Table of Contents – (spoilers)
The squad of men-at-arms sent by the Bitanian Abbot of the Knights of the Holy Sword arrived at the Spitzer church just before lunch. There were five of them. All big, powerful men, they were mounted on warhorses and armed with shield and lances along with their melee sidearms. Overtop of their chainmail, the holy soldiers wore tabards of the Knights of the Holy Sword: white, with a large, four-spoked, Stronian Wheel front and back.
When Father Morrenthall, priest of the Knights of the Holy Sword, and magistrate of Spitzer, had finished meeting with his men, he summoned the Pekot Bunch to his office.
“Thank you for coming,” he said, once Peep, Choke, Pinch, and Knuckle were all seated in front of his desk. “As you no doubt have surmised, with the arrival of my abbot’s men, I shall no longer be requiring your help. I thank you for your service to me, my order, and this community. It has been much appreciated.”
“Of course, Father. It was no problem at all,” Choke said. Pinch and Knuckle nodded their assent to this.
“Yeah, it was my pleasure, Father!” Peep said cheerfully. Her grin widened when Father Morrenthall frowned at her.
“Indeed,” he said. He then looked to Choke: “Lieutenant Pekot. You and Sergeants Nikolas and Theodas are now free to report for duty to Captain Edison. I have written all of you a commendation for your service. I shall accompany you to submit it to him in person.”
“Thank you, Father,” the three young men said.
“It is nothing. You all did very well indeed. I do hope we shall have the opportunity to work together in future.”
“Likewise, Father,” Choke said, bowing his head.
“Now. Otilla. You are, of course free to stay here at the church while your fellows are up at the fort. However, I think you might be very useful to them in assessing and training their recruits.”
“Yes, Father. That’s what I was thinking,” Peep said.
“Good. My scout, Michal, reported to me that you were very helpful this morning in familiarizing him with this region’s particularities. Do you feel there is anything more he should know, Otilla?”
Peep thought for just a second. “No, Father. I think he should be all good.”
“Very good. Thank you, then. As to your followers: that one woman shall have to remain confined to quarters until further notice. Has she been made aware of this?”
“Yes, Father. She won’t be a problem,” Peep answered smartly.
“Good. As to your other followers. While you are in Spitzer, they may stay on here as they have been. Just make an effort to check in with them occasionally so that they do not become distraught and troublesome. Yes?”
“Yes, Father.”
“Good. Then, when you do move on to Bristlehump, you may set up those that follow you at the church there. Feed them from the church’s stock. There should be rent aplenty from the tenants to manage that. There might also be some church land not in use that you could put them to work on, if you feel that is viable. Coordinate this with Brother Barrelmender, of course.”
“Of course, Father,” Peep said with a smirk as she imagined Shasta’s reaction to having to provide for the Otilla of the Holy Fire Wailers.
“Good. Now. After lunch, we shall all go up to the fort together. Along with my new men. That should make a strong impression. We shall find Captain Edison, and I shall hand you over to him, along with your commendations. Then I shall put Sergeant-Major Orel and Lieutenant Hamon under orders to return with me and my men to the church for questioning,” Father Morrenthall looked significantly at Peep with this.
Peep smiled back at him. Father Morrenthall sighed before continuing:
“I expect this shall cause some disruption and consternation at the fort. I do not expect Captain Edison to take kindly to it. Lieutenant Pekot, your captain may take his frustrations out upon you. You shall have to be patient with him and this difficult situation.”
“I understand, Father.”
“Good. Now, all of you shall be heading into the military world. Coming as you have from a Brothers of the Holy Stone school, this shall not seem so strange to you. All of your training and experience from the school shall be perfectly suitable for army life. Lieutenant Pekot, treat your command as your abbot, Brother Willem, did his school. Sergeants Nikolas and Theodas, treat your men as you did the younger students you were given command of in training. Stick to your training and you shall get along very well with military life.”
“Thank you, Father,” the three Pekot men said.
“However,” Father Morrenthall said, then pausing significantly, “you will find there are some critical differences between monastic and military life. You will be regarded as outsiders. Beyond your ethnicity, Lieutenant Pekot, you will be associated with me and our religious orders. Soldiers know and fear the Stronian militant orders; as they should. Some of them even respect us. But we are not well liked. Watch your backs.”
“Understood, Father,” Choke said.
“Good. Now, one last thing. As I said to you before: you must not share what you know about the work we have been doing to cleanse this place. Allow the intelligence to inform your actions and caution, of course. But you must not act upon it. And, above all, you must not speak of it. Is that clear?”
“Yes, Father,” all four intoned.
“As well, if you should discover any information that you feel is important for me to know, get it to me as soon as possible. Otilla, I think you would serve as the best messenger in this regard, since you will be free to go about as you please.”
“Yes, Father,” Peep nodded.
“Well, then, I think that is all. Yes? You may pack yourselves up. We shall leave right after lunch. Thank you. Dismissed.”
As the squad stood up to leave, however, Father Morrenthall held up his hand with a frown to halt them.
“Wait,” he said. With his hand still in the air, he closed his eyes and tilted his head to the side in deep thought. “Ah!” he exclaimed, slapping his desk as he dropped his hand. “Your three men. The three vagrants from the jail. I told them that one of them would be allowed to return home to collect their families and belongings, did I not? You should cut one loose before going up to the fort. Doing so later could complicate things.”
“That’s no problem, Father,” Peep said. “I took care of that already. I sent him on his way.”
“Good! Good. Very well. After lunch, then. Up to the fort. Full costumes, yes?”
***
Father Morrenthall and his people cut an impressive sight riding up to the fort. In crisp and white Holy Sword tabard and full armor, with longsword at his side, Father Morrenthall rode at the head of their small column. Side by side behind him came Choke and Peep.
Choke was in his brightly colored tabard of the Baron’s black and green, with his epaulettes bearing the badges of his rank of lieutenant in the Royal Army of Bitina. His helmet and boots were polished to a bright shine. On his left hip rode Lieutenant Dixon’s beautiful cavalry saber. His light warhorse, Nike, was magnificent, and pranced and skipped as he sensed the excitement of the occasion. Choke rode with his lance in hand, pointed high in the air.
Peep was astride her fine courser, the horse she had claimed from her killing of the Chisel’s scouts. On its saddle was her Scythan warbow and quivers. Peep was wearing her wolfhead cloak with her enchanted shortsword on her hip. Slung on her back was her custom shortbow and quiver.
Behind Peep rode Father Morrenthall’s five men in their full kit. Their sergeant was at their head, with the four others riding two by two behind him. After them, Knuckle and Pinch rode side by side. They were both in their muted green and black tabards with the three stripes of sergeant at the shoulder. Knuckle was a terrifying figure mounted on the Chisel’s big, beautiful, black stallion, with his greatsword on his back. Behind them rode the squad’s two recruits, Dom and Lenny, on their little hill horses.
Finally, at the rear, came Father Morrenthall’s scout, Michal, who rode bow in hand with most of his attention focused behind them.
They rode from the church, up Main Street, around the jail tower with the burning Wheel still in place, then up Fort Road. The townsfolk stopped what they were doing and tugged their forelocks into deep bows as the holy warriors passed them by.
Around the fort, small groups of soldiers were practicing spear and shield formations with their sergeants screaming and beating on them. When the sergeants saw Father Morrenthall’s column approaching, the sergeants got their men standing at attention until they passed.
The forts main gates were open, and manned only by a corporal and a lone spearman. There was one crossbowman up above on the wall on top of the gatehouse.
The corporal soon had Father Morrenthall and his people through to the inner courtyard where they dismounted at the stables.
“I am here to see Captain Edison, Corporal. Is he here?” Father Morrenthall asked.
“Yes, Father. He is in the keep, Father. I’ll take you to him immediately.”
“Thank you,” Father Morrenthall said. He then turned to his Holy Sword sergeant: “Sergeant. You are with me. The rest of you: tight perimeter around the stables. Lieutenant Pekot, you should come up with me as well. Otilla, what is your preference?”
“I’ll come up too, Father.”
“Very good. Shall we?” Father Morrenthall asked the corporal.
They were soon escorted up through the keep to Captain Edison on the top floor, who was standing at his desk waiting for them. This time, his desk was clear of ledgers or any other evidence of work.
“Father Morrenthall. Miss Otilla. Please have a seat,” Captain Edison said with a deep nod to both before gesturing to the two chairs he had prepared. He spared Choke a look of begrudging acceptance. Then he gave Father Morrenthall’s man a look of deep concern.
Father Morrenthall’s sergeant warranted such a look. In early middle-age, he was a tall, thick-chested man with sinewy arms. On his weaponbelt was a shortsword, dagger, and warhammer. His face may well have been carved of granite by an accomplished sculptor set to exemplify disciplined cruelty.
The Holy Sword sergeant and Choke took up position standing behind Father Morrenthall’s and Peep’s chairs.
“May I get anything for you to drink, Father? Otilla?” Captain Edison asked.
“No, thank you. We shall not be long, I think,” Father Morrenthall answered for both of them.
“Very well. That is all, then, Corporal. Return to your post,” Captain Edison said, saluting crisply to his man, who returned the gesture before leaving.
“What can I do for you, Father?” Captain Edison said, taking his seat.
“First of all, Captain, I can happily report to you that my people from Strana have arrived. As you can see. So I shall no longer have to make any use of yours. Lieutenant Pekot is here to report for duty. Along with his two sergeants and two new recruits downstairs.”
“Two new recruits, you say?” Captain Edison sighed as he reached for his writing kit and ledgers.
“Yes. Lieutenant Hamon had arrested three trappers for vagrancy. I convinced them to enlist. I thought it easiest to hand them over to Lieutenant Pekot’s command, seeing as he was with me at the time.”
“Yes, yes. What are their names? Pardon me, but I think it is best to get this business squared away before we proceed with any other,” Captain Edison said as he flipped open his personnel ledger.
“Quite right. I… I do apologize, Captain. I am afraid I have quite forgotten their names,” Father Morrenthall said.
Peep raised a finger to interject. “Lenny. And Dominic. There was also a third one, Bev, who did enlist, but has been sent off to collect their families and shit.”
“Thank you, Miss Otilla. And do you think he shall return?” Captain Edison asked without looking up from his writing.
“Doubt it. But ye never know, sometimes people surprise ye.”
“Yes. Quite,” Captain Edison said acerbically with a sideways glance Father Morrenthall’s way. “Where was it the fellow was heading to?”
“Out past Disbury way, I believe, Captain” Peep answered.
“And he left here mounted?”
“Yes, Captain.”
“So, if he does not report for duty within… let us say… two weeks, we shall mark him as a deserter,” Captain Edison said, dipping his pen once more to make another tiny note in the margin of his ledger.
“That sounds reasonable, Captain,” Father Morrenthall said.
“Thank you, Father,” Captain Edison said, finally pushing his ledger aside. “Now, Miss Otilla, just as a related side note: as an irregular scout, you may claim a reward of two silver pieces for every deserter you catch and return.”
“Really, Captain? Well, shit, why don’t we call Bev a deserter if he isn’t back inside the week then?” Peep said with a grin.
Both Captain Edison and Father Morrenthall looked at her sternly.
“It’s just a joke,” she said.
“Indeed,” Father Morrenthall said. “So, Captain, as I was saying: my people from Strana have arrived, so you may have yours back.”
“Ah. Yes. Thank you, Father. So Lieutenant Cooper and his men are back here at the fort?”
“Not just yet, no. But as soon as I return to town, I shall have my people replace them and send them up to you. If I may, though, I would appreciate the use of one of them for just another day. To act as a guide, of sorts, to help familiarize my men with the town.”
“Yes that should be fine.”
“Thank you. I understand Lieutenant Cooper’s sergeant has a rather good handle on things. What was that sergeant’s name, Otilla?”
“Sergeant Neil, Father. He’s a good man.”
“Just so. Sergeant Neil,” Father Morrenthall said to Captain Edison.
Captain Edison stared back at him wearily.
“So it’s not just a man you’re wanting. It’s a sergeant. And one of my better ones.”
“Just for a day, Captain. If you could spare him, I would be most appreciative.”
“Yes, yes. Alright then. Whatever you want. Is there anything else I can help you with, while we’re at it?”
“Now that you mention it, Captain, there is. But, before we get to that, I would like to give you this to file,” Father Morrenthall pulled a small role of parchment from a scroll case on his hip and stood to set it on Captain Edison’s desk. “It is a letter of commendation for Lieutenant Pekot and his Sergeants Theodas and Nikolas. They have distinguished themselves admirably in their service to me these last few days.”
Captain Edison unrolled the letter to give it a quick read. “Very well,” he said as he set it aside, “I am glad you are satisfied. Now. What more do you need, Father?”
“I have made good progress in my investigation to uproot the corruption here. I am now ready to initiate the next phase. This,” Father Morrenthall pulled a second parchment out of his case and leaned forward to hand it to Captain Edison, “is a lawful warrant for the arrest of Lieutenant Hamon and Sergeant-Major Orel.”
Father Morrenthall paused to allow Captain Edison to read the signed and sealed document. Then he held his hand out for its return. Captain Edison flipped it back at him in barely contained rage. Father Morrenthall was just able to make a nice catch of it.
“Lieutenant Hamon and Orel! Have you gone mad?” Captain Edison finally exploded.
Father Morrenthall took his time putting the warrant back into the scroll case on his hip. Then he smiled pleasantly at Captain Edison.
“No. I think I am quite in possession of all my faculties, Captain. Are you?”
“Where does this end? I’m going to have no one left to do anything! How am I supposed to operate under these conditions?” Captain Edison slammed his hand down on his desk.
“As best you can, Captain. As we all do. This is not about you. Have you forgotten what is going on here? For over a year, someone in this fort has been skimming almost the entire payroll of Lieutenant Dixon’s command. For over a year, Captain!” Father Morrenthall raised his voice to an enraged shout of his own. His was quite a bit more impressive than the Captain’s had been.
“Over a year, Captain,” Father Morrenthall repeated, his voice now as calm and steady as it ever was. “Under your very nose. I would think you would welcome the chance to resolve this mess, Captain Edison.”
“Yes. I do, Father,” Captain Edison said, rubbing his face with both hands as he sighed deeply. “I apologize for my outburst. This has just been… difficult.”
“I quite understand, Captain. And I accept your apology. It is most appreciated. I assure you that I have no desire to complicate your command any more than is absolutely necessary. While I am not at liberty to discuss the particulars at this time, I have solid evidence of corruption against both Lieutenant Hamon and Sergeant-Major Orel. They have both been thoroughly compromised by the Outfit.”
Captain Edison slumped back in his chair with a groan.
“Yes, Captain. I quite understand your sentiments. It is as terrible as all that. However, I will say to you what I assured the Baron Hart: I shall do my best to redeem those I investigate and arrest. I have no interest in a purge here. We simply need stern correction. If Lieutenant Hamon and Sergeant-Major Orel admit what they have done and cooperate fully, then I expect to have them returned to duty in short order.”
Captain Edison stared at Father Morrenthall for a long moment.
“Really?” he finally asked.
“Indeed, yes, Captain. Confession. Repentance. Forgiveness. This is a central precept of our faith. Available to all, in the next life, if not in this one. And I assure you, Captain: I have no interest in hurting the fighting capabilities of this force. I am simply doing my best to assure its optimal operation.”
“Okay… Okay. So, you are going to arrest Hamon and Orel now?”
“I would rather not. While I certainly would be within my rights to do so, I think it would be better to handle the matter with more discretion. To arrest them and then release them would look ill. On multiple levels. We do not want common people and soldiers privy to these matters, now do we?”
“No. We don’t, Father,” Captain Edison said emphatically.
“Exactly. So, in the interest of discretion, I would greatly appreciate your help in this matter, Captain Edison. If you could order Lieutenant Hamon and Sergeant-Major Orel to return to the church with me for formal interview, that would be most helpful. Then I can arrest and detain them in full privacy and security. When they do not return, you can tell your people they are on special assignment to the church.”
“I understand the need for discretion, Father, but do you think people will believe this?”
“Some will. Most will not. However, we do not require universal acceptance of the story. We simply need uncertainty to preserve a veil. Lieutenant Hamon and Sergeant-Major Orel’s crimes have been going on under just such a veil. I think it acceptable that their rehabilitation does so as well.”
“Well, I am sure you know best, Father.”
“Thank you ever so much for your cooperation, Captain Edison. It shall be noted as we proceed,” Father Morrenthall smiled in his predatory way.
Captain Edison blanched and had to take a moment to collect himself. Once he had, he said:
“Um… I am sorry to ask, Father. And if you feel it inappropriate for me to do so, then I withdraw the question. But, how long do you think it will be before Hamon and Orel can return to their duties?”
“No, it is quite all right, Captain. As their commanding officer, in charge of the operation of this fort, you have every right to inquire. Quite right. Quite right. Now, of course, Lieutenant Hamon and Sergeant-Major Orel are individuals, and there really is no way to predict how certain people will react to something like this. Some people are very tough and stubborn. But, in my experience, with this sort of men, I expect I shall be able to wrap this up within three days. If it takes longer than that, I shall be very disappointed in myself,” Father Morrenthall smiled.
Captain Edison shuddered involuntarily in horror. Then he thought this all over for a moment.
“Pardon me, Father,” he finally said, “may I ask a question about the particulars of this?”
“Of course. Whether I answer it is another matter, but do feel free to ask.”
“Thank you, Father. Now, I do not question your word that Hamon and Orel have been corrupted and are worthy of arrest. I am quite sure your evidence is solid.”
“Thank you, Captain,” Father Morrenthall said pleasantly.
“Not at all, Father. Now, assuming that they are redeemed by you, what I am curious about is how we are meant to allow them back to their normal duties. How are we to trust them? What is stopping them from returning to their corrupt ways?”
“An excellent question, Captain Edison! Right to the heart of it. I can see why you are such a fine administrator!”
“Thank you, Father.”
“Not at all, Captain. And to answer your question: I am what stops them from returning to their corrupt ways. I am not going anywhere. So, with that being the case, any recidivism shall not be a problem for long.”
Father Morrenthall paused to smile at Captain Edison overtop of his steepled fingers.
“I quite understand the difficult nature of your duties, Captain, what with you being just a man. As proficient and as diligent as you no doubt are, there is only so much you can perceive and do. If your subordinates are doing evil, you must catch them at it. And, once you do, you can only really take them at their word if you choose to rehabilitate them after correction.
“I, on the other hand, while also just a man, have the support and aid of Stron in my endeavors. In the same manner that I investigate sin and crime, so may I patrol against its return. It is a simple matter to come around for a weekly interview of any redeemed subjects. They must submit to a Zone of Truth spell and answer a few simple questions. ‘In this last week, have you engaged in any criminal or corrupt behavior? Are you aware of any of your subordinates or superiors that have?’ And so forth. All but the most impulsive criminals swiftly learn that continued, earnest cooperation, on all levels, is really the only way forward for them. And I highly doubt that either Lieutenant Hamon and Sergeant-Major Orel are such impulsive men. They would not have risen to, and maintained, the positions they have if they were. So, Captain, I am quite sure that once we get things settled down here, it shall be no problem to maintain things and establish a productive and entirely correct status quo.”
As Captain Edison considered this, Father Morrenthall continued to smile at him. Once he had digested the speech, Captain Edison said:
“Very good, Father. I understand completely.”
“I am so very glad that you do, Captain Edison.”
“So, Father, what is it you need from me now?”
“Thank you, Captain. As I said, I would like you to order Lieutenant Hamon and Sergeant-Major Orel to accompany me and my men to the church for formal interview. I will also say that I have no evidence that you, Captain, are anything other than an honorable officer who has committed no crimes. However, and I do apologize, Captain Edison, but it is equally true that I do not have any evidence that you are an honorable officer who has committed no crimes. Simply put: at this point in time, I have no way of knowing, one way or the other. Now, of course, when I have the time, in a few days, I expect, I would be more than happy to sit down with you for a formal interview so that you can set my mind to rest in this matter. Yes?”
“I… Ah. Yes, thank you, Father,” Captain Edison managed.
“However, with only so much time in a day, and very clear malfeasance from the rogue’s gallery here in Spitzer, I can only do as I must. And I must get to work on Lieutenant Hamon and Sergeant-Major Orel immediately. Your interview shall have to wait, Captain Edison. I do apologize, but I am quite sure you understand.”
“Yes, Father. I do understand.”
“Very good. So, with all this being so, I think it would be best for us to go together to Sergeant-Major Orel, and Lieutenant Hammon, in turn. That way, I can be sure that there are no conspiratorial shenanigans, and you may rest easy knowing that I shall have no suspicion of that in my mind. Yes?”
“Ah… Yes, Father. Of course. But, pardon me… but am I a suspect in this?” Captain Edison asked, now sweating.
“Why my dear Captain, everyone who has not been formally interviewed by me is a suspect!” Father Morrenthall laughed.
“Oh. Right. Yes. I understand, Father.”
“I am so very pleased that you do, Captain. So! Shall we proceed?” Father Morrenthall said cheerfully as he stood up and gestured to the exit.
Muse Vassal 