Part 1

Rayman looked down, mulling over the papers on the table, “Who is posting these letters? Have you found anyone? Any leads or hints who might be sowing such unrest?”

“We don’t know yet but they are popping up everywhere in town.” Torstein paced. “They all say the same thing.”

Picking one up, Rayman read it for the hundredth time, troubled by the implication of its provocative meaning.

“People of Vulkira, our beloved King Erik, has abandoned us in our darkest hour. Our king is nowhere to be found. Who will take his place? Who has stepped up to lead us when our king has not? Will we stay loyal to a king who casts us aside, who flees like a coward, leaving us to fend for ourselves? I am but a humble citizen, I pray those who read this will cast aside our once honorable king that has proven himself unworthy of the crown and replace him with one that leads us still, in our time of need. One that will unite us.”

“This-this is Jebbin’s work.” Torstein nodded, sure of himself.

“We still don’t know that for sure,” Rayman said, still unable to accept Jebbin’s treachery. “I cannot accuse an innocent man. I will not. Not without proof.”

“You said he is coming to this meeting?” Torstein frowned. “I suspect he will make his move soon.”

“Yes? What of it?” Rayman squinted. “What move?”

“He will plant the seed in your mind. That you should be king.” Torstein said, his voice slow. “If he is truly plotting against Erik, he will attempt to deceive us. Avert our attention elsewhere, away from these letters,” he warned.

“What if he averts our attention to important matters, Torstein?” Rayman shook his head. “That is not foolproof and you know it. Jebbin could be completely innocent of treason and still look guilty. Perhaps he is being framed. There are numerous explanations, Torstein. Try to think out of the box and not be so hellbent on exposing him. We have no evidence. Stop treating him like a criminal before we know the facts.”

“Perhaps you are right. But do not let your guard down, sir.” Torstein encouraged. “I am convinced-”

The door to the meeting room swung open with a soft squeak.

Jebbin entered with a look of suspicion. “Convinced of what?”

“I… I am convinced these letters are from citizens trying to divide us as a nation.” Torstein picked up where he left off and filled it with a half-truth. “Have you seen them?”

“I have. They are very troubling.” Jebbin said while stroking his chin. “It is most certainly an attempt to divide us, as you say.”

Jebbin turned and closed the doors behind him.

“Who do you think the letters refer to?” Torstein asked, his eyes focused on the old man.

“Rayman, of course,” Jebbin said quickly. “There is no other that could lead us. King Erik wanted both Rayman and me to rule in his stead but Rayman is the obvious choice.”

“Does that really matter now?” Rayman shot a look at Torstein.

“No. I suppose not. These letters are spreading and stirring up mixed feelings.” Jebbin explained. “Obviously the letter is false and is smearing our king’s name. We cannot allow this to happen. Finding the culprits should be our first priority. However, there is another matter I wish to discuss with Rayman in private.”

Torstein raised an eyebrow in Rayman’s direction, nodded, and walked out, leaving them alone.

“What do you wish to discuss?” Rayman asked the alderman.

“I fear there’s a spy among us.” Jebbin started pacing. “I believe they must’ve slipped into our ranks as we traveled from Calchester. It would’ve given anyone ample time and the opportunity to infiltrate our defenses.”

Rayman frowned, thinking of the possibilities. “I have come to the same conclusion but I believe it is not an outward influence.”

“You mean one of our own?” Jebbin clarified. “Perhaps. But I think not. Or at least, I hope not.”

“Well.” Rayman sighed deeply. “I think we both are in agreement we must do everything we can to oust this… spy.”

“Agreed.” Jebbin scratched his chin. “But there is something else I would like to discuss with you.”

“By all means. That is why I called you here.”

Jebbin hesitated a moment before continuing. He looked worried and upset. All of which Rayman would count as normal for one of his status.

“Before we left Calchester, Erik spoke to me. He asked me to lead Vulkira while he was absent but he also wished for you to take my place and lead the people.” Jebbin began.

Rayman’s heart began to sink. Everything Torstein had said came rushing back into his thoughts.

“Erik… feared he would not return. So before he left he asked that if something would befall him, or worse, that he were to die, that you would take his place as king.” Jebbin said calmly. “I know these letters are the beginning of sowing chaos but we must act. You must lead us in Erik’s absence.”

Rayman only stared in disbelief at what he was hearing. Logically, yes, someone had to step up and lead, but Jebbin’s loyalty seemed to falter with each word.

“Rayman. Erik looked to you as a father figure and Shay as a mother. Out of everyone in Vulkira, he cared for you most. It is his wish that you become king if he was to die.” Jebbin said, his voice seeming sad. “Of course, it would be temporary but if you agree, I will step down as acting leader for you to take my place. Officially.”

In the people's eyes, both Rayman and Jebbin ruled as one in Erik’s absence but in reality, Jebbin was acting king. He had the authority to make all the decisions. Torstein had authority over the military but if Jebbin forced their hands, he technically could take over as king legally and fully within the confines of the law. “So why didn’t he?” Rayman wondered.

“Stop there.” Rayman raised one hand, his voice cold and shaky. “Erik will return. He is our king. You best not forget that.” he said angrily, his thoughts of Jebbin’s betrayal spilling over.

Jebbin tilted his head in confusion, taken aback by his cold temper. “You do not wish to lead while he is in Kligira? I too wish his swift return, but in the meantime, I suggest you take over my role as sole leader for now. It would be the best for our people. Instead of looking to both you and me, they will see you as protector and guardian of Erik’s throne while he is away.”

“I refuse to take up a title that is not my own,” Rayman said firmly. “Yet, I do see the merit in unifying under one name. I trust your abilities to lead our people. Why change it now?” he lied.

“If I have upset you, that was not my intent.” Jebbin rubbed his wrist, noting Rayman’s agitation. “I only act on what my king has asked of me.”

Rayman forced himself to smile, “Forgive me. I loathe the thought of Erik not returning. I will think on what you have said.” he forced his mood to brighten. “About that spy.”

“Of course.” Jebbin smiled back. “I will have my men work on a solution. Finding him will not be easy. I will leave you alone now.”

“Very good.” Rayman nodded. “Keep me informed.”

“Bring Torstein back in on your way out,” Rayman said as the old man exited the room.

He heard mumbling from outside and Torstein entered a moment later, looking curious.

“What did he say?” he asked the moment the door closed.

“I’m afraid… you might be right, Torstein.” Rayman sighed in his chair. “He wants me to take his place as acting leader. To take the crown, albeit temporarily.”

Torstein’s jaw twitched but he said nothing for some time. As much as he disliked the alderman, Torstein looked hurt and saddened that his accusations could be correct.

“What would you have me do?” Torstein placed his palms on the table. “I am loyal to King Erik till the day I die and I will do anything to protect his crown. I will serve you till he returns, as I know you would never betray Erik. Just say the word, and I’ll have my men apprehend him.”

“No.” Rayman shook his head.

Torstein cocked his head back and frowned.

“I am glad you are here. Without you, I never would have uncovered a plot against Erik. But we cannot directly act against him yet. There is one more thing I want you to do. To make sure… absolutely sure... without a shadow of a doubt that Jebbin is a traitor. I must be sure before I act.” he repeated.

“What is it?” Torstein asked. “My men and I are at your disposal.”

“I want you personally. No one else.” Rayman said slowly. “While Jebbin is out, I want you to go to his room and look for any evidence that may incriminate him.”

“It will be done.” Torstein shrugged as if it were nothing. “As much as I think I am right about Jebbin, having solid proof would put both our minds at ease.”

“Yes. It would.” Rayman rubbed his temples.

It all was falling into place and Rayman felt sick to his stomach. “Why would Jebbin betray Erik?” he thought to himself, racking his brain for a reason.

“I will report back to you when it is done.”

“I hope…” Rayman began. “For all our sakes… you find nothing.”

Part 2

Torstein stalked the halls of the stone castle, his footsteps, silent. Coming to a stop at Jebbin’s quarters, he pulled the handle, which was locked. He silently cursed then bent down, pulling his tools from his pocket. Quickly, Torstein used his lockpick. Placing the tiny metal pick through the upper hole, he used the second and twisted.

A satisfying click followed a moment later. Twisting the handle, he entered without a sound.

Jebbin had just left for a stroll into town. Some business with buying cattle from the neighboring villages and towns. He would have plenty of time to search his room before he returned.

Torstein gradually made his way around the room, searching in drawers, cabinets, and finally under his bed, finding nothing. However, he did see paper and fresh ink on his desk, raising his suspicions.

Carefully searching every inch of the table, Torstein found himself empty-handed, finding nothing. His frustration grew, yet at the same time, he wished he would find nothing. Perhaps he had gotten it all wrong. “Maybe Jebbin is the same old man he always was. Logical, strategic, and loyal.” he thought. “Maybe my suspicions of him have been wrong for all these years. Unwarranted.”

After ten more minutes of searching, Torstein was ready to give up. His time was running out and he knew Jebbin could come back any minute but he had a lookout around the corner to alert him of anyone approaching the door. If Jebbin was coming back, his lookout would walk by the door and tap on it twice. That would be the signal that he had less than a minute to get out.

He decided to check under the bed again, double-checking and retracing possible hiding locations. At the corner of his eyes, a large rug lay on the bricked floor.

It looked familiar and Torstein remembered that night Jebbin had come to him. It was the night Jebbin had accused King Halden of being a traitor to their kingdom. During Jebbin’s arrest, Torstein had found notes and scrolls beneath his rug. He would never forget that day. Halden had ordered him to personally search Jebbin’s room, much like Rayman had asked of him.

It all felt so nostalgic. A sense of deja vu washed over him.

Turning around he whipped the rug aside, confident he would find something. The stones beneath looked unearthed as if someone had moved them and put them back in place.

Quickly, Torstein felt the stones. They were loose and he pulled them out from the floor with ease. To his surprise and yet unsurprise, he looked down at a bundle of cloth, tied by a thin strip of leather.

Reaching down, Torstein snatched up the bundle and untied the leather strap, opening the contents. Unfolding the rolled-up paper of one, he scanned the texts and his eyes went wide. First, dread and sorrow washed over him but were quickly replaced by rage.

Torstein had all he needed now. Refolding the paper, Torstein tied the letter into the cloth and tucked it beneath his coat, and repositioned the rug back into place. He walked out the door both determined and doubtless.

Part 3

“What is the meaning of this? Being pulled off the street like a common thug.” Jebbin shouted, his voice shaky with annoyance. “Rayman? Why have you brought me here? This is outrageous.”

“Silence!” Torstein yelled at the old man.

Rayman sat behind a large desk, his elbows placed onto the surface, his hands clasped together. He gazed at the old man without a word.

“I am the acting king.” Jebbin shrugged off the arms of two guards holding him. “I demand to know why you are treating me with such disrespect. Surely… Rayman, you have a good explanation for this?”

Rayman nodded his head and Torstein tossed a bundle of cloth onto the desk before them. “Do you know what that is?” Rayman asked, barely a whisper.

Jebbin glanced at both of them then down at the bundle. “No. Should I? What is it?”

“Lying is pointless Jebbin,” Torstein growled. “Stop feigning innocence. You’ve been caught. Admit it!”

Jebbin’s general look of confusion and unease turned to shock and bewilderment. “I-I don’t know what you think you’ve found b-but I assure you, I have done nothing wrong.”

Rayman held up a hand to Torstein before he could respond, his cold and calculated stare bore into Jebbin’s eyes. “Open it,” he said calmly.

He hesitated before stepping up to the desk to grab the item Torstein had thrown at him. Carefully, he untied the leather straps and three rolled letters were revealed to them, one nearly rolled off the table but Jebbin grabbed it before it fell to the floor.

Crackling from the paper filled the room as Jebbin opened it. The room was completely silent as he skimmed through the contents. His eyes grew wider and wider as he went down the page.

“Th-this can’t be,” Jebbin whispered. “I don’t have anything to do with this. I did not write this.”

“Your signature is on that one and the other two are addressed to you,” Rayman said, his voice still cold as ice. “Each page speaks of treason.”

“No.” Jebbin set the letter down and reached for another. “I-I know how this looks but I swear this isn’t me.”

Torstein picked up the last one and started reading aloud.

“King Jebbin, everything is going according to plan. I have spread the letters across town for all to see. Rayman will see them soon, I’m sure. This is your time to plant the seed. If you convince him to take your place the people won’t resist him. Their love for him will blind them all, and that is when your time to strike is at its peak. No one will question you if you provide ample evidence, which I have planted. Under his mattress. You will find it.”

Torstein nonchalantly tossed the paper aside, “This goes on for quite a while. As do the other two letters.” he paused. “Should I read aloud the one you wrote?”

“No. Because it is not me who wrote it.” Jebbin squawked, his face flushing. “I am being framed.”

“Of course you are. Ironic isn’t it?” Torstein stepped around the table and lifted a ring into the air. “You tried to frame Rayman of treason. Funny how that backfired isn’t it?”

“That’s-” Jebbin started.

“Erik’s ring. One he bestows on his successors.” Rayman spoke up. “Tell me… how did you come to possess it?”

Jebbin’s jaw dropped, “I-I- He gave it to me. Before leaving Nolvis.”

“Huh.” Torstein huffed. “Likely story. Why wouldn’t you tell us about it then?”

“Because Erik asked me to do something for him… in case he didn’t make it back.” Jebbin tried to explain.

“Yes, you’ve said.” Rayman stood from his chair. “You want me to take his crown. What then? Use these… propagandist letters spread throughout the city to defame me, then use this ring to make me look like a liar. You’d use this to get rid of me. The people are already divided, why would you do this Jebbin? What was your plan?”

“He-he said if something were to happen to him… that he wanted you to be king,” Jebbin confessed. “He spoke to me in his tent alone. Knowing you were the best option for Vulkira in the absence of his own bloodline.”

Torstein was about to say something but Rayman interrupted him.

“Let us… for a moment... believe what you have said.” Rayman squinted. “Explain these letters. Your signature. Your handwriting. Your name.”

“I don’t know!” Jebbin pleaded. “I am being set up. That!” he pointed at the papers. “Was not me!”

“Liar!” Torstein yelled. “You were going to use Rayman as a pawn. He’d think he’d be doing the people justice. Taking Erik’s throne while away, he would be looked upon as a hero. Especially at this time. Then you’d use the ring to frame him. Use it to prove he was the one betraying Erik, not you.”

“He gave me the ring you fools!” Jebbin shouted back. “You’re being played.”

“Or you stole it.” Rayman frowned.

“You stole it in Nolvis didn’t you?” Torstein accused. “Before he left, you used your influence and position to steal the ring from him. You’d have the power and control. You’d have the backing of the king to quell any doubts thrown against you.”

“And Erik wouldn’t be here to say otherwise.” Rayman finished with a whisper, his face conflicted by many different emotions.

Rayman sat back down, sighing heavily. “I’m sorry Jebbin. These letters prove it. I hereby officially pronounce you as a traitor to your country. With treason, the penalty is death.” Rayman declared. “Take him away.”

The two guards from before grabbed Jebbin tightly by the arms and started dragging him from the room.

“Wait!” he yelled. “I didn’t do it. Please, you must believe me!” Jebbin looked frantic. “Wait. Wait. I can prove my innocence!”

Rayman held up a hand, gesturing to them to wait, “Speak, Jebbin. For it may be your last.”

“Send a letter to Queen Cara. If she doesn't reply, wait for Erik’s return to prove that I am telling the truth.” Jebbin said, his frail-looking body half hanging from the guard’s arms. “When Erik returns he can prove it. There is a spy among us. But it isn’t me.”

Rayman leaned back in his chair, contemplating the repercussions of waiting to execute a traitor. It was true, with Erik here, he would be able to put this matter to rest. “Why would Jebbin ask for Cara?” he wondered.

“Don’t listen to him.” Torstein saw the conflict on Rayman’s face. “He’s stalling.”

“Of course I am,” Jebbin admitted. “I am no traitor. Look into your heart, Rayman. Have I ever done anything to harm Erik? What have I done but spend a lifetime of servitude to Vulkira? Give me this one request. Write to Cara.” he begged. “If not for my long years of loyalty, then for your peace of mind. Grant me this. Send the letter to her.”

Rayman gritted his teeth. He hated this. He hated being in charge. He hated seeing Jebbin like this. He hated being the one to decide a man’s fate. It all felt sickening and he loathed every second of it.

He took a long moment to collect his thoughts, the room dead silent.

“Very well,” Rayman said, barely a whisper and without a hint of emotion. “I will grant you this last request. But if Cara doesn’t provide the truth you seek. Then you will be executed immediately after.”

“That’s all I ask.” Jebbin sighed in relief.

With that, the guards dragged him off to the dungeons to await his judgment.

“Sending a letter to the queen will be a mistake.” Torstein huffed. “You’re falling into his trap.”

“Perhaps.” Rayman rested his head in his hands.

“Surely this proves it,” Torstein said. “All this evidence cannot be denied. He is a traitor and he was the one that killed our king and queen.”

“The letters yes. A traitor perhaps, but it doesn’t prove he was responsible for Halden and Astrid’s death.” Rayman sighed. “He might be a traitor but we can’t prove he was the one who killed them. Not yet.”

“It’s obvious.” Torstein paced the room. “Who else? We know they didn’t die of natural causes. He kept Cara locked away. For all we know she was a part of it. We cannot allow her to get involved.”

“I don’t know.” Rayman huffed, annoyed by Torstein’s persistent questioning. “I don’t know who had a part in their deaths and might never know. Cara may be the Xerian queen but she is still one of us.”

“But-” Torstein began.

“Leave me.” Rayman closed his eyes in exhaustion. “I need time to think.”

Torstein stopped in his tracks for the first time noticing Rayman’s stern mood. This whole thing was taking a heavier toll on him than he realized. The general frowned as if berating himself for pushing him so hard. Rayman knew Torstein meant well but the situation was an odd and unforgiving one. If he made a mistake, Jebbin’s life would be the result.

“Yes. Of course.” Torstein bowed. “Forgive me.”

“Thank you, Torstein,” Rayman whispered as the general left the room.