PART THREE – The First Bit
The Governor's palace. Barthou enters, deep in thought.
Barthou: It's all his now. Governor, Cawdor, Glomys. All as the wyrd women predicted, although I am afraid you came to it by foul methods. They said it wouldn't last, for they also said that I would be the father of future governors. If there is truth in what they said; and it looks like it, based on their, predictions about you; maybe there is hope for what they said about me. I'd better say no more.
(Malgeth, in the Governor's uniform, Lady Malgeth, Ulanti, Ran Lo, and other Lords, Ladies and attendants enter the palace)
Malgeth: Here's our main guest!
Lady Malgeth: If he had been forgotten, our feast would be incomplete and most embarrassing.
Malgeth: Our first state dinner is tonight, sir. I request your presence.
Barthou: Of course governor. I am forever in your service.
Malgeth: Are you going riding this afternoon?
Barthou: Yes, governor.
Malgeth: I desired your advice, since it's always sound, for today's council meeting. But I'll talk to you tomorrow. Are you riding far?
Barthou: As far, governor, as will fill the time between now and the feast. Unless my steed is fast, I may need an hour or two of the night as well.
Malgeth: Don't miss the feast!
Barthou: I will not, governor.
Malgeth: I have heard that our bloody cousins are hiding in Secundus and Ashland, denying they committed patricide and telling wild stories to those that will listen. But we can discuss that tomorrow, along with other matters of state that concern us both. Take your ride now, and I'll see you when you return tonight. Is Falear going with you?
Barthou: Yes, governor. It's time we were off.
Malgeth: May your steeds be swift and sure. I wish you a good ride. Farewell.
(Barthou exits).
Everyone is free to do as they will until seven tonight. To make our welcome more festive, we'll keep ourselves apart until the feast. Until then, Emperor watch over you.
(Everyone leaves except Malgeth and a Servant)
You there, I want a word with you. Are those men waiting for me?
Servant: They are, governor. They are waiting outside the palace gates.
Malgeth: Bring them to me.
(The Servant leaves)
To have all this is nothing without a little security. I am afraid that the noble nature of Barthou is something I must fear. He is daring, and the valiant set of his mind has a wisdom which guides him to act heroically, yet safely. I don't fear anyone but him. He restrains my brilliance, like Magnus was restrained by the Emperor. He rebuked the Wyrd Sisters when they told me I'd be governor, and demanded they make a prediction for him. Like oracles, they told him he'd be the father of future governors. They gave me an empty rule, to be passed on to someone other than my own sons. If that's the way it is, then I've defiled my mind for Barthou's sons. I've murdered Dairgon for them. I've put venom in my peace for them, and sold my soul to the ruinous powers to make them governors! The sons of Barthou, governor! Rather than that, I challenge Fate to a duel to the death! Who is coming here?
(The Servant enters with two Murderers)
Go wait by the door, and come when I call you.
(The Servant leaves)
Wasn't it yesterday when we spoke together?
1st Murderer: It was, your governorship.
Malgeth: Well, then. Have you thought about what I said? You know it was him, who was the source of your misfortunes in the past. You thought it was me, although I am innocent. I proved this to you in our last conversation. I explained to you how he crossed you, the methods he used, who he got to do it, and every little thing that would prove even to a madman "Barthou did it".
1st Murderer: You told us all this.
Malgeth: Yes I did. And I went even further, which is why we're having this second meeting. Are you so incredibly patient that you can let this go? Are you so good that you can pray for him, and his children, when his actions are leading you to the grave and have made beggars of your families forever?
1st Murderer: We are men, governor!
Malgeth: Sure, in a catalog you may be listed as "men". Just like hounds, greyhounds, mongrels, mastiffs, strays, shepherds, long-hairs and part-wolves are all listed as "dogs". But a detailed list distinguishes who is swift, slow, subtle, a guardian, or a hunter. Each has a special trait that defines them, by which they are known and told from the others. Men are the same way. Now, if you are in the lists somewhere above the lowest ranks of manhood, say so, and I'll give you a job that will remove your enemy and endear you to all of us who are kept down by his continued existence.
2nd Murderer: I'm the type, governor, who is so angry by what the world has done to him that I don't care what I do in the name of revenge.
1st Murder: I'm a different type. I'm so weary of disaster and misfortune, that I would bet my life on any chance to make things better. Or end things.
Malgeth: Both of you know that Barthou is your enemy.
Both Murderers: True, governor.
Malgeth: He is mine as well. Every breath he takes stabs at my heart. Sure, I could use my power to sweep him from my sight, and say it was my will that it be so, but I must not. There are certain mutual friends that I need to stand by me. So I must mourn his death, even though I strike him down. And so I need your assistance, to keep this hidden from the public, for a number of important reasons.
2nd Murderer: We shall, governor, do what you command us.
1st Murderer: Even though our lives…
Malgeth: You prove your mettle. Within the hour at the latest, I'll tell you where to hide and give you the best time to do it. This must be done tonight, and away from the palace. Remember, I need to be kept out of this. Also, to make sure that this goes properly, his son Falear is traveling with him, and it is just as important that he shares the same fate as his father. Make up your minds, and I'll come to you later.
Both Murderers: Our minds are made up, governor.
Malgeth: I'll be with your right away, then. Wait for me inside.
(The Murderers leave)
It's finished. Barthou, if your soul is bound for the Throne, you will find out tonight.
(Malgeth leaves)
PART THREE – The Second Bit
Lady Malgeth and a Servant enter.
Lady Malgeth: Has Barthou left the palace?
Servant: Yes, madam, but he'll return tonight.
Lady Malgeth: Tell the governor I'd like a few words with him when he has the time.
Servant: I shall, madam.
(The Servant leaves)
Lady Malgeth: Nothing's gained; all is gone, when what we desire is gained without substance. It's better to be what we destroy, than it is to destroy and live in fear.
(Enter Malgeth)
What now, my lord? Why do you stay by yourself, with only your depressing thoughts for company? Thoughts that should have died with the one they're about. Things without a solution should be without concern. What's done is done.
Malgeth: We've wounded the snake, not killed it. It'll heal and be itself again, while we continue to live in danger of its bite. But let the framework of life come apart! Let the world and the warp both suffer, before we will eat our meals in fear and continue to sleep in the throes of these nightmares that grip us nightly! Better to be with the dead, whom we have sent to peace in order to gain our own peace, than to be tormented by this agitated state. Dairgon is in his grave. After the trials of life, he sleeps well. Treason has done its worst. Neither steel, nor poison, domestic unrest, or foreign invasion, nothing can touch him now.
Lady Malgeth: Come now, my husband. Cover up your haggard looks. You must be bright and jovial with your guests tonight.
Malgeth: And I shall, my love. And you must too. Pay close attention to Barthou. It's very important; use your eye and your conversation. This time is unsafe, and we must bury our pride in flattery, make our faces mask our hearts, disguising what lies within.
Lady Malgeth: You must stop this.
Malgeth: Oh, my wife, my mind is just full of scorpions. You know that Barthou and his son Falear live!
Lady Malgeth: But they are not eternal.
Malgeth: There's a comfort. They are vulnerable. So be cheerful. Before the bats have flown, or the hum of beetles fills the night air, there will be done a deed of dreadful importance!
Lady Malgeth: What will be done?
Malgeth: Remain unsullied by the knowledge, my dear, until you applaud what happens. Come, blinding night! Cover up the tender eye of pitiful day, and with your bloody and invisible hand, slay the life that keeps me in fear. Light thickens, and the crows fly home to their gloomy woods. The good things that live under the sun become drowsy, while night's predators begin to wake. You marvel at my words, but be patient. Deeds that start off wrong make themselves stronger through wickedness. So please, come with me.
(They leave)
PART THREE – The Third Bit
Some distance from the palace, three Murderers are waiting.
1st Murderer: Who told you to join us?
3rd Murderer: Malgeth.
2nd Murderer: He shouldn't mistrust us. He's told us exactly what to do.
1st Murderer: Then join us. The sun is setting, and travellers are rushing towards the closest inns. The man we're waiting for should be getting closer.
3rd Murderer: Listen! I hear horses.
Barthou (in the distance): Give us a light there, will you?
2nd Murderer: That's him. The other guests are all inside already.
1st Murderer: He's off his horses.
3rd Murderer: That's not unusual. All men walk from here to the palace gates. It's only a mile or so.
(Barthou and Falear enter, carrying lanterns)
2nd Murderer: A light! A light!
3rd Murderer: It's him alright.
1st Murderer: Get ready.
Barthou: It looks like rain tonight.
1st Murderer: Let it rain!
(They attack Barthou)
Barthou: Treachery! Run, Falear, run! Avenge me! Assassins!
(Barthou is killed. Falear manages to escape into the night.)
3rd Murderer: Who broke his lantern?
1st Murderer: Wasn't that part of the plan?
3rd Murderer: We only got one of them. His son got away.
2nd Murderer: We've failed at the most important part of the job.
1st Murderer: Well, let's go and report how much we've done.
(They leave)
PART THREE – The Fourth Bit
The feasting hall of the palace. A banquet has been prepared. Malgeth, Lady Malgeth, Ran Lo, Ulanti, and a large group of Lords and their Attendants all enter.
Malgeth: You all know your places. Please sit. I bid you all welcome.
Lords: Thanks to you, governor.
Malgeth: I shall mingle and play the humble host. Our hostess will watch over the proceedings from the high table, and greet us at the proper time.
Lady Malgeth: Tell our friends from me, sir, that my heart bids them welcome.
(The Lords all rise and bow. The 1st Murderer appears at the door.)
Malgeth: See, they respond with heart-felt thanks. Ahh, but both sides are full. I'll sit here in the middle. Enjoy yourselves! We'll soon drink a toast!
(To the murderer): There's blood on your face.
1st Murderer: It's Barthou's then.
Malgeth: Better on you face than in his veins. Is it done?
1st Murderer: I slit his throat myself, governor.
Malgeth: You're the best of cutthroats. Whoever did in Falear is just as good, unless you got him as well, in which case you have no equal.
1st Murderer: Holy Governor, sir…Falear escaped.
Malgeth: My illness returns. I was almost cured. Flawless as marble, solid as rock, free as the wind. But now I am bound, confined, shackled to doubts and fears. You're sure Barthou is safe?
1st Murderer: Aye, governor. Safe in a ditch, anyway. With twenty great gashes in his head; any one of them would've been fatal.
Malgeth: Thanks for that. There the full-grown serpent lies. The youngling that got away may become poisonous as he gets older, but he's got no teeth now. Go for now. We'll talk again tomorrow.
(The Murderer leaves)
Lady Malgeth: Governor, you do not lead the toast. A feast is not a feast without the host bidding the guests welcome. Food by itself is best at home. The ceremony is the gravy for the meat. It's a poor feast without it.
(The ghost of Barthou enters, and sits in Malgeth's seat.)
Malgeth: Thanks for reminding me, my sweet. To appetites and good digestion, may both of them be healthy!
Ulanti: Join us, Governor.
Malgeth: We would have the greatest on Necromunda under one roof, if only our friend Barthou were here. I hope nothing's happened, and I'll just have to confront him for being rude.
Ran Lo: His absence, sir, is a breach of his promise. Would the governor grace us with his imperial company?
Malgeth: The table is full.
Ulanti: Here's a place reserved for you, sir.
Malgeth: Where?
Ulanti: Here, my lord. Are you feeling alright?
Malgeth: Which of you did this? (Points to the ghost)
Lords: Did what, governor? (The ghost mimes being stabbed and points at Malgeth)
Malgeth: You can't say I did it! Don't shake your gory locks at me!
Ran Lo: Gentlemen, rise. The governor is not well.
Lady Malgeth: Sit, good friends. The governor is often like this, and has been since he was little. Please, keep your seats. The fit is momentary, and he'll soon be well again. Pay no attention, or he will become upset and the fit may last longer. Please, eat, and ignore him. (Under her breath to Malgeth) Are you a man?
Malgeth: Aye, and a bold one, who dares to look upon something that would scare daemons.
Lady Malgeth: Oh really? You are the very image of fear. This is the invisible dagger you said led you to Dairgon all over again. These fits and rages, these imaginary fears of yours, would better suit old women telling stories passed down from their grandmothers around a campfire! You should be ashamed! Why are you making such faces? You're looking at nothing but an empty chair!
Malgeth: You think so? Look! Look there! Now what do you think? Why, what do I care? If you can nod, then speak up! If slaughter-houses and graves must send back the dead, we'd do better to feed them to the carrion birds!
(The Ghost vanishes)
Lady Malgeth: What? Has your imagination unmanned you?
Malgeth: I saw him, as sure as I am standing here.
Lady Malgeth: Bah, for shame!
Malgeth: Blood has been shed before now, in the olden times, before humane laws reformed society. Yes, and since then too. Murders have been performed too terrible to hear about. There was a time when, when his brains were out, a man would die. Now they rise again, with twenty fatal wounds on their head, and take our chairs. This is stranger than murder…
Lady Malgeth: My worthy lord, your guests are missing you.
Malgeth: Yes, I am forgetting. Do not worry about me, my friends. I have a strange infirmity, which is nothing to those that know me. A toast! Love and health to all! Then I'll sit down. Bring me some wine, fill up my glass.
(The Ghost returns)
I drink to the general joy of the whole table, and to our dear friend Barthou, whom we miss. If only he were here! To all, and to him that we miss, good health and good fortune!
Lords: To good health and good fortune!
Malgeth: What? Get out of my sight! Back to your grave! Your bones are marrow less, your blood has gone cold, and there is no sight in your glaring eyes!
Lady Malgeth: Good guests, think of this as a chronic ailment, nothing more. Unfortunate that it spoils the mood of this occasion.
Malgeth: Whatever man dares, I will dare! Approach me like a rugged bear, an angry grox, or a Fenrisian wolf! Take any shape but this one, and my steely nerves will never tremble! Or return to life, and try to punish me with your sword! If I tremble then, you may declare that I am just a baby girl. Be gone, horrible shadow! Unreal apparition, go away!
(The Ghost vanishes)
And so, now that it's gone, I am a man again. Please, keep your seats.
Lady Malgeth: You've ruined the atmosphere, broken the good mood with this embarrassing display!
Malgeth: Can things like this happen, like a cloud ruining a summer's day, without astonishing us? You make me doubt my own nature, for I believe you can see this thing and remain calm, while I tremble with fear.
Ran Lo: What thing, governor?
Lady Malgeth: Please, don't speak to him. He'll get worse and worse. Questions will enrage him. We must end the feast at once. Don't worry about ceremony, just go right away.
Ulanti: Good night, and may the governor feel better soon.
Lady Malgeth: A kind good night to you all.
(She bustles them out.)
Malgeth: It will have blood. They say "blood will have blood". Stones will move and trees will speak. Predictions and understanding the nature of carrion birds have revealed the most hidden murderers. What time of night is this?
Lady Malgeth: Nearly morning, it's difficult to tell.
Malgeth: What do you think about Maldiov ignoring our invitation?
Lady Malgeth: Did you send for him?
Malgeth: I hear rumors, but I will send for him. I have a spy in all the noble houses. Early tomorrow I'll go visit the Wyrd Sisters. They shall tell me more, for now I must seek out the worst means to hear the worst news. Nothing will get in my way! I am so drenched in blood that it's just as hard to go back as it is to continue on this path. I have strange thoughts in my head that I must do before I think about them too much.
Lady Malgeth: What you need is sleep.
Malgeth: Come, we'll go to sleep. I am acting strangely, for this fear is new to me. I am new to these deeds.
PART THREE – The Fifth Bit
A hill-side, with a thunder storm raging. The Wyrd Sisters enter, meeting up with Helkat, their queen.
Samantha: How are you, Helkat? You look angry.
Helkat: Have I no reason? You are old hags, impudent and over bold! How dare you trade and traffic with Malgeth in riddles and affairs of death? And I, master of our coven and creator of harm, was left out of the plot, despite my power? And what's worse, all you have done has been to aid a wayward son. Spiteful and wrathful, he loves only what he desires, not what you do. But we shall make amends. Go now, and at the warp-gates meet me in the morning. He will go there to learn more about his destiny. Your cauldron and your spells will provide the charms and everything you require. I'll spend tonight in the ether, watching a dismal death. This great business must be done before noon: Upon a corner of the moon there hangs a drop of vapor that I will catch before it hits the ground. I will distill it with my magic, and it will allow visions that will be so powerful he will become so confused that he will spurn his fate, scorn death, and carry his hopes above all wisdom, grace, or fear. As you know, longing for security is man's greatest enemy.
(Music plays, and voices call "come away, come away".)
Hark, I am being called. My little familiar sits in a cloud and waits for me.
(Helkat flies away.)
Samantha: Come, we must hurry. She'll be back again soon.
(They vanish.)
PART THREE – The Sixth Bit
The Governor's palace. Ulanti enters, talking with Lord Orlock.
Ulanti: What I have said seems to be what you are thinking, so interpret it as you will. I'm only saying that things seem to have begun very strangely. The benevolent Dairgon was pitied by Malgeth, and now he's dead. And the valiant Barthou was out walking too late. You could say if you wanted, that Falear killed him, since Falear has fled, because men shouldn't be out walking so late. Who cannot think that it was monstrous for Mordan and Delborn to kill their benevolent father? Damnable fact! It upset Malgeth horribly! Didn't he immediately, overwhelmed by grief, slay the two assassins who were so drunk they had fallen asleep? Wasn't that a noble act? Aye, and a wise one too. It would have angered anyone with a heart to hear the men's denials. And so, I say, he had acted well. And I think that, if he had Dairgon's sons imprisoned, Emperor's Mercy that he won't, they would soon find out what happens to those that commit patricide. So would Falear. But enough of that. From things that he's said, and for missing the tyrant's feast, I've heard that Maldiov lives in disgrace. Do you know where he's gone?
Orlock: Dairgon's son, who should be governor instead of this tyrant, lives in Secundus and has been welcomed by Edvart so warmly that his ill-fortune doesn't seem to touch him. Maldiov is on his way there to ask for aid, hoping to rouse the warlike Goliath and his men. With their help, and the Emperor behind them, we may again sleep in peace, feast at our own tables without fear of bloody knives, pay loyal homage, and receive deserved honors, all things we long for now. This report has so angered Malgeth that he prepares for war.
Ulanti: Did he summon Maldiov?
Orlock: He did. And the messenger was none too happy returning with his "I will not". He turned his back, as if he was saying "You'll rue the day you made me bring back this answer."
Ulanti: He should know to keep his distance. May some Throne-bound angel fly to the court of Secundus and arrive ahead of him, so that a miracle may swiftly come to our country, suffering under this tyrants thumb.
Orlock: I'll send my prayers with him.
(They leave.)