Brother Merthin rose from his chair.
- Objection!
- Sustained. Let's not be so hasty, Sister Weiseneule. Is there anything else?
- I have nothing further to ask on this subject, Your Honour.
- Brother Merthin?
The priest in charge of Palebough's defence took a few steps. He was glistening with sweat.
- Provost Tomas is right, we mustn't be too categorical in our justice. Even if my client's presence carries risks, it's important to respect Verena's uprightness. Our Goddess would not wish us to condemn at full speed a criminal who has shown undeniable good will. Your Honour, I assume that you have consulted all the reports on this case since Master Palebough's capture.
- I have, Brother Merthin.
- Nevertheless, I shall summarise them for the jury, the witnesses and the audience, with your permission: a few hours after his capture, Master Palebough was submitted to an exorcism ritual in which you participated, your Honour. After a gruelling psychic struggle, our devoted priests and the two courageous magicians extirpated from my client's spiritual essence the Daemonette known as Ari. A few moments later, the Master Vigilant Brisingr Steadyhand opened a small portal to the Demon dimension, just for a few seconds, to allow His Majesty the Prince to send this creature back to his world. Once the portal was closed, Master Palebough came to. He realised the full implications of his actions over the last few months. After a rather violent shock, he came to his senses and multiplied the proofs of cooperation and good will. Not only did he admit to all the charges before this Court, but he also handed over all the documents he had collected, allowing us to know the identity of all the members of the Vereinbarung's Purple Hand cult. Indeed, not all of them were present at the ceremony, some had stayed behind. But they can't escape us. By the time we're talking, Captain Klingmann is currently in the process of arresting all the members of the Steinerburg Purple Hand, whose names my client wisely gave us.
That's why he didn't come, Kristofferson mused with relief. Then his smile tightened. On the other hand, his prisoners aren't going to have a very good time!
- Prior Romulus also transmitted to the relevant authorities the identity of the reservists hidden in the Rat Kingdom via the intelligence network of the Lorekeepers, Brother Merthin continued. In truth, they weren't hiding in Steinerburg only. We hope to be able to catch them all unawares and lock them up, as the news of their guru's failure probably hasn't reached them yet. And to finish convincing us of his good faith, Master Palebough gave us the names of the followers of this sect outside our borders that he knew of. Not only did he convert the inhabitants of the Rat Kingdom, he also discreetly brought in accomplices from outside. In order to convince you for good, I would like to hear the version of events from the mouth of one witness in particular. I call to the stand Master Vigilant Brisingr Steadyhand.
Bianka felt her jaw clench as she heard the name. For a moment, she was torn between her desire to hear the truth and her envy to see the Elf harmed in some way.
The Master was already seated in the chair reserved for witnesses when the young ratgirl turned her attention back to events.
- My name is Brisingr Steadyhand. I was born on the island of Ulthuan and have lived in Altdorf for decades, where I work as a Master Vigilant for the College of Fire. Legally, I answer only to the will of the Emperor himself and Patriarch Gormann, although I naturally accept to submit to the authority of the holder of supreme power when I travel to a province outside the Empire. I worship Hoeth, the Elven God of Magic, but be reassured, for the purposes of the trial, I accept to submit to Verena's commands. I'm also one of the Lorekeepers, so I'll only answer your questions by truth.
- Very well, Master Steadyhand. Have you known the accused long?
- For a Human, yes. For an Elf, the answer will be more nuanced.
- Be more specific, would be kindly.
- All right, all right. We started working together for Prince Steiner about ten years ago. The story Master Palebough told is true. We helped the Prince with his research about Skaven. It was he who introduced us to the Lorekeepers. I had the privilege of working regularly for his Majesty. When he left Altdorf, he sent me a letter in order to offer me a job here, but I preferred to decline. With all due respect for Vereinbarung and its inhabitants, I prefer the profession of hunter. After that dreadful Xathrodox story, I decided to devote myself to tracking down the Chaos sects. It has to be said that my own teacher, Master Wolfgang Scheunacht, had become one of them without my knowledge. Just as I was about to destroy the second artefact, the Dagger of Yul K'chaum, he revealed to me he belonged to the Purple Hand, and asked me to join him.
- What did you do?
- He wasn't disposed to accept any refusal from me. I refused. He took it very badly and tried to destroy me. I defended myself.
- Did you neutralise him and send him to prison?
- No, I killed him.
- Objection! exclaimed Sister Weiseneule. This is getting us nowhere!
- On the contrary, replied Brother Merthin, we're getting there!
- I reject the objection, replied Provost Tomas. But I'm very curious to know where you're leading us, Brother Merthin?
The priest of Verena rubbed his hands together in delight.
- I present to you Master Brisingr Steadyhand, an honest citizen devoted to the cause of the Empire, and by extension to ours, when it comes to defending us against the abominations of the lands of Chaos. He has every reason to hate the cultists of the Forbidden Gods, particularly those of the Purple Hand. And yet, according to the first written testimony I received from him before this trial, my client is not guilty in the last degree. If you don't mind, we'll prove it together, Master Steadyhand. Since you've known the accused for a long time, what can you tell us about his personality?
- That's why you asked me here, I presume, the mage nodded with an ironic smile. Indeed, I've known Yavandir Palebough for around ten years. We've braved danger many times, both in the Empire and on expeditions on behalf of the Prince – In any case, we've shared at least one trip to the Black Continent, where we came across the local Lizardmen. We've saved each other's lives on many occasions. The most important thing is that we are both Lorekeepers, and Lady Heike Steiner's godfathers. The patient work we did with her father was the seal of our friendship.
- In that case, how did you end up fighting each other in front of dozens of witnesses at the sawmill?
- The answer is obvious, Brother Merthin: your client was no longer himself. As we have shown, he was under the influence of a little Demoness. Everything that has been established since the beginning of this trial is the truth. I tore that little piece of filth from Yavandir's soul myself, with the help of the highest authorities of the Rat Kingdom. Once Ari had been sent back to the Warp, your client once again became the brave entertainer I've come to enjoy knowing. Yavandir Palebough is a man of integrity and loyalty who can be relied upon, if you accept his extrovert artist personality. It will be hard to believe for the prosecution, I agree, but he is just another victim. That is the truth, Brother Merthin.
- To bring this truth to light, you've resorted to some very twisted, but highly intelligent means. Well, thank you for your sincerity, Master Steadyhand. I have nothing else to ask of you.
- Sister Weiseneule, the witness is yours, announced Tomas.
The priestess of Verena stood before the Master.
- First of all, I'd like your expert opinion on the accused's stay in Nuln, and his proximity to Katarine Braun. The Sword of Truth hasn't moved, so he hasn't lied to us, but can you confirm that the events unfolded as he explained earlier?
- Absolutely, Sister. That's more or less how it happened.
- You and your brothers in arms faced a powerful Chaos sorcerer who tricked you when you neutralised the Chalice of Wrath while Master Palebough was with Katarine Braun, right?
- Yes, that's right.
- How did you manage to escape from this sorcerer?
- The simplest way: he offered me the chance to join his cause. I refused. Unlike my former master, he was conciliatory and let me go.
- Oh, did he? He let you go? That's surprising, coming from a Chaos sorcerer. I thought he would have torn your soul into a thousand pieces?
- I thought too, but he was in a good mood. Thanks to his shenanigans, we had prevented any attempt to bring Xathrodox back to life for good. The sorcerer had inflicted a crushing defeat on his God's greatest rival, and consequently, he received a special reward; he was transformed into a Daemon Prince in front of us.
- You didn't try to destroy it? With such a threat to our world within reach of your power, it was a great opportunity to accomplish your duty!
- You might say "stupidity", Sister. What could we have done? We were just a handful of men facing a powerful entity brimming with Chaos magic. What's more, we'd just come through a tough battle against Khorne's cultists, and we were all exhausted. One of my comrades, the Dwarf Slayer Kilvitt Fimliksson, tried to chop up the Daemon Prince. Three seconds later, he was nothing but a marmalade of shapeless flesh. The Daemon Prince repeated his offer: either we swore allegiance to him, or we left him, with the promise not to try anything against him or risk ending up like Fimliksson. I listened to my survival instinct and turned back, crossing the divide between our world and the lands of Chaos. Ludviksson and the few men-at-arms with us followed me, and we reappeared in Nuln.
- What happened next?
- Time passes differently in the Warp, sometimes very quickly, sometimes very slowly, it fluctuates irregularly. When we returned to the Empire of His Grace Karl Franz, we were approached by a patrol. These people had our description since we disappeared, and they took us to Sir Ludwig Schwarzhelm, Karl Franz's representative. Six months had passed since the destruction of the Chalice of Wrath, much to our astonishment. Sir Schwarzhelm asked us not to tell anyone about the story, and to keep a low profile for a while at least. That's when we parted company. Hallbjörn Ludviksson was disgusted at having done a service for a Chaos God. He left the Imperial Army to become a mercenary.
- Wasn't he already a mercenary for hire when he was involved in research into the Feral Skaven?
- It was only during his discharges, he had joined the Empire's army to acquire a solid knowledge of strategy, a science his people lacked of. Ludwig Steiner lent him some money to help him build up a small regiment, which grew over time. Today, Ludviksson has returned to his homeland. The latest news is that while Chaos hasn't retreated, it hasn't nibbled away at Norsca either.
- What about you? What have you done after your return?
- I made my report to the Patriarch, then returned to my work in the Empire, while regularly checking on the Steiners and Yavandir. When the Steiners left their life in Altdorf behind them, I thought they had perished in the manor fire, but I was relieved to hear they had escaped. I've always kept in touch by mail, and I've come to visit a couple of times, but I've never settled in Vereinbarung.
- Today, you're here, aren't you? Why?
- His Majesty the Prince hired me six months ago for a long-term mission, with the agreement of Patriarch Gormann, of course. He wanted to build Magical Colleges on the same model as those you can attend in Altdorf. What could be more logical? If Vereinbarung wanted to be as powerful as its neighbouring kingdoms, it needed to train magicians. And so, after having settled my affairs in Altdorf, I arrived here. And just in time, because it enabled me to take part in the Battle of Wüstengrenze, from which we emerged victorious.
- Yes, that's right, you distinguished yourself brilliantly. As a matter of fact, your heroism has given way to something else far less honourable, Master Steadyhand.
- I'm curious to find out what the nature of this "something else" is?
- You've been behaving very suspiciously in recent weeks, Master Steadyhand. According to several witnesses, there have been some troubling signs about you. For example, you've been caught consulting rare documents, which require special authorisation given the subjects covered.
- I wanted to quench my thirst for knowledge. Is it a crime to seek for culture, according to you, a priest of Verena?
- On the evening that the Master Mage faked his murder, you were seen in the garden, gesturing while reciting abstruse incantations.
- The person who gave this testimony is Gabriel Steiner. He's a nice young man, but he tends to get carried away by his imagination. That evening, I did go out for a breath of fresh air because it was hot in the banqueting hall, and I addressed a prayer to Hoeth in anticipation of what was to come.
- You knew something terrible was about to happen, didn't you?
- Of course, just as I knew I would be accused of heresy sooner or later, then I would be locked up so that I could discreetly get out and investigate in the shadows. It was all part of the same ruse to pull the rug out from under the Purple Hand, I thought you understood that, Sister Weiseneule?
- In this case, your name and reputation have been tarnished, as has that of your College.
- Doesn't that bother you more than that?
- I'm used to it, Sister. That's the price you have to pay for being a Master Vigilante: you have to accept getting your hands dirty on a regular basis, and not being a popular hero. I should add that it was I who proposed this ruse, which was approved by Patriarch Gormann himself. As for the reputation of the Bright College, this affair will hardly be enough to tarnish it, don't worry.
Provost Tomas raised his hand.
- Sister Weiseneule, I'd like you to explain clearly your approach. What are you getting at?
- Your Honour, I would like the Court to understand Master Brisingr Steadyhand's testimony is not as reliable as he claims. There are a lot of vague little things in his behaviour. Each one taken separately should not elicit more than a shrug, but if you add up all these little deviations, they could be seen as symptoms of a questionable state of mental health. And if that's the case, we can't trust his judgement when he describes the accused as "honest and loyal". Take a look at exhibit four, the sealed grimoire. What can you tell us about this book, Master Steadyhand?
- It is the Codex Manu Fatali, the 'Codex of the Hand of Fate'. It's a classic work among followers of the god worshipped by the Purple Hand.
- During her investigation, the High Archivist found it in your room at the inn.
- Master Palebough confessed he had left it there deliberately to compromise me.
- But you couldn't resist looking at it, could you? You read it and even made notes on it. If we compare the handwriting in the little notes in the margin to the handwriting on exhibit three, it's your handwriting.
- Objection! My client has already admitted to us that he imitated Master Steadyhand's handwriting on the pages of this codex!
The priestess turned to Brother Merthin, mocking him.
- Are you trying to alleviate your client's guilt by acknowledging the vileness of his actions towards the Magister? Perhaps you'd like to swap places?
- Don't be ridiculous, Sister Weiseneule, you're talking about facts that have already been confessed and therefore already established at the start of the trial, so I'm not aggravating his case, as you claim!
- Objection sustained, announced Tomas.
The woman with the piercing eyes readjusted her glasses and waved her arm broadly at the magister.
- I think your testimony and actions reveal certain character traits that damage your credibility, Master Steadyhand. Between your personal grudge against Chaos since the fall of your master, your repeated contact with blasphemous objects of worship and your brief but scathing stint in the Demon dimension, you've had plenty of opportunities to lose your head. While you are definitely not guilty of heresy, I find that your actions, your testimony and your intentions lack clarity.
- Objection! cut in Brother Merthin.
- Rejected, declared the Provost. We know the value of Master Steadyhand, but we must remain objective. The jury will decide whether or not to accept his testimony. Nevertheless, all of this is beginning to get me bored. We will go no further in this direction. Master, thank you for your answers, you may leave the bench.
As the flame-haired Elf returned to the witness corner, the priestess asked the provost:
- I'd like to call another witness. He has no direct connection with the accused, but I think he can help us fill in the gaps in this story. The jury will then be able to understand the whole story and reach a better verdict.
- We can devote a few minutes to this witness, if that will help the jury, but if we stray too far from the subject, we'll stop.
- Thank you, your Honour. Master Nedland Barnrooster?
The Halfling got up quickly and took his seat. The Provost asked him the ritual question, in a rather complex manner.
- Master Barnrooster, we know of your loyalty to the Crown and the Rat Kingdom, and I can personally attest to this, having lived through some incredible adventures with you before the founding of Vereinbarung, but I must maintain my role as an impartial and fair magistrate who leaves nothing to chance. You shall take an oath before this assembly: everything you say, whether in response to questions put to you, or in spontaneous affirmation, in short, every word you shall pronounce while you are in this room will be the truth, and nothing else. Swear it!
Nedland grinned good-naturedly.
- With Ranald's permission and Esmeralda's kindness, I agree to submit myself completely to Verena for as long as I take part in this trial. I will tell nothing but the truth.
- Sister Weiseneule, the witness may answer your questions.
- Thank you, your Honour. So, Master Barnrooster, can you tell us what your role was in this affair? You're the Princely Treasurer, you belong in an office, keeping the Kingdom's accounts up to date. But haven't you strayed somewhat from your duties?
- If you're talking about official duties, Sister Weiseneule, you could put it that way. Now, I'm first and foremost a citizen of Vereinbarung, and so I contribute to its defence against any threat, whether external or internal. After the battle of Kreidesglück, his Highness Prince Ludwig Steiner asked me to track down a particular White Skaven. The one who had caused us problems in Oropesa. I spent the last few months tracking it down, poking around wherever I could find the vermin of the Under-Empire. I sent regular letters to the Prince to keep him informed of the progress of my research. Finally, I found my objective in the Forest of the White Wolf. So, I gave the coordinates of my position and waited for Jochen and Marjan Gottlieb. The two of them were to infiltrate the burrow of Grey Seer Karhi with the Master Mage, disguised as a Chaos Warrior and his retinue, along with two prisoners.
- The risks were high indeed. If either of you had been discovered, you would have been slaughtered!
- Probably, but desperate times call for desperate measures, Sister. Fortunately, this undercover team was masterfully led by two young people who were as courageous as they were creative. The volunteers who accompanied them were not to be outdone. Incidentally, Jochen had won points with Grey Seer Karhi by bringing him the mask of Cuelepok.
- Ah? I thought Master Palebough had given this artefact to a couple of Feral Skaven?
- He did, but I intercepted them, retrieved the mask, and when Jochen and his gang arrived, I entrusted it to him before making a dash for Steinerburg.
- What about the two Feral Skaven?
- Two less inhabitants of the Under-Empire, no one will miss them.
- You knew all along that the Master Mage wasn't dead?
- Of course I knew. In fact, I'm like the Prince, the Master Mage, the Master Vigilant Magister and the Prior in the story: the only thing I didn't know was the identity of "Monsieur Olafsson", the accused.
The priestess addressed the provost.
- No further questions, Your Honour.
Sister Weiseneule stepped back. Brother Merthin walked over to the witness stand and asked:
- You have already testified at the trial of Johannes Schmetterling.
- Absolutely.
- He painted a rather peculiar picture of you...
- You can be anybody's "peculiar", Brother Merthin.
- According the answers you gave the Commandant, we learned you were part of a rather special network?
The treasurer's face broke into a big smile.
- May I remind you the person who carried out that interrogation was executed for high treason, Brother Merthin. During his trial, he tried to shift all the blame of his felony onto me. When I pushed him to the limit, he finally broke down and admitted all his faults, insulted the citizens and threatened the Prince. So much for being a trustworthy person. It makes no difference to me. Let's get straight to the point: what you call a "rather special network", as I explained at the time and can explain again, is a criminal syndicate. Before I became the Princely Treasurer, I was a bandit, a fact I fully accept, unlike many self-proclaimed "respectable and respected" members of High Society. But while I keep in touch with my former partners back in Altdorf, I can assure you I respect the law here, and have no reason to break it. I would even add I am rigorously involved in the life of this country, both in peacetime and during the war.
- Indeed, you took a lot of risks, several witnesses corroborate this fact. When you were scouting in the White Wolf Forest, you had nothing to fear from Lennart Fireblood's Chaos Warriors, you knew they were our soldiers, but the Feral Skaven could have caught up with you and slaughtered you. You also fought against the Purple Hand, and even if you weren't on the front line, you could have been injured or killed. My question is: why?
- For the same reason I fought Grey Seer Iapoch's Feral Skaven six months ago. Out of self-interest. The Rat Kingdom has been my home for the last six years, and I contribute to its defence in times of danger, to the best of my ability. I live in this country, I love its people, I defend it because it is my moral and legal duty. Besides, everything I've done between the Master Mage's pseudo-murder and today, I've done under his Majesty's orders, and I've been happy to. His Highness is a wise and just monarch, his family is my family, and Yavandir Palebough was a tool. There's no point trying to undermine my credibility on his behalf, he already has my sympathy and compassion. To be clearer: The accused is not entirely responsible for all the charges, he was obviously manipulated by a little horror from the land of Chaos. I used to trust him, and today I've regained that trust.
Provost Tomas heaved a deep sigh.
- Well, I think we've covered everything. Thank you for your frankness, Master Barnrooster, we can move on to the next witnesses. There are still two people who were very closely involved in this whole affair. These two people have agreed to bow to Verena's law. So, let's hear their side of the story. To begin with, I'll ask Kristofferson Steiner to take the stand.
The brown Skaven stood up, passed Nedland, who patted him on the shoulder as he passed, and took his place on the witness stand. He glanced around briefly, a little intimidated, but his heart lightened when he saw Marjan in the front row. She discreetly raised her hand in front of her chest, her middle and ring fingers resting on her palm, covered by her thumb, with her index and little fingers outstretched to form a "U". Kristofferson recognised Ulric's greeting and nodded slightly in reply. Provost Tomas's voice called him to order.
- As is customary, I shall ask you to swear an oath on the Scales of Verena.
The brown Skaven raised his right hand.
- I swear before this assembly that I will answer truthfully all the questions that will be asked me on this stand.
- Very well, young man.
Sister Weiseneule glared at the young ratman.
- As the first-born son of the Master Mage, you had a front-row seat throughout this terrible story. When you left the cemetery, leaving his grave behind, how did you feel?
- I was very sad, and furious at the criminals responsible for this crime.
- At the time, you had no idea who might have committed this crime?
- No more than I knew my father had staged his death.
- So, he didn't put you in the confidence?
- My father, my mother, Prior Romulus and my grandfather the Prince chose to protect us, especially my two youngest of my siblings. When they revealed the truth to us, I found it hard to accept, but in the end I did, because the danger was greater than ever.
- Let's talk about that danger, Master Kristofferson. You saw Master Palebough's dreadful accomplices up close. When did you know who you were dealing with?
- Bianka did some research, and found the meaning of a mark left by the murderer of Herbert Lorne and Otto Rademacher. At each crime scene, the criminal had left an imprint of his right hand dipped in blood. Thanks to the books in the temple library, my sister made the connection with the Purple Hand.
- How did you feel when you realised the nature of the enemy?
- I was scared, Sister Weiseneule. Up until now, I'd faced Orcs, Feral Skaven, or a few of the rogues who haunt the streets of Steinerburg. Concrete and ordinary enemies. But the Chaos Demons were something else.
- The accused's comrades have always struck in a terrifying way. First, there was this attempted murder on your sister, the High Archivist. The accused broke into your home to unleash a Demon, and without you, what would it have done to your loved ones? Thank Verena you were there!
- All I did was "finish the job", Sister Weiseneule. Bianka and Gabriel took every risk to defend themselves.
- Your modesty does you credit, Master Kristofferson, but you proved that you're a brave man. You found yourself much closer to danger, at the old sawmill. You fought a man called Sir Alcibiades, right?
- In person.
- Master Palebough gave us a description of this sinister character earlier. Does this portrait correspond to what you saw?
- Yes, it does! Not only was Sir Alcibiades a seasoned fighter, but his great size, his armour, his roaring sword and his ability to teleport in the blink made him truly fearsome. When I think back on it, I can understand why anyone who had the misfortune to cross his path, near or far, without losing their life, died of fear at the mere mention of him!
- Fortunately, he wasn't invincible. You've rid the Rat Kingdom of a real scourge!
- Once again, all I did was deliver the coup de grace, Sister. If it hadn't been for Captain Klingmann and Lady Gottlieb, he'd probably have chopped me into little pieces!
- So, you can confirm this Sir Alcibiades was no ordinary mortal?
- In other times, perhaps, but the creature we faced was clearly of demonic essence.
The priestess paused, and a smile of satisfaction stretched her lips.
- Here's the kind of person the accused associates with! A university professor gone mad and megalomaniac, and a fearsome monster, both slaves to a Chaos God and ready to set fire to the Rat Kingdom! I have no further questions, Your Honour.
- Thank you, Sister Weiseneule. Brother Merthin?
The priest of Verena readjusted his glasses and looked into the green eyes of his Skaven interlocutor.
- You've no doubt had a very difficult time of it recently, Master Kristofferson.
- We all have, Brother Merthin.
- You were terribly wounded at Kreidesglück, weren't you? You almost lost your life.
- I survived and recovered. Many others were not so lucky.
- I understand that, but you'll keep a mark of it for the rest of your life. First on your coat, then in your memory. It's a trauma that can reawaken itself in a vicious way, at the worst possible moment.
- I don't see what that has to do with this trial?
- Well, I want to talk about your equilibrium, Master Kristofferson. When your father faked his murder, everything changed for you. Overnight, you became the man of the house. Having to protect your family from the dangers that can strike from within, with two young children undoubtedly very affected by the horror of the situation... Anyone could quickly lose all their nerve!
- I'm not just anyone, Brother Merthin. I'm the descendant of a line of people who have always held strong convictions, to the point of founding a princely dynasty. I'm a Steiner. By adoption, of course, but if the blood of the children of the Horned Rat runs in my veins, my soul was forged by the anvil and hammer of the Steiner von Kekesfalva family. And so, to honour my adoption ancestors and my blood relatives, I have always tried to remain in control of my emotions in order to fulfil my duty. That's how I've kept my head on my shoulders and protected my kind.
Brother Merthin raised his index finger.
- Let's admit it. Can you affirm you were "in control of your emotions" at all times, without ever doubting, nor faltering?
- Some days were more difficult than others, it's true.
- For example?
- When I saw Gabriel and Isolde scared. When I saw my mother mourning the absence of my father. When I saw Bianka sick in bed, after discovering the betrayal of Master Steadyhand and Prior Romulus, which we believed to be genuine.
- So many things that must have seriously shaken you. You, powerless, witnessing the degradation of your family without being able to do anything about it... how frustrating!
The brown Skaven's green eyes turned red.
- Brother Merthin, don't you dare say that! If I'd felt "powerless", I'd have stayed in my room, whining and scourging myself every morning! Yes, I was scared, yes, I was sad, but I wanted to fight! That's what I did! I defended my family, my town and my homeland! That's how I fought the frustration. And when we kicked the hindquarters of that posse of degenerates once and for all at the sawmill, I had the thrill of having done my duty!
- Relieving the pressure that had been building up for weeks can be a lifesaver. But it can also reveal certain flaws in judgement?
- What flaws are you talking about, Brother Merthin?
- Perhaps you began to see enemies everywhere you looked? What if your judgement had been impaired by the pressure? Anyone could belong to the sect. The smallest servant, the smallest passer-by, the smallest washerwoman... danger was everywhere, all the time. Your little brother and sister were very scared, and rightly so. What if you were no longer able to protect them? What if the enemies you thought you saw were only figments of your imagination?
- Are all the dead and captured cultists figments of my imagination?
- No, of course they aren't, but I find it hard to believe in the existence of supernatural creatures. The body of this so-called Chaos Champion has not been found, even though you claim to have slain him. Nor has any trace been found of the creature that attacked your sister in the greenhouse, apart from your testimony. What am I to think? Are you making this up? Is Sir Alcibiade's demonic content being exaggerated by your mental state of uncontrolled anxiety?
- Absolutely not. I know what I saw, Brother Merthin. Sir Alcibiades was a monster, an abomination with nothing normal left in it. When we tore from its disgusting body the spark of life that animated this infect thing, it disintegrated in a matter of seconds. Its infamous armour and cursed sword also shattered into tiny pieces. Granted, there is no physical trace of its intrusion into our world, but everyone saw Sir Alcibiades that night. What you are claiming to be fabrications due to "uncontrolled anxiety" can quickly be confirmed by dozens of citizens, led by Lady Gottlieb and Captain Klingmann. What's more, these so-called fabrications were perfectly justified: Once the confrontation was over and the culprits unmasked, we discovered that the Purple Hand had members among the highest authorities in Vereinbarung, and even some of the guards on the Steiner estate were involved! So the children were right to be scared. Bianka and I lifted the stone to reveal the vermin crawling underneath, and I swept it clean. I did it with the help of my true friends, who are loyal to the Crown subjects, and braver than you, Brother Merthin!
The priest of Verena did not react, petrified by young Steiner's tirade. He was trembling with anger. The two men glared at each other. Finally, after a long ten seconds, the Human turned towards the provost.
- I have nothing more to ask this witness, your Honour.
- In that case, I would like to thank Master Steiner for his sincere, although a few passionate, testimony. I will now ask for the testimony of his sister, High Archivist Bianka Steiner.