Fantasy RPG Forum - Standing Trials

Jacien watched, impassively as Balthazar talked. He said nothing as the white-haired mage said that everyone needed a friend? Indeed they did - or might - and as Balthazar spoke and told the Master of the Bazaar that he did not want to be Balthazar's enemy, Jacien simply gazed at Balth. And, final words given and last threats shot out, Balthazar opened the door and turned to walk out.

In front of him were .... ten? fifteen? troops. Flame Troops, not Earth. Some of them, Balthazar recognised ~ most of them he did not. The ones he did? They were high up in the Flame Troops. "Oh, I think you'll find," Jacien said quietly. "I have all the friends I need."

One of the Troops at the door was someone who Balthazar would recognise. Markus Needwell. The head of the Flame Troops themselves. The man stepped forward and looked at Balthazar. "Balthazar Black, you are under arrest for seeking to purchase slaves against the laws of Scalvoris. Hold out your hands, and we will take you quietly. Then, within thirty trials, you will be brought before a judge and you will face judgement." He looked at Balthazar with an unwavering gaze. "Hold out your hands, please."

Behind him, there were two noises. Jacien gave a slight - gentle - sigh.

And the bird continued to sing.



In the market, Elisabeth found herself in a strange situation. The old man was in the middle of giving her directions to the stall in question when his eyes widened and he looked at her in surprise. "Lass, what did you do?!"

He asked that because he noticed (at the same time that she did) there were - quite quickly and without warning - Elements descending on them from literally all sides. The guard who had stood in front of the building Elisabeth had exited from stepped forward. "Elisabeth. You need to come with us, mi'lady. You're wanted for questioning in a criminal investigation."

They said no more but there were a lot of them. It was like they were prepared, ready.

Waiting.

The older man stepped forward. "Wasn't nothin' she did wrong, sir!" The guard looked and Elisabeth saw that the guard's hand twitched. Yet, he didn't hit him.

"Now, ma'am," the guard said and he spoke to her calmly. "Hold your hands out please miss, and give over your weapon."

Elisabeth, startled by the old man, looked at him in confusion. Following his eyes, she turned as she spoke. “What did I do? I didn’t…” That’s when she saw the Elements approaching her. A lot of Elements. Their eyes were on her – no one else. Casting a glance around, she tried to figure out what was going on, and quickly, but nothing came to her.

The guard from the front of the building approached and said she needed to come with them. Before she could respond, the old man stepped forward to vouch for her. Elisabeth saw the guard’s hand and feared the worst. Stepping in front of the old man, her sapphire eyes locked on the guard’s gaze as she unbuckled the sword from her body, still in sheath, and handed it over carefully, giving him a small smile to try and defuse the situation. “Please, I’ll come with you.” She held out her hands, trying to figure out what the Beneath was going on.

She had no way of knowing what had happened, but she had a pretty good idea of who she needed to talk to about it.

Balthazar…what have you gotten us into?

It was a thought born of frustration but not of anger – she hadn’t done anything wrong. Elisabeth wasn’t even angry at Balthazar. Worried, yes - she wanted her eyes on him now, to make sure he was alright. Scared? A bit. It was a scary situation.

But angry? No. Anger did no good to anyone.

Taking a deep breath, she simply did as they asked…but before they took her away, she made sure to smile at the old man, inclining her head gently as she spoke in a soft voice.

“Thank you. Be well, Sir.” It was the least she could offer.

She had known for a while now that life with Balthazar Black was never going to be boring. Apparently, it was time for a crash course in what that life might look like.