escape; however, Gastropé had admitted to him that if he were in the Abyss, Lenamare could summon him again. As long as he was in Astlan, Lenamare would have to know where he was to bind him.
So, basically, as long as he stayed in Astlan and didn’t reveal himself to Lenamare, he was safe. If had to be in this stewpot, he wanted to be his own agent, not a slave to Lenamare with no real choice in his actions. He supposed he could pop back to the Abyss and then hunt for a wizard to let him back in to Astlan; however that didn’t work so well last time, and what about the others? He had promised to help them.
He propped himself up on a couple pillows and grabbed one of the smaller books Maelen had set aside for him. It was fairly dark in the room, just the soft glow from the lights of the city coming in through the open windows; however he could adjust his demon sight so as to easily read the book.
Interestingly enough, it was in cursive English. Or was it? He had to squint a couple times, but realized that it wasn’t actually normal cursive English; but he had no trouble understanding what it meant. He tried reading aloud, it was in the same language he was speaking: Astlanian apparently.
