"Whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well." – Phillip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
In the morning, Bredin checked Lacaral first. After the long hard gallop yesterday, the Companion deserved a rest.
::Overnight was plenty.:: The Companion said. ::But thank you.:: Bredin left feed for Lacaral, then joined Lieutenant Coffee and her troop for breakfast.
After breakfast, Bredin went to find the Captain of the local watch. Captain Valen Halmar, grey-haired and overweight, seemed rather indolent and untidy. His nephew had given him the post as a sinecure. Valen Halmar's office had files stacked haphazardly on every surface. When Bredin demanded the information on the other four women who had disappeared, Captain Halmar shrugged and grumbled. "Just hang the bastard and be done with him."
After Bredin insisted on the other records, Captain Halmar grudgingly shuffled through his papers until he found three of the others. "I suppose we might as well clear these up properly." He said. "But they were just a bunch of whores anyways."
Valen Halmar did not see Bredin's frown, which he quickly suppressed. Whatever Bredin's thoughts on Captain Halmar, he needed the man's cooperation for the moment. Bredin questioned the Captain to glean any information about the missing record, which wasn't much. The Captain didn't seem to care; he made it clear that Bredin was wasting his time. Bredin took the records and his notes to another room for review.
Three of the victims had been prostitutes who worked on the streets. The other two, including Laelle, had worked in taverns as barmaids.
The killer – Bredin carefully reminded himself that it might not have been Fenir Cartmill – had almost been caught when Viscount Halmar's eldest son had come upon the first of the victims. Becky Sharp's body was still warm and bleeding when Austin Halmar and his friends had found it in the street last summer. The report said the young highborn had heard footsteps running away but had not seen the perpetrator. Austin and his friends had just left a tavern where they had been all evening; they were not suspects.
After Becky Sharp's murder, the prostitutes of the town had demanded protection. Viscount Halmar had ordered extra watch patrols and hired more men to help the watch. In spite of their efforts, three more women had disappeared before Laelle Richman went missing four days ago. Of the other three, only one of the bodies had been found: A group of hunters had discovered it after scavengers had dug it out of a shallow grave.
The town bell rang. Bredin gathered up the folders and headed for the local courthouse. The room was nearly full when Bredin entered. Bredin reached the steps leading to the judge's bench. He swallowed, then climbed the steps and seated himself. The court went silent.
Spotting the bailiff, Bredin said. "Bring in the prisoner."
The bailiff opened the door and four armsmen brought Fenir Cartmill into the court. The spectators murmured as he was led to the dock. The angry sound rose. When Bredin heard people begin shouting curses and threats, he banged the gavel. "This is a courtroom, not a mob." Bredin said into the abrupt silence.
"Fenir Cartmill, you have been brought here in connection with the death of Laelle Richman. We will now inquire into the cause and circumstances of her death. The evidence may result in charges against you, some of which may carry the penalty of death." Bredin recited the formula Mirilin had drilled into him.
Fenir sneered. "Ah, get on with it. You're going to hang me. Why all the fuss?"
There was a general uproar. Several of the spectators shouted "Yes! Hang the bastard!"
Bredin rapped the gavel once more. "Your statement is noted as a possible admission of a capital crime. The purpose of this trial is not simply to administer punishment. It is also to hear the voice of those who have suffered. Though Laelle Richman's voice has been stilled, the witnesses may testify here so that she is not forgotten in these proceedings. If there are others who have suffered, their story must be told as well."
The spectators fidgeted through the first part of Bredin's statement, then looked startled at his last sentence. Fenir only sneered and shrugged.
Bredin called Aedna Weems, the Healer who had performed the autopsy on Laelle, to the stand. In dry, clinical terms, Healer Weems described Laelle's wounds. Bredin fought to maintain his composure as the Healer spoke. Fortunately, his training had included listening to autopsies; Bredin managed not to be sick, but many of the spectators paled as they listened. One or two made hurried exits. The most repulsive thing to Bredin was Fenir Cartmill's expression, which showed excitement as Healer Weems spoke.
When Aedna Weems said that Laelle had been raped and sodomized, the courtroom exploded in angry shouting. Bredin rapped for order once more.
"Healer Weems. Do you have the sort of Gift that permits you to determine whose semen was found in the body of Laelle Richman?" Bredin asked.
"I do, Herald." She replied.
"Do you have any objection to revealing your findings in this matter under the Truth Spell?"
"None whatsoever, Herald."
Bredin paused for a moment. He focused inward and recited the cantrips silently. The spectators gasped as the blue glow appeared around Aedna. They whispered among themselves until Bredin spoke. "Whose semen did you find in Laelle Richman's body?"
"Fenir Cartmill's, Herald." The Healer's flat tone did not conceal her anger.
"Was there other evidence linking Fenir Cartmill to Laelle Richman?"
"There was, Herald." Aedna said.
"Is the evidence in any way barred under Healer's Privilege?" Bredin knew he could not ask her to breach privilege.
"It is not, Herald."
"Healer Weems, please state your findings." Bredin asked.
"I examined bloodstains found on Fenir Cartmill's clothing. Using the same Gift, I determined that the blood was Laelle's." The blue glow around the Healer did not waiver.
Bredin asked several more questions, determining that Laelle's blood was found on Fenir's knife and that the knife fit several of the stab wounds, including the fatal wounds, on Laelle's body.
Bredin dismissed the Healer. Summoning other witnesses, he determined where and when Laelle had last been seen alive. The barman where she worked said that he had seen Fenir in the bar that night, drinking alone.
He asked Viscount Halmar to come forward. "My Lord, yesterday afternoon a man in your livery arrived at Dunby where Herald Mani and I were hearing cases. He asked for our assistance in finding a missing woman, though he did not name her. I assume the missing woman was Laelle Richman."
Bredin saw several people roll their eyes. He knew they thought it obvious.
::Everything's obvious until it isn't.:: Lacaral said. ::It's one of those fiddly points we talked about before.::
"That is correct Herald. I sent Trooper Filian for a Herald." The Viscount said.
"Why did you request a Herald this time? Why not before?" Bredin asked.
"I did ask before." Lord Halmar said. "They were too busy to come." When Bredin raised a skeptical eyebrow, the Viscount went on. "That's what Captain Valen told me, anyways."
Bredin shot a glance at the Watch Captain, who cringed and tried to look small. Several spectators frowned in the Captain's direction.
"I see." Bredin said dryly. "We will review that later." The Captain shrank lower. "Thank you, Lord Halmar." The nobleman returned to his seat.
Bredin addressed the audience. "I asked his Lordship these questions to make clear how I became involved in this matter. For the record, I am Herald Bredin Kase. I was interning with Herald Mani Zucca, who dispatched me here to handle this matter. I will now detail what followed after I left Herald Mani."
Bredin told how he and Lacaral had raced to Hunberston from Dunby. He explained his Gift of Farsight and how it helped him find things. He told how his Gift had led him to the body of Laelle Richman and find Fenir Cartmill. "Once I had captured Fenir Cartmill, I sent Lacaral to bring Viscount Halmar and his men to the spot." Bredin concluded. "Are there any questions?"
There was silence for a moment, then one young man seated behind Viscount Halmar burst out "Your Companion ran from Dunby to here in six candlemarks? That's amazing." There was a titter of laughter in the Court.
Bredin forced himself to remain serious. "The abilities of Companions are a subject for discussion another time. For now, we must stick to the matter at hand. Are there any questions?" He repeated.
::Any time is a good time to admire us.:: Lacaral put in.
There were no questions. Bredin looked at the prisoner. "Fenir Cartmill, based on the evidence presented, l charge you with the murder of Laelle Richman. You are also charged with abducting and raping her. All of these charges carry the death penalty. You are also charged with torturing her, which carries the penalty of fifteen years' imprisonment, which will be moot if you are convicted under the capital charges.
"I will now examine you under the Truth Spell to determine the truth of these matters."
Even while Bredin concentrated to set the coercive form of the Truth Spell, Fenir Cartmill sneered "Oh, I did it. I'll tell you all about it." Before the blue glow surrounded him, Fenir began spewing details of how he had seized and raped Laelle.
The courtroom erupted once more in angry shouts. Bredin saw a man trying to fight his way through the guards; it was the same man who had tried to attack Fenir last night. Bredin rose to his feet. He banged his gavel. Using the Command Voice, he shouted. "I will have order!"
Bredin scanned the courtroom, catching people by eye and focusing on them one by one. He saw Viscount Halmar shushing the people around him. The spectators subsided slowly. Fenir Cartmill grinned broadly.
When he finally had silence, Bredin spoke just loudly enough to be heard at the back. "It is evident that the accused is taking pleasure in provoking you. Do not give him that satisfaction. However vile his speech, hold your silence. If you cannot be silent, please leave. This is a Court in Valdemar, not a mob in the street."
Bredin pointed at the man who had attempted to attack Fenir. "What is your name, sir?"
"I am Todd Richman." The young man straightened his uniform.
Bredin spoke softly. "Are you related to Laelle?"
"Laelle was my sister." Todd said.
Bredin swallowed. "My deepest condolences Armsman Richman, to you and your family. I know these proceedings must be painful to you, but it is important that the full circumstances be known. For Laelle's sake and for the sake of others."
The armsman blinked. Bredin could see tears forming in his eyes. One of Todd's comrades embraced him and led him aside.
Bredin turned to Fenir. Keeping his face carefully expressionless, Bredin said. "These proceedings are not for you to entertain yourself by tormenting others. You will answer my questions and only my questions. If you speak out of turn, I will have the bailiff silence you." The bailiff's expression showed grim satisfaction.
"Alright, boy." Fenir sneered. The bailiff slapped him on the head.
Bredin resumed his seat and placed the Truth Spell on Fenir once more.
"Did you kidnap Laelle Richman?" Bredin began.
Methodically, Bredin extracted the information about the abduction, torture, rape and murder of Laelle Richman. When the accused tried to gloat or dwell on horrific details, Bredin stopped him, sometimes with the assistance of enthusiastic blows administered by the bailiff.
The nearby temple bells were just ringing noon when Bredin finished his examination. Bredin released the Truth Spell with a sigh of relief. "Fenir Cartmill, by the Authority of the Queen and People of Valdemar, I find you guilty of all charges. Before I pass sentence upon you, there are other matters which must be examined. We will break now for luncheon. This court will resume in two candlemarks."
"Just hang him and be done with it." Someone shouted.
Bredin banged the gavel. "Sentence will be given and carried out in due course." He held up the records and notes he had taken from the Watch Commander's office. "There remain unanswered questions about the others who have gone missing. Their stories must also be told."
As Bredin rose, he saw Viscount Halmar nodding.
Bredin walked briskly to the guard post. Once inside, he went to Lacaral's stall and slumped against the Companion's side, no longer needing to hide how drained he felt.
"I thought I might find you here." Lieutenant Coffee said from behind him.
Bredin turned and smiled. "Sorry. Using the Truth Spell takes a lot out of you."
The lieutenant snorted. "Don't apologize. You Heralds seem obsessed with working to death. Come and have some lunch."
Bredin followed the lieutenant to the mess hall. They took a table in one corner and the mess cook brought them each a full plate.
"Are you going to try him for the other disappearances?" Lieutenant Coffee asked.
Bredin nodded around a mouthful of a salad. He swallowed. "He seems the most likely suspect. However, there have been occasions when someone has used the presence of a multiple killer to cover a murder of their own."
::I see you have taken Mani's lesson about not making assumptions.:: Lacaral said.
Bredin snorted. When he saw the Lieutenant's expression, he explained what Lacaral had said.
"I'd not thought of that." She said. "We always just assumed it was one person."
"We?" Bredin asked. "Isn't the watch responsible for criminal investigations?"
The lieutenant sniffed. "Valen Halmar couldn't catch a thief if he ran into Valen's office carrying the loot. After the second disappearance, his nephew brought us and his own troopers into the investigation. Valen remained in charge, though. If Viscount Galen hadn't sent for you, Fenir Cartmill would still be walking free."
"Hmm, I see." Bredin said. "He's there through his connection, then."
"Exactly." She said. "Gustav gave Valen the job to keep his uncle and the rest of his family happy."
"I want all of this cleared up." Bredin said. "Is Viscount Halmar going to interfere?"
Lieutenant Coffee shook her head. "No. Gustav is good at heart. He just lets his family prevail upon him too much. When it's this serious, he'll do the right thing. Don't be surprised if you find Valen trying to block you, though."
"Thanks for the warning." Bredin said. "Any other advice?"
"Speak to Dolly Dalrymple."
"Who is she?" Bredin asked.
"Dolly is a local brothel keeper. She runs a good establishment. Takes good care of her girls and keeps an eye out for the others in the trade. Hard as nails business-wise, but has a heart of gold. She is the one who spoke up first after Becky Sharp died." The lieutenant said.
"What does she have to say?" Bredin asked.
Lieutenant Coffee looked Bredin in the eye. "Dolly thinks there are more victims."
Bredin felt a chill run down his back. He finished his lunch. He asked Lieutenant Coffee to have someone wake him in half a candlemark, then lay down for a nap.
###
Bredin addressed the room. "Though Fenir Cartmill has been convicted of the murder of Laelle Richman, there remain at least four more unsolved cases that must be cleared up. We must find out what Fenir Cartmill knows about these and any other cases."
Captain Valen looked outraged. "What other cases?" He blurted.
Bredin frowned at the Captain. "That, we do not know. It is our duty to find out."
Fenir Cartmill grinned. "The kid figured it out." His expression of glee nauseated Bredin.
Bredin faced Fenir, keeping an impassive expression. He forced the Truth Spell on Fenir once more. "Did you kill Becky Sharp?" He began.
"Oh, yes! She squealed like pig when I stuck her." The gleam in Fenir's eyes as he spoke was unholy. The blue glow of the truth spell remained steady.
"Did you rape her?" Bredin asked.
"I was going to **** her," Fenir said, "but that group of highborn snots came around the corner." He nodded in the direction of the young men seated around Viscount Halmar. The dark-haired young man at Gustav Halmar's side hung his head and shook it side to side. Oddly, the young man reminded Bredin of Kensie Poldara.
Question by question, Bredin obtained confessions from Fenir Cartmill about kidnapping and killing the other women. The man took delight in outraging the spectators with revelation after revelation.
Bredin asked what he had done with the bodies. When the murderer told where he had buried them, Bredin's farsight showed him the locations. For each one, he made notes. He called Lieutenant Coffee to the bench and asked her to organize a party to recover the bodies. He asked her to tack up Lacaral as well. They would leave as soon as Bredin finished questioning for the day.
Bredin noticed Viscount Halmar whispering to an aide, who left the room. Gustav Halmar saw Bredin's look and nodded back gravely.
After two candlemarks holding the Truth Spell, Bredin found his focus slipping. He rapped his gavel and released the Truth Spell on Fenir. "We will resume questioning in the morning." He said. "There is sufficient daylight left to recover the remains of the victims of these horrific crimes. I will lead a party of Guardsmen and Viscount Halmar's men to the location of the bodies. In order to preserve evidence, I ask that only those whose assistance has been requested go with us."
Bredin noticed some dissatisfied rumbling as he dismissed the court.
Lacaral waited outside the courthouse, surrounded by a gaggle of children. Lieutenant Coffee and some of her men waited to one side. There was a wagon with two coffins in the box. Healer Weems sat beside the driver. There were also a group of men in Viscount Halmar's livery; they held two unsaddled horses. Bredin mounted Lacaral. As soon as Viscount Halmar and the dark haired young man who had sat beside him mounted, the group set off through the North Gate with Bredin leading.
Viscount Halmar and the young man with him, who the Viscount introduced as Austin, moved up on one side of Bredin. Lieutenant Coffee rode on the other side. Once clear of the gate, they headed down the same road Fenir had taken the night before.
"The graves are fairly close together." Bredin said. "My guess is that he chose the spot as one unlikely to be discovered."
Gustav Halmar nodded. "The land is scrubby out this way. There aren't many farms. It is mostly grazing land. The trees are small and not worth logging. It would be a good place if you didn't want to be seen."
They reached the first grave within a candlemark. Bredin pointed out the depression in the ground. While the armsmen started digging, Bredin led others a few score yards toward the next grave. Half way there, he stopped and pointed to one side. There was another shallow depression. "That's what I was afraid of." Bredin said. "There is another body there. It's not one of the ones we came here for."
Austin Halmar, walking beside Bredin said. "Kerenos, no! If I had just caught the bastard when we interrupted him, this could have been prevented."
Bredin glanced at the young lord, who looked stricken. Austin Halmar could not be older than Bredin. Bredin smiled wanly. "We cannot prevent all the evils, Lord Austin. I think you will find that this victim was murdered before Becky Sharp. That bush growing out of the grave is at least two years old."
Bredin marked the grave and the other one Fenir Cartmill had identified. He found a fourth grave before he returned to the first one. The diggers had already reached the skeleton, which was still wrapped in the tattered remains of clothing.
Healer Weems knelt beside the grave. After a few moments, she said "It's Gracie Ballard."
Carefully, the diggers exhumed the remains and placed them on a cloth laid out beside the grave. Healer Weems moved to the next grave.
By the time they dug up the second set of remains, the sun was getting low. The party marked the two graves they had not yet opened and returned to the town. They would exhume the others tomorrow. Deliberately, Bredin willed himself not to use his gift to find more graves he was sure were there. That could wait until the morning.
They returned to the town at sunset. As he unsaddled Lacaral, he asked Lieutenant Coffee if she could have someone take him to Dolly Dalrymple.
Lacaral snorted. ::That is probably the only bad idea you have had today.::
"I think it would probably be better if Mistress Dalrymple came to the guard post." Lieutenant Coffee smiled at Bredin.
"Ah, right. Lacaral just said the same thing." Bredin agreed.
"I'll send a trooper for her. You can have dinner while we wait."
###
"I told Valen there was something going on two years ago." Dolly Dalrymple said. "It wasn't just here in Hunberston. Girls were going missing in the nearby villages as well." Her ample body filled a chair across Lieutenant Coffee's desk from Bredin, who had taken the lieutenant's usual chair. The lieutenant sat in another chair on one side.
"What did Captain Halmar say?" Bredin asked.
"Said it was nothing. Said they'd probably run off to Haven. Didn't matter that they hadn't taken their clothes or even their few pennies they'd saved. 'Probably found a man to take them.' He said."
Bredin sighed. "Unfortunately, you are probably correct. I believe I identified two more graves where we found the missing women this afternoon."
"So I'd heard." She said. At Bredin's startled look, she added. "In the trade, we probably know most of what's going on before Lord Halmar."
Bredin sighed again. "The first thing to do is to identify all of the victims – all of them, not just the ones we know about." Mistress Dalrymple looked satisfied. Bredin went on "After that, I will have to look into the conduct of Captain Valen Halmar."
When Dolly Dalrymple grinned broadly, Bredin added. "Not a word of that outside of this office." He glanced at both women, who nodded agreement.
"Now tell me, Mistress Dalrymple, about any other missing women."
The brothel keeper looked grim. "It started just after the war ended."
Bredin shot a glance at Lieutenant Coffee. "Did Fenir Cartmill serve in the war?"
"Yes." The lieutenant replied. "He spent four years with the army in the south."
Bredin closed his eyes briefly. This was going to be much worse than he thought.