Listening to Plebius, Rhune shakes her head, "Plebius, we do not take their executions lightheartedly. the fact the we stand here, possibly surrounded by enemies, discussing this is proof of that."
Plebius replies again," I was directing that comment to Forte alone. The flippant manner in which he disposed the woman to perish while bound in the flames is reprehensible to me."
Rhees continues, "I worry that if we let Plebius impose his morality on all of us we will be just as dead as if we allowed the Bishop to impose his morality on us. There is no way the city guard will let us carry two bodies out of town and Sligh will give us away, his honor is worth as much as Hrothgar's. If we let these two live they will not return the favor. I've been in a Katolik jail once, I don't wish to return."
Plebius pauses for a moment and then speaks again," I do not seek to impose my morality upon anyone. What I do seek is to keep these two from being killed out of hand due to your lack of faith in goodness to overcome."
Plebius grasps his staff and stands over the woman's body, "It saddens me to say this, but if you attempt to slay these, I will resist you, though you slay me. I offer this solution. I will stay and guard these to give you time to escape the city. If Slythe is good to his word, then he is bound. If not, then I will buy you what time I may." The priest-mage sighs," Perhaps it is Jerboha's will that our journey together ends here. Do not count me as an enemy, but I do not believe that I can continue with you. Jerboha go with you and guide you."
"Plebius, we can argue this all night if you like at another time, but in away you are trying to impose your morality on us by standing there. And no one said we had little faith that goodness will not overcome the bishop. However, your death will prove nothing, nor will your enslavement to the bishop, and it will cause us all grief. I have lost to many friends, in one or another, to the bishop. I do not wish to lose another. let Sligh protect his master and come with us now." Rhune responds
Tag looks thoughtful and replies to Rhees' words. "As usual you speak clearly and with much reason behind your words Rhees. You remind me again of the debates in the refectory, when I was an undergraduate at Padua. You would have been a champion debater I am sure.
I am no judge, nor a priest, but I have tried to live my life according to Jerboha's teaching, not always successfully. His words do not speak of killing being wrong sometimes, but all the time. I think we have already placed ourselves at his mercy for the killing we have done so far. Yet I see no alternative, but to continue to kill to rid Italia of this Bishop and his allies. Hopefully, when the ultimate judgment falls on us, the lives and souls we have saved will count for something in our judgment.
Never the less, Plebius, you carry the weight of judgment here, for as Jerboha's mouth among us, we must look to you for the saving of our souls. Think carefully. We must judge them, for as Rhees has said there are no authorities we can trust to bring justice except our selves. If we let them go then they will surely corrupt other souls and murder further. If they do so then we will carry some blame perhaps in the Lord's eyes for their actions, if we could have prevented it. I will only be a part of their judgment if you will it Plebius, for you are Jerboha's true instrument in my eyes and I do not fear for my soul if Jerboha has judged through you.
Even in this modern 15th century, we are not so civilized, that we can do away with capital punishment. I know there are dangers in taking judgment, but we have no choice but to choose. For even in not choosing we make a choice which may ultimately lead to more evil in the world. We must choose and hope that we can see Jerboha's light clearly. I can only look to Jerboha's priest to see his light clearly.
Choose father Plebius, are they evil or good, do they live or die. If we follow this quest in Jerboha's name then we must judge right from wrong. If we cannot do even that, then I believe we should surrender to the Bishop right now. If we call them some shade of grey then we must look over our shoulders for their revenges in the future, si, and I for one will wear the guilt of their future deeds."
Plebius looks to Tag," I am not defending their innocence Tag. If I had to judge their plight, I would cast my vote for their execution. What I do stand for is their right to defend themselves, whether it be in word in a court, or in action in the heat of battle."
"Very well, then let us give them a chance to explain their actions. If they cannot convince us of their good intentions, then we should kill them humanely." Tag replies, "What do you say Forte, Rhees?"
Pietro joins the conversation, eyes still black, his face not showing the strain that he is feeling inside. "I agree with Plebius. I have the authority of a judge, though I must say that is doesn't involve anything yet with something with capital offenses like murder." Dryly he adds, again making sure that the prisoners can't hear him, "though I doubt that a lot of the Italian Jerboan priests would acknowledge the fact that I can officially be a judge under the treaty signed in Rome. I would cast my vote for execution as well, though I also think that they need a fair trial for it to be so. This is a very bad and nasty situation, I will have to consult Wise Hermes for any future actions I am involved in." With that, he leaves the discussion, slowly walking away.
"If I may," interjects Rhees, "My exact words were 'they will not die here.' I promised no trial and all that was asked for was a reprieve until the spell wore off. Your solution is not workable, Plebius. Sligh will overcome you and his masters will take you to be charmed by the Bishop - we will then be facing yet another foe; one who knows us well. Tag spoke truly, there is only one court available - the one we offer here and now. I see no dishonor in executing these two. If you choose otherwise all your protestations do not change the living reality that you chose to see the Bishop's forces strengthened while we lose three companions this day. Two died horrible deaths opposing the Bishop. Wear your jerbohan sigil proudly priest, it seems the Bishop will not need to charm you into his service."
Rhees adjusts his pack, and adds with disdain clear in his features "We should leave now before the smoke summons trouble. This one will not change his mind, he'll damn us all to prove his morality superior to ours."
Forte nods his head, obviously agrees with Rhees on this one.
Plebius nods to Rhees," 'They will not die here.' That is indeed what I heard you say. And I agree that this is not workable, but that doesn't justify any actions done in haste that may be questioned given the luxury of time for deliberation."
"Rhees, take care. Plebius is a man of his word and of deep moral conviction. Do not accuse him of allying with the Bishop. You would be wrong. It takes much greater courage and conviction to fight against ones own kind than to face an alien foe. I would trust Plebius with my life as I would you." Taglio responds.
"You are of different religions and many of the group of different races and creeds, but until now we have been able to work together. Let us put this behind us. Though this may seem like a religious war we fight, it is in truth more a war against slavery and evil, which can color any religion, creed or race.
Please my friends, let us not put knives to each others throats, when there are clear enemies to triumph over. Though Plebius councils caution, I believe he still thinks these enemies should be put to death. Perhaps a clean death would be kinder than a burning though. Plebius please tell us clearly, what obligation you believe we have to Golthar and his Mistress?
Plebius speaks sadly," It is not our duty to these wretched creatures that I am standing for. It is our duty to our own honor, our duty to do what is right and just. I do not wish to stand against you. But I will not choose the lesser of two evils. I reserve the right to choose my own path. I can not stand by and allow the slaying of bound prisoners of war without due process. This is what I choose. You must now choose your path." Tears are streaming down his face as he stands starkly outlined against the flaming inn.
Pietro crosses his hands to his chest. "Fare thou well Plebius, true priest to Jerboa. Hopefully we will meet again in better circumstances. My path is to get information, this is the way that was being shown. I am truly unnerved by this situation, and will pray again to see if I'm not straying in faith. As I said again, please take care and fare thou well."
Plebius responds likewise,"May your fare be blessed also Pietro, priest of Hermes, elf of good heart."
Tag bows his head, shamed by the passion in Plebius' words. At length he raises his head. "Father Plebius, where I come from the priests judge and we listen. Yet you ask me to choose with my own heart. This is not easy for one brought up in the Katolik tradition, for I have always left this to others. Yet I know from my own reading that the lord does give us free choice in this world;
Se cosė fosse, in voi fora distrutto libero arbitrio, e non fora giustizia per ben letizia, e per male aver lutto. Lo cielo i vostri movimenti inizia; non dico tutti, ma, posto ch'i' 'l dica, lume v'č dato a bene e a malizia
e libero voler; che, se fatica ne le prime battaglie col ciel dura, poi vince tutto, se ben si notrica.
Dante, Purgatorio, Canto 16
Translation
Free will, nor any justice would there be In having joy for good, or grief for evil. The heavens your movements do initiate, I say not all; but granting that I say it, Light has been given you for good and evil, And free volition; which, if some fatigue
In the first battles with the heavens it suffers, Afterwards conquers all, if well 'tis nurtured. To greater force and to a better nature
As to the guard, one man is no match for all of us." Tag addresses Sligh, "Signore Sligh, you are our prisoner, even though you carry your weapons, for you cannot hope to overcome us. I suggest you do not push our goodwill, unless you wish to die here. Depart now, for our obligations to you have been discharged. Quickly, before I run you through myself."
Tag draws both his weapons and advances on the man threateningly.
Forte draws his sword to back up Tag's threat.
Putting his back to the wall, Sligh draws his own sword, "You'll not relish the injuries and death you receive with your cowardly assault. I promise I will not die alone this day!" He stands defensively, but does not move away from Golthar still.
Shouting, "ENOUGH!! EVERYONE STOP! Forte, Arkady GET back here. Taglio STOP. I have had enough of this. we are not going to get anywhere with this bickering. Taglio, he is injured while most of us could knocked over with a feather. Sligh was right, we may kill him but not before he could kill some of us and wound others. Forte, you and Plebius are right. However we do not have the time to discuss it. What WE ARE doing now is leaving. WE WILL honor the agreement and let Sligh protect his master. WE WILL leave the woman alone. IF they come after us then all deals are off. IF anyone dies further from this decision........then.......I will assume the responsibility." Rhune looks at Caboto as she says this, "But I am tired and my arm hurts and we waste time."
"Well said, Lady Rhune" says Caboto. "And let's get out of here."
Turning to Sligh, "Listen, we can fight now or later, I don't really care right now. But if you agree not to raise the alarm, free your master, or the woman, or say anything to anyone about where we are going for two hours it can be later. What do you say?" asks him.
Sligh only nods his head, still gripping his sword hilt tightly.
Plebius speaks resignedly," I cannot ask for more."
Pietro stands next to Rhune, simply saying. "I agree, enough killing has been done today."
Tag looks at the distressed Rhune and sighs. "Signora, calm yourself, the baby..... Very well if you wish it I will depart with you. Come the dawn approaches, let us be far from this place by the time the sun graces us with her presence." Tag softens and with one further glare at the prisoners, he follows Rhune.
Forte follows Tag's lead, sheathing his weapon and following after Rhune.
Ullar, who is rather quiet and probably still suffering from his near mortal wound, is walking next to Rhune. As the others are watching their backs, Ullar looks at Rhune and gives her a reassuring smile. "That was very convincing Rhune, very convincing indeed! You did a great job!"
After getting Sligh's response, Rhune heads off with Tag.
Tag shrugs apologetically at Forte, after being moved by Rhune's words. "I never could say no to a beautiful woman Forte. For now perhaps we should let them live."
"Perhaps," Forte says with a smile, but since his weapon is sheathed it appears genuine.
After leaving the inn, Rhune turns to her friends, "There is something going on here. It seems imperative that we get with the others and get to the death's head territory quickly now. If the are not after the tube then they are after something else" she says as she follows the others.
Tag watches for a moment the burning remains. "I think you're right Rhune, but the problem of the guide remains. I think one of those dog men we heard howling in the night, may be the answer. Perhaps it is my turn to see what help I can get us."
Tag looks thoughtful for a moment and then speaks up. "If you will agree, I would be happy to go back to the inn we stayed at and ask where a suitable guide might be found. I could meet you at the rendezvous, but someone will have to remind me where it is. Ullar, could I take a few of those gems we recovered from the wizard, they may be suitable payment for a guide. What do you say?"
"Wait, Tag, do not carry gems. They will mark you as a target," says Forte. "I have some gold here. Take it instead." Forte hands him the pouch with 100 gold pieces in it. "The gems are probably worth a lot more, so it's better to lose a few coins if you run into trouble. Please be careful."
"That would normally be a good idea, Tag, but..." she looks at Caboto "let's stay together instead" she mutters sort of low.
"Bah!! I think too many lives have been lost and too much energy has been wasted on this Guide plan!! I am leaving Threshold and going to meet Tolik and Antonia........If you want to risk it in here longer, be my guest." Arkady says as he heads out for the bridge.
Tag takes his cloak and puts it around the elf. "Very well Rhune, I will stay together with you all. In this town I know who I can trust. You all are the only ones on my list. You are right we should stick together."
Pietro hears the conversation, and walks over to Rhune and Tag. Keeping his voice low, he says. "I agree with Arkady, Forte and Rhune. We should get the hell out of here as fast as possible. Who knows where those stevedores went to or what kind of people they are warning. If the guards from the Patriarch catch us, we are in serious trouble. I think we should all regroup and then head into the mountains, or think of another plan. Splitting up now is just to dangerous. We have to get back to the inn to get Stephen and the horses, and then leave. As an alternative we might ask for a guide when we get the horses."
Ullar slaps his forehead. "There we left him..." he says with a sigh. "Whoa, this experience influences me more than I thought."
"Stephen and his map may be the most reliable guide we can procure, si" Tag adds.
"Let's go then" Rhune replies.
Forte grabs the corner of his new blue cloak and uses it to daub his moistening eyes. "I can't believe she left me." He glances back at the burning inn. "I'll really miss....what was her name again?" Looking over at the others, he asks, "Do you think I'm fat?" with a concerned look on his face.
"I'll say your skinny if you tell me I'm sane!!!" Arkady jeers as he strides away along the dock.
"Deal, my sane friend!" agrees Forte happily.
"Well then let's get out of town slim." Arkady chides.
"Forte, the cloak is you and no you are not fat" Rhune says with a half chuckle.
"What are the chances she survived that fire? Slim to none--and Slim left town!" roars Forte, pleased with his own joke. "She did give good cloak, though," he says to himself, wrapping the too-small blue cloak around himself to protect against the chill he feels in the night air.
Ullar's mouth is wide open. He gazes at Forte in a mixture of surprise and admiration. "Whoa Forte, you have to teach me how to be so cynical some time..."
"Well, my friend," Forte begins, clapping Ullar on the back, "it starts when a murderous tart breaks your heart." Forte's body begins to tremble a little. "I wasn't trying to be cynical. She promised to kill me. She mentioned that she should have killed Rhune when she had the chance." The trembling gets a little more pronounced. "What was I to do? Let her go like we let Hrothgar go? So she could track us down and kill us?" Forte pauses for a few seconds so he can force his body to stop trembling. He is not completely successful, but the trembling is not quite so visible now. "No, I'll never do that again. I'm sick of having to look over my shoulder every second. If someone attacks me, I defend myself. And my friends."
Ullar nods, and continues to listen to Forte.
Tag overhearing the conversation between Ullar and Forte shakes his head. "We didn't even know her name Forte. She claimed to be a priest, unless I miss my mark, and she may have been merely misled rather than truly evil. It is getting hard to tell the true enemies here is it not? I hope we not regret killing her, before we knew more about her, si."
Forte pulls Ullar away from the main group for a few seconds, making sure Sligh can not hear them. "And my defense will not stop when they are subdued. It will stop when they are dead. If I don't finish it when I can, it only gives them another chance to finish me off." Whispering even lower, he then asks Ullar, "How are we going to kill Goldfarb the greedy wizard? Can we take on Sligh in our current condition? Maybe we should just dump old piss robe in the river when we cross the bridge back into town. Sligh can follow his master or not, as his heart chooses." Attempting to pre-empt any philosophical debate, he says simply, "We can not let him live. He will track us down and kill us unless we dispose of him. He could, at any time, have made a reasonable offer. Or offered a reasonable explanation. He has not."
"I was wondering about this too. The whole Hrothgar experience made me realize that applying law and order the way I'm used to do isn't going to be of much help when we're around thugs like this. I'd go for the bridge option, it's a good one. We're not absolutely sure GoltFarb ...", says Ullar with a slight smile, "... dies that way, but we do have a chance. Are you going to inform Arkady? I'll talk to Sligh in the meantime."
Plebius states flatly, "There is no dishonor in slaying another in open battle. There is perhaps even wisdom is finishing a foe that has shown themselves vindictive. But to kill a bound prisoner without due process is murder."
"No, this thing--for it is not a man that inhabits that shell wearing the piss-colored robe--is beyond vindictive. He killed Amibar to get a map from us!" Forte shouts at Plebius. Calming down a bit, Forte finishes, "So, it would be wise to kill him. The sooner the better."
"Golthar is indeed another matter" agrees Caboto. "This priestess however, may still be of use to us."
"Perhaps you are right. On the other hand, perhaps you are not double crossed, backstabbed and captured often enough. Still, you're right." says Ullar, frowning at the ease at which he defends Forte; just another learning point from the young warrior.