December 1: "Write an interpretation of Sherlock Holmes set in any era other than modern or Victorian." (from Hades Lord of the Dead)
The chief adviser frowned as he watched King Lestrade pace the width of the great hall. They had received reports of the brutal killing of six peasants and had sent men to collect suspects and witnesses. The hall door swung open and two knights marched in, dragging a peasant between them. He was dirty, tall and speaking rapidly.
"…and for the last time, I'm not guessing and I'm not a sorcerer, but I know what happened! If you would just—"
The two unceremoniously dropped the man before Lestrade's throne and the adviser winced in sympathy.
"My lord," said Sir Gregson, the senior of the two. "This peasant claims to know who killed those lads, despite his being far out of sight of it. I suspect witchcraft."
"Respectfully, I disagree," interrupted Sir Hopkins. "He was able to tell a good deal more about us than he ought to have, but once he told us how he knew it, it all seemed so simple!"
Lestrade frowned, pinched the bridge of his nose, and shook his head. He turned to his chief adviser. "Watson, what do you think?"
Watson did not quite know why, but something about the peasant's keen eyes made him think there may be something to Sir Hopkins' idea. "Let us hear what he has to say."
King Lestrade nodded. "Begin."