-Chapter Fourteen-

They arrived back at the Sunken Flagon, Casavir entered first. He stopped so abruptly that it caused Lana to bump into him.

She thumped into him and exclaimed while rubbing her nose, "Ouch, what did you stop for?"

Casavir stood, staring at the newcomer standing in the center of the room. "Nevalle," he uttered stonily in reply.

Casavir knew things had been going too well, had dreaded his return to Neverwinter since they had arrived. Now here stood Nevalle, Lord Nasher's closest aid. Casavir was certain Nevalle was here to bring him to the justice he had avoided for so long. Casavir was not willing to surrender; it had been so long ago and had been a sin of his faded youth. Why now? They knew I have been in Neverwinter for some time now. What is Lord Nasher up to? He clenched his jaw and glared at Nevalle, waiting for Nevalle to speak.

Nevalle strode closer to the pair, staring hard at Casavir. "That is Sir Nevalle to you Sir Casavir," he spat with obvious disgust.

Lana came around from behind Casavir, looking with bewilderment between the two men as they stood glaring at each other. "Would you care to tell me what this is about?" she asked cautiously.

Sir Nevalle stood before them, he was well muscled, tall and broad shouldered. He wore light armor with the eye of Neverwinter emblazoned on his dark blue overlay. Everything about him screamed of duty and precision, he was almost too perfect in his appearance. Nevalle's expression was fierce as he looked at Lana. "I am here because Luskan has accused you of murder - an entire village, no less. Have you heard of Ember?" he said accusingly.

Casavir felt slightly alleviated. Nevalle glared at Lana and ignored Casavir. Lana looked even more baffled. "I've traveled through it- I didn't slaughter it," she replied hesitantly.

Nevalle nodded at her, seeming to relax a little but still making an effort to ignore Casavir. "I've scraped things from my boot that I respect more than Luskan. But unless we find some means of clearing you of these charges, we will have to surrender you to them. We've signed a treaty with Luskan - they have the right to dispense low justice for any crimes committed on their soil," he said disdainfully. "But I'm not turning over a loyal member of the Watch to some Luskan dog on this day or any other. Your guilt is preordained in a Luskan court. If you were a lord, knight, or even a squire, however, then matters would be different. You would be subject to high justice, and your trial would take place here in Neverwinter before Lord Nasher," he finished. Casavir thought he heard of hint of something in Nevalle's tone and did not like where he imagined Nevalle was heading.

What in the nine hells is going on? Has everyone gone insane? Casavir thought. He was caught off guard by this new development and reeling from the reality they were now facing.

Lana narrowed her eyes suspiciously, "What are you talking about?"

Nevalle continued, not answering her directly, "I need you to go see Sir Grayson, one of Lord Nasher's most trusted knights, and become his squire."

"WHAT?!" Casavir boomed. This was wrong, all wrong! They were forcing Lana into a position she did not want, bargaining her loyalty and devotion for her life, his mind protestedHe could not stand idly by as Lord Nasher used Lana against Luskan's lies and treachery, could not allow Lana to become another pawn between the two enemies.

Lana said nothing, her face stony. She reached to out to Casavir and laid her hand on his forearm but said nothing. She looked into his eyes, hers full of anger and confusion but not willing to show weakness. She shook her head ever so minutely, indicating to hold his peace.

"I may also send a... friend of mine... to assist you. He has proven invaluable in such cases in the past. Mind you, the matter must still go to trial, and if you cannot prove your innocence, then you will face execution," Nevalle continued as if nothing had happened.

Lana's fingers dug into Casavir's arm. He watched her jaw clench but she would show nothing in front of Nevalle. "For now, let us deal with what we can - see Sir Grayson at once at Captain Brelaina's office. Pledging yourself to Neverwinter's service will give us time to counter these Luskan lies," Nevalle finished.

Casavir had heard enough, This was going too far! I have heard enough of these lies and mechanizations!

He stepped close to Nevalle, his rage barely concealed. "I don't know what games you're playing at, but I cannot allow you to do this to her. Lana cannot be traded as another one of your pawns in these political games!" he roared indignantly.

Nevalle met Casavir's stare with equal hatred. "Sir Casavir, I would advise you to watch your step. This matter does not concern you," he snarled menacingly. Without another word, he brushed past Casavir and stormed out of the Sunken Flagon.

As soon as Nevalle had exited, the room burst into pandemonium. Everyone was angry and trying to make sense of the new development. Duncan yelled he would not allow the Luskan dogs to get their filthy hands on Lana, Shandra was disbelieving and, as usual, Bishop made snide remarks about the Luskans.

The conversation came to an abrupt halt as the door opened again and Sand entered. They stopped, staring expectantly at the newcomer. The barkeeper, Sal, said, "Uh... Duncan, looks like we have a guest."

Casavir knew Duncan had no love of Sand and Duncan made no effort to hide it Duncan looked at Sand and said, "Oh, as if the day couldn't get any worse. What do you want, Sand?"

Casavir noted Sand's discomfort as he replied, "I am here to help you - and your kin, actually."

Duncan and Sand traded snide remarks, but Sand seemed sincere in his efforts to help. Lana seemed to warm to him quickly and Casavir felt Sand was had much to offer her. Sand's obvious dislike of all things Luskan was a selling point and his knowledge of politics was something none of the others had, especially concerning the inner workings of Luskan government.

Casavir agreed with Sand's logic as they discussed how to proceed toward gathering evidence. He placed his hand on Lana's shoulder and said, "I think we should give him the chance. This is not a battle that can be won by swords, and I for one, am ill-equipped for such a fight."

She looked into his eyes and nodded in agreement. "Very well," she squared her shoulders. "Now I must go report to Brelaina and meet this Sir Grayson," she spat angrily.

He gripped her shoulder harder, staring at her intensely, "My lady, I know this is not your choosing, but we must do whatever we can to clear this mockery. I will be here when you return to support you any way I can."

She searched his eyes, and bowed her head sadly. "I know Casavir, you are right. This is not my choosing but what other alternative I do have I? I have no desire to become a squire to some knight. This is all lies and madness and I want nothing to do with it," she said in frustration.

"Agreed my lady. I too do not like this and do not relish seeing Lord Nasher use you or your loyal service to Neverwinter as a toy in dealing with Luskan. It is a mockery but there seems to be no other options. Now go to Brelaina and I will be waiting for your return."

She said nothing but nodded and turned to go trade herself to Neverwinter.