Winds of spring were filling the sails on the three masts. Blue Wing was standing on deck with Nannade. She had her hands and feet bound in iron shackles and wore an iron chain hauberk, to disable her from using any magic. Not that it was necessary, the girl had been most cooperative. But optics had to be upheld.

The ship had passed onto the lake Anmorley and the spires of Laeddunn harbour and government district rose from the waters high above, connected by skyways and plazas. Most dominant of all was the bulky body of the prison, suspended on hundreds of big chains, far out on the lake. If anything should happen with the dangerous individuals inside, the chains could easily be dropped and the people inside drowned. The special containment cell the girl had to be put into was most likely inside as well.

At the pier, a group of five Guardians of the Lodge of Sturrelandalready stood ready, in their grey surcoats, crow feather pauldrons, leather helmets, and spears. Skraar sat beside them, eagerly awaiting his master’s return.

As they walked over the gangplank, they hailed him and he led the girl to them. Three of them took the girl immediately into their custody and led her off, while the remaining two stayed with Blue Wing.

“We’ll assume you’re Blue Wing of Havnarsund. Please follow us for the pay-out and a final debriefing.”

They led him to city hall of Leaddunn. He had never been in this city but it was renown for being partially build above lake Anmorley and he was impressed by the architecture. He had never been this far west and the harsh nature of the Gimean people surely showed in the architecture, even though this was on the mainland.

City hall was built on four towers above the lake shore and the way upwards was made easy by an elevator.

He was led inside into a small office, where another Guardian of the Lodge of Sturreland was already waiting. He had his 20 Communion Silver paid out to him and signed the receipt, all usual process for these sort of contracts. Just as he thought the process was over, one of the Guardians turned to him.

“There is one last request we are to relay: Purple Paw of Halonnes wishes to speak to you. Will you grant him the time?”

Blue Wing was taken by surprise, but did not have to think for long. “Yes, gladly.”

He was led further down city hall to another small office, where a man, strong built, with a well-kempt beard and short dark blonde hair, sat behind a desk.

“You must be Blue Wing.” The man stood up to greet him. “I am Purple Paw, pleased to meet you, I am the teacher and attorney of Nannade. I am deeply grateful for bringing her back.”

He moved a chair aside for Blue Wing to sit down as well.

“I have a couple of small favours to ask of you and I hope that you agree, please take a seat.” He took place behind the desk and pulled out a huge leather ledger, then let it fall on the desk with a loud THUD.

“There are a few things I had to prepare in anticipation of the trial. I think you understand the difficult situation the girl is in?”

“Aye.” Blue Wing nodded. She was heading for death if things did not go well.

Purple Paw stood up again and walked to the door. “If you do not want to be implicated in anything, I advise you leave now.” He made a gesture toward the door.

Blue Wing was just about to stand up, but something held him back. He didn’t know whether it was the way the girl had carried herself so carefree despite her situation, or the way this man seemed to be defeated by something long and tiresome. He planted his behind even deeper in the chair’s cushion. When Purple Paw understood him, he returned to behind the desk and drew the courtains. He leaned over the desk to Blue Wing and whispered.

“There are many things I am willing to save her from, and just as many things I’m willing to give up. But I can’t do it alone.”

Then Purple Paw drew forth a piece of paper from the ledger and handed it to Blue Wing. On it was a simple letter of gratitude with all the necessary verbiage. But what struck Blue Wing was not that it was so ordinary as a letter, but that the paper itself felt heavier and thicker than a normal sheet, almost as if it was two pieces glued together.

Then Purple Paw stood up and spoke in a loud and clear voice. “I thank you. I would appreciate it very much, if you would stay with the other Hands for the trial. A good day to you, colleague.”

Blue Wing stood up as well and shook his hand. With this, he left the office. He’d go look for a good inn to book into for now, one where he would be guaranteed a private chamber.