As the light recedes, I still cannot see, but I do not want this feeling to leave me. It feels like my mother wrapped me in her arms and told me that she loved me. That never happened, but in this fleeting moment, it feels like it did.

I look around once my vision returns. There are sludge marks from each of the assassins. Just like before, they have turned to goo. How many of these people are around here? I’m so tired of it! Looking down at my shirt, there are cuts, but no blood. All my wounds have been healed, and everyone else has been healed too.

What was that? I never knew the Trinity was so wonderful and real. The people who dropped from the poison rise to their feet, dazed, but I can see tears shimmering on their cheeks.

Moments pass. Unabashed tears flow from everyone's eyes. The Duke sits up. “What … What happened here?”

Kamil, in a weary voice, says, “You were poisoned, Trahern. Someone seasoned your dessert with hemlock seeds.”

Count Darel turns to his cousin. “Know that I had nothing to do with this, my Duke. Things have been happening lately that I don't understand.”

I feel like a supporting role in my own story, but I can understand there are things out there that are bigger than me. I found two tonight.

Stillwater steps forward. “Your Grace and Your Excellency, I was a part of Lake Merrin's Watch, but last night I quit because of some disturbing events that were almost carried out by—”

The Duke holds up his hand. “Not here. Help me up.” Stillwater and Count Darel support him to his feet. “Where is Ian?”

“I am here, my Duke.” An older man—with a fantastic moustache—stands up and moves over.

“Gather what’s left of my guard and secure this room. Remove everyone except The Rejects and The Travellers.” It seems like only four of the guard survived. Must have been the others’ true time to die. Thank you, Trinity, for your grace and protection. “Once the room is secure, I will listen to your evidence, Sergeant Stillwater.”

I lean over to Gunnar and whisper, “What should I do, Gunnar?” He looks shocked. I frown and remind him, “Stillwater is busy, and you are the next in charge, so what are your orders?”

“We'll … follow her lead. You have important information for the Duke too, Solo.”

No attitude in his voice—now it is my turn to be shocked. “Sure thing, Gunnar. So, what was all that chanting?”

“The prayer? Well, I am not part of the traditional Trinity faith, but I do respect and venerate the Green Aspect.”

“That really does not answer my question … No matter, there are more important things to deal with, like that villainous woman, Zlata!”

Ian returns and reports, “The room is secure, my Duke.”

“Let us keep this unofficial. Take a seat and we will go over this.” Turns to Housen, who I had not even noticed being there. “Could you go grab the barrel of ale from my room, Cousin? I thought we would be sharing it later this evening, but I think this mood needs a little levity.” The Count laughs at this. How can they be smiling? Nobles are weird. “So, Sergeant Stillwater, what were you saying?”

At the table is the Duke, Count Darel, High Inquisitor, the Abbot, Ian, the Travellers, and us Rejects.

“Well, it all started a few days ago, Your Grace. To make a long story short, Lone here—” She motions to me. “—stumbled over evidence that at first seemed random, yet we have further evidence pointing to a larger plan. For the life of me, though, I cannot join the dots. From gangs ravaging the streets, to the poisoning of Commander Axel, to the contamination of the town's grain bins, it all points to one person—the current interim leader of the Watch, Acting Commander Zlata.”

The Duke turns to me. “So, what evidence do you have of this?”

The highest noble outside the royal family is now talking to me. “Um, ah, well ... It started, like Joan said, a few days ago … Um, I do not know where to begin.”

Seeing my nervousness, Kamil says calmly, “Take your time, son.”

Being in the spotlight, it is strange. I breathe in and out. Calm down. I see the Travellers giving me the thumbs up. I have got this. “It began when I was accepted by the Watch to boost patrol numbers prior to your visit. I was set upon by Zlata. She had some sort of plan for Commander Axel, which involved a local gang of thugs, the Dock Boys. She mistakenly thought I was one of them. I did not get all the information, but she did hint that she had a hand in poisoning the Commander.”

There is a collective gasp. I can see Stillwater wants to interject but the Duke holds up his hand. “Please, Solo, continue.”

“She assigned me to Stillwater's squad, and to bring me up to speed, I went through some cold cases. I saw a pattern between some break-ins and the murders of homeless people around the warehouse district. Gunnar found out later that the grain bins used the same type of lock that these other break-in locations used. I pointed out that it was something that thieves do; they practise at other locations with similar elements so they can make sure they can do it with the real target. The murders were just poor people who were in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Count Darel looks at his cousin. “This is the first I have heard of this, but tonight's events point to something larger.” The Duke nods. “Why do you think Zlata is behind all of this?”

“I have seen her with Malik; he was the leader of the Dock Boys. The Travellers spoke to me tonight about the Bloody Swords. I have seen her with them too.”

“Bloody Swords?” the Duke asks.

Count Darel replies, “I’ve found out some disturbing information of late, and it seems to extend further than I thought. These attacks on travellers on our highways; most of them have been farmers and traders of produce. The fiends were part of a Charter called the Fellowship of the Sword, or the Bloody Swords. They have a reputation of brutality, but there have been no witnesses left alive to corroborate these stories, until now.”

Althanis adds, “If it wasn't for Solo, our Charter wouldn't have investigated this. It was Trinity's luck that led him to us. Unfortunately, some prisoners escaped from their capture. The ones we did bring in seem to be only bully boys.”

My face is so hot at the moment, it feels like a kettle about to explode. The Duke looks at me and laughs. Everyone else starts too. What are they laughing at?

“It’s okay, Solo,” the Duke says to me directly. “It seems you have stumbled upon something much greater than yourself. I thank you, Lone Solo, for protecting my land and my people.”

“Duke, I ... it was not just me. My Charter and the Travellers did most of it. I was just along for the ride.”

He laughs again. “I am glad that, even after all of this, I can still laugh. I think it is time for me to send some of my personal guards to pick up this Zlata!”

“No, you cannot do that!” Inquisitor Dale interrupts. “By the law, all of this is pure hearsay. There is no hard proof.” Stillwater’s rage is building on her face. “Yes, I see that you all disagree with me, but this Solo is the only one who can prove her guilt. By our law, that is not enough.”

I look at her, dumbfounded. Stillwater gets to her feet and objects, “The Rejects and the Travellers have spilt blood over this. It all points to Zlata!”

“Please, calm yourself. Do not let your emotions overcome logic. The law doesn't care about feelings. 'Know no opinion, only facts tell the truth.' Where are the facts that prove Zlata's hand in this?”

The Duke stands up now. “Sergeant, stand down.” Stillwater sits and seems to calm herself. It looked like she was about to hit the inquisitor. “You are right, Inquisitor Dale. What are your thoughts, Abbot Kamil? I know you have some background in these sorts of matters.”

“Well, Dale is correct. By the law, Zlata would be found not guilty on this man’s word alone. But my mind is not stuck in stone, I can see how the events add up. I believe you all. There is a case that I will be defending. Those concerned have been charged with weak evidence. It was based on testimony from a Knight of the Orange.” Inquisitor Dale takes a sharp breath. “Yes, Dale, he did the right thing, but Zlata has brought charges against him. His Charter, the Helpers, gained my favour for helping the Commander; they were in the office when he collapsed. So the best way to prove it would be for you to oversee the trial, Dale, and observe Zlata in person. Perhaps then we can find the facts needed to satisfy the law.”

“You do realise, if this Orange does not bring sufficient evidence for what they did, the law will not protect him. I would like the Duke and Count to sit in on this trial as well; being the two highest nobles, it is customary in cases like this.”

Count Darel and Duke Trahern nod in agreement. “As I have lost most of my guards, I would like to employ the Travellers and the Rejects to help guard the courthouse. The last thing we need is another event like this happening.”

Inquisitor Dale turns to Count Darel. “I warn you, if the facts prove this corruption goes up to you, Your Excellency, I will be required by law to charge you with treason as well.”

I was taken aback by this. Who is this High Inquisitor Dale and how does she have the power to do that?

“I understand, and I welcome it. I do not need to prove my innocence as this news is shocking to me as well. How could something like this happen to my town? Or my county? Tomorrow we will end this!”

Duke Trahern stands. “I think it is best if no one outside of this room knows what is happening just yet. I must prepare. I will see you all tomorrow morning at the courthouse. Again, thank you, Adventurers, for everything you have done.”

There is nothing we can do but leave. The Count calls out, “Solo.” I look at him. He is bowing to me. He holds my gaze. “This is yours, I assume.” It is my medal.

I wave my hand. “I do not deserve that. The medal was another manipulation of Zlata’s; a ploy to remove Joan from the Watch.”

Everyone is looking at me. Count Darel asks, “Are you sure?”

“I will earn it one day, but today is not that day. I thank you, Count Darel, Duke Trahern. Good night.”

I bow, turn, and leave. If I stay any longer, I will be forced to accept it, and I cannot do that. I have done nothing special.

I need some sleep. Back to Pela's.