Not really happy with this one, but I was going mad trying to fix it. No pun intended.
And what was that about the duct tape?
Chapter 4: Sanity Amongst the Mad
For several days, Ahnassi had been tending her patient's wounds. It hadn't taken long for them to get to talking. They spoke of their past, Ahnassi's coming a little easier than Saleg's hard upbringing. They spoke of what brought them to Morrowind, Saleg's mysterious package peaking Ahnassi's interest, while Ahnassi's chasing of a mate in trouble sunk Saleg's spirits a bit. He didn't know why he was thinking about her like that. But he really had gotten his hopes up. Ahnassi either didn't notice or just didn't say anything. He was just recounting his stay in prison for Ahnassi, noting that for the first time in a long time, he had found someone he actually trusted, when Ygfa walked in.
"I thought you should know there's a messenger from Seyda Neen asking about you. In regards to a theft. They sound serious."
"Oh no," Saleg sighed. "I was in Seyda Neen. I had to steal money for food. They must have tracked me here. I've gotta…"
Ygfa cut in. "Not for you. They're asking about Ahnassi."
"But Ahnassi… Ahnassi was never in Seyda Neen."
"Well apparently, they have a witness to the contrary. They want her to stand trial," Ygfa explained. She turned to Ahnassi. "I would suggest getting this cleared up before it gets blown out of proportion."
"No problem. I'll just explain what happened and…" He was cut off by an odd stare by Ygfa. "What?"
"The witness had a word about you, as well. Something about being mad, seeing things that weren't real, that sort of thing."
"That's an outright lie!"
"Well apparently, it was believed by the authorities. You're being sent to Balmora to stand against an inquisition by the Tribunal Temple." Ygfa said, holding up a hand to silence the outburst that she knew was coming. "The Imperial Cult can't hold off an inquisition. Local law and all that. I wouldn't worry too much about the inquisition. You're must only be accused without evidence or testimony by a church member or you would be sent to the High Fane. But Ahnassi… Apparently they have strong evidence against you. Planted, maybe, but strong anyway."
"I have to…" Saleg started.
"Save it, Saleg. The less you speak on her behalf, the better a chance Ahnassi has. No one trusts a madman, even an accused one, until he is declared sane. And Seyda Neen has strong anti-imperial undertones. If you say it was all you, Ahnassi will be none the better and you WILL be sent to the High Fane. The sooner your escort gets here the better off she is."
"So I'm to be put under guard, and sent to Balmora?" Saleg asked when his armed escort arrived.
"Yes," the surly guard replied.
"And the weapons? For my protection?"
"No, for ours."
"Ah." He turned to Ahnassi, wincing at seeing her in chains. "I will be back. As soon as I can. I will help you. Once I am declared sane, this farce of a trial will be over."
"I know. Goodbye Saleg."
"No goodbyes. It won't be long until I'm back. I'll get you out. I promise."