[center][h2][b][u]Zarand Capital Estate, Lalrial, Imperial Heartlands[/u][/b][/h2]
[i]Ixyan, the 8th of Gerna 1200 AU - 08.03.1200[/i][/center]
 
“I have come as summoned” Miksa Artur said as he slipped into Aldrick’s private office. Aldrick seemed momentarily startled, but quickly gathered himself. He had indeed summoned Miksa and been expecting him. He just hadn’t expected to see the man so soon after sending out the summons.
 
“And you were…” Aldrick began.
 
“Unseen as always.”
 
“Excellent” Aldrick gestured for Miksa to take a seat. “I have a need for your services.”
 
“What is it you need?” The other man asked as he took a seat. Aldrick spent the next twenty minutes outlining exactly what he wanted Miska to do and how he expected the other man to do it. When Aldrick finished asking Miksa asked simply “And in who’s name shall it be done?”
 
“Why Lord Ralltene’s of course” Aldrick said with a smile as he grabbed a bag of gold coins from inside his desk and placed it before Miska. “Your funds and fees.”
 
“Very good” Miksa said as he opened the bag to check its contents. “Then in Lord Ralltene’s name your task shall be done. Is there any other need you have of me?”
 
“Not right now” Aldrick said.
 
[h2][center][b][u]The Imp’s Bottle, Lalrial, Imperial Heartlands[/u][/b][/center][/h2]
 
It had taken him the better part of the day, but Miksa had found a sufficient number of men who possessed the ‘qualities’ he was looking for. These individuals were the sort of rough and tumble men who would need just enough convincing they almost believed in the false cause Miksa was creating.
 
“The empire needs a man like Ralltene at its helm” Miksa spoke to the group of men just loudly enough to be heard by them. “We all know that should the likes of Allianna gain the throne that we are all doomed.”
 
“Can’t forget Jakinius!” A member of Miksa’s audience shouted. “I heard from a friend that he’s going to invade the capital!” It took no small measure of self-control for Miksa to not smile at that. That was an interesting piece of propaganda that he had yet to hear of. It always pleased him when the schemes of others made his own tasks that much easier. He would have to investigate this talk of an invasion later. Lord Aldrick would surely pay him a handsome bonus for any information he might dredge up.
 
“Indeed” Miksa continued. “And that is why I have come before you my friends. Lord Aldrick of House Zarand is a friend of Alliana’s and Jakinius” He spat out. “Thus he is no friend of ours.” He waited for his audience to finish insulting Aldrick before continuing “And that is why I have come before you with a task from the good lord himself. We cannot allow Lord Aldrick to continue his work against Lord Ralltene.”
 
“We know Lord Aldrick will visit the Tallurian estate tomorrow” He continued as he placed the bag of gold coins on the table before him. He reached inside and fished one of the coins out, holding it up so that the gathered men could see it. “I have been authorized to reward any who partake in the… action tomorrow with a share of this. How ‘bout it? Interested?”
 
[center][h2][b][u]Lalrial, Imperial Heartlands[/u][/b][/h2]
[i]Craggan, the 9th of Gerna 1200 AU - 09.03.1200[/i][/center]
 
The men were upon Aldrick and his guards before any could react. He had doubled his guard and even then there were three times as many attacks. They lunged at Aldrick and the shield sisters guarding him with everything from swords to broken table legs.
 
Aldrick swore loudly as he drew his Acithan steel blade, pulling it from the sheath just in time to deflect an incoming sword. He stepped into the man’s guard and smashed him in the face with his sword’s pommel. Then, stepping back, he slashed the man’s gut open. There was no time to feel any sort of victory over the kill, however, as two other men were stepping up to assault Aldrick.
 
He reached out towards them with his left hand; the hand which he wore the ring shaped as a serpent biting its own tail. The serpent came to life, letting go of its tail to lung at the two men. It grew in size as it neared them, reaching the size of a large dog by the time it collided with one man. The lindwurm, for that was what it was, tore into the man’s neck before leaping for the other man. Aldrick didn’t wait around to see what that man’s fate was. He slipped into a nearby alley when none of his guards were looking his way.
 
There he found Miksa Artur waiting for him. Without warning Miksa lunged towards Aldrick, his sword thrusting forward. Aldrick flinched, the attack coming as a complete surprise. Miksa’s blade sailed past Aldrick’s shoulder, its tip finding a home in the chest of one of the thugs that had come to assault him. Without a word Miksa sheathed his own blade and picked up the thug’s weapon, a broken off table leg. 
 
“Let’s get this over with” Aldrick muttered. He could hear the sounds of battle coming to an end as the shield sisters began to get the upper hand on their attackers. In the distance he could hear the city guard approaching.
 
“Very well Lord Aldrick” Miksa said as he hefted the table leg. He then swung the leg at Aldrick, his arm making a sickening sound as the makeshift club made contact. Aldrick cried out in pain and fell to his knees as Miksa struck him again and again, alternating between using the table leg and kicks to assault Aldrick. Suddenly Miksa’s attack stopped. In fact the sounds of battle had stopped entirely. Aldrick weakly opened one eye, finding no sign of Miksa.
 
“Lord Aldrick!” He heard one of his guards cry before he lost consciousness.

[center][h2][b][u]Tallurian Capital Estate, Lalrial, Imperial Heartlands[/u][/b][/h2]
[i]Craggan, the 9th of Gerna 1200 AU - 09.03.1200[/i][/center]

"We need Lady Marra, now" One of the two shield sisters that were half dragging, half carrying Aldrick's limp form said as they entered the room. Blood, falling from a myriad of small cuts formed a thin trail in their wake. The shield sisters hefted the battered noble onto the room's table before turning towards a nearby servant. "Now!"

The servant in question seemed rather shocked at the unexpected intrusion into the manor. But it was not the place of a servant to question the commands of a shield sister, especially when the wounded party was a [i]regular guest[/i] of Lady Marra's. The man in the red and white of House Tallurian quickly vanished from the room.

Several minutes passed before the clamour of approaching footsteps sounded again and the door opened once more. This time with the servant leading the clearly concerned noblewoman. Marra's red eyes widened in shock and surprise as she took in Aldrick's battered state. The look of shock and surprise though did not last for very long as her piercing gaze turned to one of the shield sisters. "What happened!?" She demanded, in that moment sounding far less like the carefree party queen she so often was and far more the imperious scion of high nobility that she really was.

Even as she demanded an explanation she was moving over to where Aldrick lay upon the table, her hands beginning to glow with a faint crimson light. "You were supposed to protect him. That is your job." The words were harsh and seemed genuinely emotional. Then Lady Marra pressed her hands, sheathed in the crimson light against Aldrick's torso. The red glow spread out from her hands and as it spread the cuts and bruises began to fade and scab over. 

But when the light reached Aldrick's arm it stopped and Marra, looking somewhat depleted lifted the unconcious man's arm and with a sickened expression aligned the broken bones again. The crimson light flowed from her hands once again and this time the arm mended as well. But Lady Marra appeared to have been left rather worse for wear after the healing as she staggered, having to catch herself against the table with a hand.

"We had sent for a Valkyrie from the local chapter on our way here" One of the shield sisters commented when Marra appeared to be done with her work. "But it may take her some time to get here."

Aldrick moaned and opened his left eye, the right being too swollen to open, and looked up at Marra. "Avoriel? Can I see her?" He asked before blacking out again.

"Shit" The other shield sister muttered. "Bastards were all over us before we knew they were even there." Both shield sisters scowled at the thought of the earlier attack, neither seeming particularly keen on speaking about the subject further.

First Marra turned away from the table, her gaze finding the servant who had gone to fetch her earlier and then spoke. "Go, get Avoriel, tell her I need her here." As before the servant disappeared rather promptly. 

And with that Marra turned back to the shield sisters and Aldrick, she seemed to have steadied herself and gotten past her moments of faintness after the initial healing. "I healed the worst of it. That's all I can do without a sacrifice or risking myself. He should be alright though, stabilized now."  But it did not seem that she was going to let things go quite so easily. 

"Who attacked you? Aldrick was worried when he left, he said they might be after him. I should have made him accept an additional escort." Marra fretted, seemingly at a loss for how to handle the situation.

"He mentioned his fears to the chapter's grand commander" One of the shield sisters commented. "She had his guard doubled, which should have been more than enough protection." She reached up and touched a small cut on her forehead. "Clearly it wasn't. They knew what route we would take and were lying in wait."

"There were at least twelve" The other shield sister commented.

"Probably fifteen in total" The first corrected. "Before we knew what was going on they were right on top of us. We put up a good fight... but Lord Aldrick was seperated from us and we lost sight of him. When he found him again" She gestured at his unmoving form.

"And who were they?" Marra's voice rose again in frustration. "High Lords are not just accosted in the streets of Lalrial!" 

"Thugs" The second shield sister said with a wince.

"Not just mere thugs" The first said as she scowled at her comrade. "Simple thugs don't assault lords on their way to visit other lords. We don't know who is behind this attack" She continued as she turned her attention to Marra, "But I strongly suspect that it is the same person who is behind Lord Conrad's murder. Either way we will find out soon. We managed to capture a few of them alive."

Marra shuddered as if the very thought of such a thing was abhorrent to her. "This simply cannot be happening. Two prime magistrates assaulted in as many days." But then Marra pasued as if she was deep in thought for a long moment, her eyes seeming unfocused for that moment before snapping back. "Both Lord Conrad and Aldrick were supporters of Allianna, and Aldrick said he thought Ralltene might be moving against his sister. But, how can that be?" Marra's voice sounded confused and suspicious. "He couldn't really be attacking her supporters.... or could he?"  

"Shit" The first shield sister muttered. "Lord Aldrick had mentioned a fear of Allianna being attacked while petitioning the Grand Commander to extend her protection to her. He never mentioned Ralltene being behind Lord Conrad's death though."

"He might have been afraid of tipping his hand to early" The second shield sister commented. "Apparently it didn't help though."

"If Lord Ralltene is behind these henious acts" The first shield sister continued, "Then the shield sisters will not be able to remain quiet. One way or the other we'll get to the bottom of this. The Grand Commander will get those thugs to talk, I promise you that much."

Lady Marra opened her mouth to reply but didn't get the chance to do so before the doors opened once more and another woman came into the room. She looked much like a Tallurian, but her hair and eyes were both a softer color, a lighter shade of red in the hair and a softer amber rather than crimson eyes, likely both signs of her mother's lineage. "Aunt Marra you call.." 

The younger woman in the crimson half armor of Vaels in non combat situations now focused on the body lying on the table. "Cousin Aldrick?" She began. "What happened here?" 

"Aldrick was attacked Avoriel, someone is going around attacking the magistrates." Marra said quickly in reply. "I healed him, and he is stable but he asked for you."

Both shield sisters rendered a half bow as Avoriel entered the room. "If you would like" The first shield sister said to Marra, "we could petition the Grand Commander to allow you to be present during the prisoners' interigations."

Aldrick moaned again as he neared conciousness. His good eye blinked several times before focusing on first Marra and then Avoriel. "Is that my favorite cousin?" He asked weakly.

"Yes," Marra said first to the shield sister who had spoken. "We want to be present, if people are after the magistrates I need to know."

Avoriel quickly hurried over to Aldrick as well, a relieved smile showing on her face as he stirred and she saw that Marra really had healed most of the wounds. "Yes Aldrick, It's me. You've got to be more careful." 

"Don't worry. I'm too dashing and handsome to be killed that easily" He tried to smile, but ended up grimacing instead. 

Avoriel smiled briefly again, her lips quirking upwards for a moment before her expression hardened somewhat. "If you truly believed there were people after you we could have helped, I have a full detachment here with me to guard the queen, we could have spared a few of our number. In fact I would have insisted on it."

"...didn't realize the full extent of the danger." Aldrick muttered. "I... told myself... that since I was better than him... I couldn't share the same fate." He eyed Marra for a moment before saying "My family's ring has never... let me down..."

Marra though didn't necessarily respond favorably as her face was set in a neutral and concerned expression. "You are better than him, but the quality of a person doesn't make them invulnerable. James Conrad was a nobody, you have people who care, you should be more careful." It was a gentle admonishment but still a bit of one. "But when you are better we need to talk again, I've gotten things rolling for a big event. One that you've been requesting and I think you'll enjoy it." She smiled then.

"I think..." Aldrick didn't quite return her smile "that I... am in desperate need of some good news." He eyed his guards and gave them a gesture that seemed to imply that they were dismissed. "Now my fair ladies..." He said as the shield sisters excused themselves, turning his attention back to Marra and Avoriel. "might you... share a bit of gossip with me to... distract me from this aweful pain in my arm?"

[center][h2][b][u]Sisters of the Silver Shield Chapter, Lalrial, Imperial Heartlands[/u][/b][/h2]
[i]Craggan, the 9th of Gerna 1200 AU - 09.03.1200[/i][/center]

The shield sister's Lalrial chapter was certainly not the most extravagant of buildings in the capital, but it certainly left an impression. It was a large structure made of stone, its shape and design immediately causing those who viewed it to compare it to a fort. At the chapter's front entrance stood two shield sisters, their eyes ever watchful as they stood guard.

Two inquisitors in the silver and gold robes of their order approached the large building. They were accompanied by a full retinue of the seemingly unaffiliated retinuesmen. The female inquisitor stepped forward first from the group as they came to the entrance. 

"I am inquisitor Meli’Vai of the Argentum." A musical lilting voice chimed out. "We come on the orders of the Vialiph to investigate the attacks on prime magistrates for possible heretic involvement."

"We've been expecting someone from the Argentum to show up eventually." One of the shield sisters stated. "You and your fellow inquisitor may enter." The two shield sisters stepped aside and held the chapter's doors open for the inquisitors. "I am sure Grand Commander Serapina will wish to speak to the two of you."

"Our retinue will wait here. We thank you for your cooperation." Rae’Vani gestured to their retinuesmen and then with her fellow inquisitor entered the chapel.

The inside of the chapter was much like what would be expected from a normal chapel. Much of the entrance hall's space was taken up by pews. Few individuals were sitting on the pews at the moment, but from their wear it was obvious they saw a decent amount of use. The walls were covered in murals depicting Ra-hun-ru and various scenes of battles. At the end the forms of several shield sisters, Lady Marra, and Lady Avoriel could be seen apparently in the midst of a conversation. Two of the shield sisters appeared to be of similar rank as those standing guard outside. The third, however, wore more ornate armor and was sporting a beautiful cloak. The hilt of the sword resting on her hip was made partially of silver, and parts of her armor were overed in silver leafing.

"I do not need to ask anything Grand Commander," Lady Marra said to the shield sister in the more ornate armor. "I am here because Aldrick confided his fears of Ralltene's agents in me and I am concerned." Marra seemed animated but composed at the same time, her face a controlled mixture of outrage and concern.

"But I do." Avoriel spoke as well. "I want to know how my cousin's guards could have been bypassed so easily. I know how well trained your warriors are and this was far too much for simple thugs to have orchestrated." The Tallurian vael finished speaking there as well.

"Those are serious accusations" Grand Commander Serapina leveled her gaze at Avoriel. "You are Sybila's daughter. Correct?" She narrowed her eyes ever so slightly. "I doubt I need tell you the fate these sisters will have should it be determined that they are guilty of dereliction of duty."

"I am her daughter and I made no accusations Grand Commander," Avoriel replied quickly. "I know what your sisters go through and how capable they are, for them to have been bypassed speaks volumes to how well planned and orchestrated this was. That worries me."

One of the shield sisters, not realizing she had been holding her breath, let out a sigh of relief. Serapina looked at her out of the corner of her eye as she said "We have not determined your innocence yet, sister. Still" She turned her attention back to Marra and Avoriel, "there are more important matters to attend to at the moment. These two" She gestured at the other two shield sisters "have told me that they believe Lord Aldrick's assault and Lord James Conrad's murder to somehow be linked. Now you tell me that he believed Lord Ralltene is somehow involved. How have you come to your conclusion?"

"Lord Aldrick told me of his fear for his safety when we spoke yesterday. He had just found our fellow Magistrate's body and wanted to warn me." Marra's voice sounded rather broken up as she spoke. "He asked that I send word back to his family if anything happened to him because he was afraid that as a supporter of Allianna the people who killed James Conrad would come for him too." Marra's voice grew more strained. "And who stood to benefit most from this? Jakinius isn't here and I've known him since childhood. Ralltene is the only one with the means to know and the reason to attack her supporters. I can't believe this is happening!" And Marra seemed to lose her grip at the end to the point of tears

Avoriel put a hand on her shoulder. "It's alright aunty, we are going to fix this and catch the bastards who did this." Then her gaze shifted to Serapina again. "Forgive her emotional outburst, Aunt Marra has always let her feelings rule her." The words were not unkind.

"You have nothing to apologize for" Serapina said with a nod of her head. "The motives and mastermind, if there is one, behind Lord Aldrick's assault will be revealed to us soon." She shifted her stance slightly so that she could look towards the entryway without looking over her own shoulder. "And it would it seem that you are not the only ones seeking answers."

"We are investigating possible heretic ties to the assassination attempt on lord Aldrick and the corpse in the Magistrate Manor." The female inquisitor spoke as the two vaelie in gold and silver peak hooded robes walked forward. "The timing cannot be coincidental and there are reports of heresy surrounding James Conrad." This time the male spoke, both voices heavy and musical, plucking at the minds of those who heard them speak.

"And how is it that I can help you with your investigation inquisitors?" Serapina asked with just the slightest hint of superiority in her tone. She didn't quite turn her body fully towards them, almost as if to imply that she was just waiting to return her full attention to the two nobles before her.

"We require the captives for interrogation. We believe there is corruption in the highest levels and that these men can be a valuable lead in tracking down the source." The female inquisitor spoke once more.

"Be that as it may" Serapina said. "These captives are guilty of assaulting a noble under our protection and may be linked to the murder of another noble. These are crimes of great evil, thus they fall under our jurisidction." She paused as if contemplating something before adding "You may aid me in my own investigation or wait until I am done with them." Once again there was just a hint of superiority in her voice, undetectable to all except those who were actively listening for it.

"Now then Lady Marra, Lady Avoriel" She turned back to the two noble ladies, "would either of you care to accompany me while I question the captives?"

Avoriel stepped forward in response to the question, the crimson half armor she wore clinking slightly as the chain rustled. "I will accompany you. I need to be able to make my own reports." Her slightly lighter than usual eyes met the high ranking shield sisters and she nodded as if in response to an unspoken question about following the other woman's lead in the interrogation. 

As for Marra she shook her head when the question was put to her. "I do not think my nerves can take it. I've had quite the series of frights already today." And with that said Marra turned away, and moved to the nearest of the pews, taking a seat. "I shall pray for Alluria to speed Aldrick's recovery to health." 

The two inquisitors exchanged glances with each other, maybe weighing the benefits of a confrontation against the costs before the male spoke this time. "We would witness this interrogation and judge if further investigation or more intrusive meaasures are needed."

"Suit yourselves" Serapina said and without preamble began to head into a side hallway, with the other two shield sisters gesturing for the others to following before falling into step behind her. "The shield sisters guarding Lord Aldrick" Serapina said as she led them to a stairway that headed down. "managed to capture four of his attackers alive. Unfortunately one of them died shortly thereafter. The others aren't in too bad of a condition. Yet."

The Grand Commander led the group down the stairs and through another hallway until they reached a heavy door guarded by a pair of shield sisters. They spaired the group one glance before unlocking the door and holding it open for them. The room inside was spacious and, quite obviously, intended to be used for the purposes of imprisioning and interrogating those who ran afoul of the shield sisters. On the far wall the forms of three men, each looking as if they had just been in the worst bar brawl of their lives, could be seen chained to the wall.

"Here we are" Serapina stated, sparing Avoriel a single glance. "Care to ask them anything before I begin?"

Avoriel took a step towards the men chained against the wall and spoke loudly. "I am going to ask once before she" the Tallurian pointed to Serapina, and then towards the inquisitors, "and they get to work on you. I could boil your blood inside your veins and then heal you, and then do it again." In truth that was a bluff but the Tallurian magical powers were well known and somewhat mythical among the commonfolk. "Tell me, who hired you to kill my cousin." The words were dangerous and her eyes normally amber seemed to grow darker as a faint reddish glow gathered.

"We dun no nothin'!" One of the captives yelled. He was the oldest and toughest looking of the three. He gave Avoriel one good look before spitting at her. Or at least he tried to spit at her, but his face was so swollen up that he had trouble aiming it properly and so the instead just ran down his face.

"It was just a man!" A different captive said. "He never said his name! I swear by Kammenth!"

"Shut up!" The first captive yelled. "What we dun was fer the good of the 'pire!"

Avoriel simply raised a hand towards the captive who had tried to spit at her, and the crimson light that signalled Tallurian magic began to glow and gather around that outstretched hand. "I said I would ask once. I have asked, now you will answer before I count to three or I will boil you alive and then leave you for their tender mercies." She glanced towards the inquisitors who to their credit stood there in nonchalant but intimidating positions, their iconic robes likely striking fear into the men as well.

"One"

"Two"

"Thr-" Avoriel began but before she finished the first captive yelled "Go get fucked by a horse you whore!"

Avoriel didn't speak. But she did gesture, and made a pulling motion as the crimson light flared around her hand. The man gave a scream of pain and would have doubled over clutching his stomach had he not been restrained. Then his head lurched forward and as Avoriel continued her pulling motion he vomitted, a stream of bloody vomit pouring out of his mouth to stain the ground and splatter both on his body and the floor. Then Avoriel let her hand return its original position, still glowing however. She did not ask her question again. But the Tallurian did speak.

"One"

"Two"

"He..." The captive gasped "never said his name."

"Its true!" The second captive said. The third remained dead quiet, his eyes locked onto the corner of the room.

"So someone put you up to this?" Serapina asked as she stepped next to Avoriel. "And yet you don't know his name?"

"That's...right..." The first captive mumbled. The Grand Commander gave Avoriel a look that seemed to say "that's cute" as she drew her sword. "What... are...?" The captive asked with his eyes wide open. The only answer he got was the tip of her sword pressing into his hand. A small trickle of blood flowed out from beneth the blade's tip.

"I suppose the question is" Serapina said as she pressed her sword into the captive's hand. He cried out in pain as the sword slowly sunk into his flesh. "on whose behalf this unnamed man was working for." The man screamed, but Serapina seemed unaware of his discomfort. "The first man to give me a name will be allowed to leave."

"It was Arthur!" The second captive yelled out.

"Now, now" Serapina said as she pushed her sword all the way though the first captive's hand. "You and I both know that isn't the correct answer."

"By the gods!" The first captive cried, "It was Lord Ralltene. He was working for Lord Ralltene!"

"Now that wasn't so hard, was it?" Serapina flashed the man a smile as she drew her blade from his hand. "Now then" She turned towards the guards "release this man." The two shield sister guards quickly undid his shackles and helped the captive to his feet. He looked at Avoriel, then Serapina, and then the inquisitors before dashing towards the door. As he passed Serapina she kicked his feet out from under him, sending him sprawling onto the ground.

"You shouldn't have called Lady Avoriel a whore." She said with not an ounce of warmth in her voice. "You two may have him."

"But you said I could leave!" The captive cried.

"And you will. With them." Serapina responded.

"Yes." A melodious voice dripping with a suffucating warmth chimed out as the female inquisitor walked over to the fallen man. "You are coming with us. We have so much to talk about." Her musical voice was beautiful and terrible all at once. "You see, we recieved reports of heresy, and as you know, heretics, well, there is no mercy in the sacred fires." And the man began to scream then, a scream that did not stop until he had been led out of the room by the inquisitors.

"Now then" Serapina ignored the man's screams as they drifed down the hall. "Why don't the two of you tell me everything else you know?"