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All I wanted was to get back to my bed and sleep. It was nearly 11 at night and too much had happened that day all because of me. However as I approached the Inn, I could see that there were Paladins roaming about. They were stopping the various people still out, seeming intent on finding someone. I thought about not asking anyone what was going on, but my curiosity got the better of me. As I passed a group of people on my way into the Inn, I asked them about the Paladins. One of them looked me up and down, eyes wide, before walking past me to the door.
“We found her!" the elf shouted, "She’s right here!” I felt a chill sweep over me. If the Paladins were searching for me, clearly I had done something. I suppose word of me almost killing Mabel got out. Or perhaps my involvement with Isaac and Billy and the 'undead' fiasco at the library was what they were after me for. With how crummy I felt, I didn't care much what it was they wanted me for. I hated myself and punishment for what I've done felt right.
The Paladins looked to me standing just beyond the door frame. As they made way toward me, I moved out to them. I automatically put my hands out to be taken since I had no fight left in me. As they place me under arrest the lead Paladin states, “You are here by under arrest for forcing Cleric Rob to use forbidden magic, turning him over to the Black Guard and for working for Pendral.”
As soon as I heard the accusation, a spark of fight flared in me.
"I did no such thing,” I firmly responded. The Paladin then looked me in the eyes."It was not my intentions for him to be destroyed, but I made him do nothing!"
“We were informed you forced him to use forbidden magic.”
“Like I said, I did no such thing,” I defended, keeping my voice firm but non aggressive, “A boy had died outside the city. The father had recommended Cleric Rob. So we carefully brought the boy in undetected and once we found Cleric Rob, it was then made known to me that resurrection was forbidden magic. I was about to ask if he could preserve the body, that way we could go to a different city to resurrect the body, when he nodded to the other Cleric to leave the room. I'm then asked to present the boy, to which he performed the resurrection right there in front of me. Granted, I did nothing to stop him,” I explained.
“That seems pretty convenient none of the other Clerics were there-”
“My companion, Cortanna, she was there and could testify to the truthfulness of what had happened,” I interjected. The Paladin gave a wary look before asking for a quick description of her.
“Okay, so even if that were true, you were warned about the Black Guard were you not?”
“I was.”
“So, why was it that you stayed behind when the Black Guards caught up to you. My sources say you had plenty of time and space to escape.” I felt a mild headache starting to begin. How I wished people could just be in my head for a moment and understand.
“I stayed because I wasn’t sure what would happen if both of us attempted to flee. I figured I could stall them long enough that my companion had a better chance to get that boy back to his father alive.”
“And because you gave yourself up you decide to give up Cleric Rob’s name to save yourself or was this proof of you working for Pendral?” the Paladin persisted. My stoic demeanor was beginning to vanish as the memories of that morning rushed in.
“I had every intentions of saving him. Another member in my party has a sword of wishing to which I was going to use a wish to save Cleric Rob,” I answered stiffly. The Paladin rolled his eyes before more condescendingly saying, “You can’t save someone when their soul’s been destroyed.”
“I know!” I snapped. I took a quick breath and pushed aside the anger that welled up inside me. Then more calmly, yet measured, I continued, “I didn’t know it was going to happen so fast. 50 yards away was where the rest of my party was. I figured there would have at least been a trial.”
The Lead Paladin, seeming annoyed with my continued defence, replied, “Don’t worry, we’ll make sure there’s a trial for you.” I looked at him at the oddness of his response to what I just said. I figured as one last statement before taking me to my trial, I’d defend against the assumption I was working for Pendral.
“I did help kill Pendral.”
The Paladin, as though all my alibis had been ridiculous, mutters, “I’m sure you did.”
I wasn't sure what to expect. It wouldn't surprise me if I was given the death sentence, but perhaps I'd be placed in jail for a long time. Death would be a lot quicker. I wouldn't have to sit in my memories of this tragic day. I'm pretty sure I am immortal to aging, but only time will tell. As we walked along the streets, a few folk standing in the door ways of buildings, eyeing the Angelic being escorted in manacles by Paladins. It was humiliating. What shame I brought to my race. How was it my actions went so disastrously wrong? I thought briefly about my companions, how sure they wouldn't miss me. I couldn’t blame them either since I hadn't brought anything good to the party.
I was taken into a grand Cathedral. I didn't know which deity it was for, but the craftsmanship and splendor dulled the awfulness of my situation for a moment. The vaulted ceiling stretched so high into the sky, I had to wonder how it was I hadn't noticed the building when I first entered the Court of the Gods that morning. It was large and filled to the rim with Clerics representing the various Gods. I was placed in the middle of all of them. Before me, whom I could only assume to be, were the lead Clerics of the Court (or for Palor). Every eye was judging, condescending, or filled with delight at my misfortune. I managed to look up into the eyes of my accusers.
“We’ve heard all you’ve had to say in your defense,” one of the Clerics began. I assumed him to be the Head of the Clerics with the splendor of his robes and the head dresses that adorned his head. I was about to question how he had known what I had said when I noticed the Paladin who had interrogated me earlier had been standing by him for sometime. I couldn't recall when he had disappeared from me during our travel to the trial.
“We are curious though as to who you are,” a Cleric to the right of the Lead Cleric spoke. I looked at him and figured I should avoid mentioning that I was cast from the Kingdom of Heironious.
“My name is Araja Eloirakn. I and my friends are new to the city having traveled from a small town south of here called Podunk,” I said as a simple introduction of myself. It seemed to do the trick and distract from my race.
“Okay then. Why is it you and your party traveled here to the City of Sardik?”
“We believe, due to some recent problems in Podunk, that there may be something going on with werewolves and Duke Lupik. We came here to seek an audience with Duke Sardik, hoping we might find some answers about Lupik. We're particularly hoping for answers about how Sardik once had Podunk under his control, but for reasons unknown gave it up a few years ago. Of what we know of Sardik, it seemed out of character for him," I paused for a moment. The Clerics remained silent, seeming to ponder something, "Might I know your names now that you know mine?"
The Lead Cleric eyes were set on me, making me feel slightly uncomfortable under his gaze. "Yes Araja, you may," he drawled out, "I'm Mathias Herrin. Head Cleric of Palor. To my left is my first counselor, Caleb Madrick, and to my right, is my new," he gave enough emphasis while looking me in the eyes, that I assumed Rob once held that position, "second counselor Garis Rootwaller." Caleb and Garis both nodded when their names were listed. Mathias became quiet again, observing me closely. What more did he want of me, I thought. I had spoken everything that would defend myself of not being a malicious killer, but what was it that he was pondering? It suddenly seemed that maybe this trial wasn’t really about Cleric Rob. Or it could very well be that it had been a crazy day and I was exhausted beyond belief and my mind was beginning to loose sight of reality.
As that miserable minute passed and my mind raced under the pressure, Mathias then asked the question I had hoped would never be asked, especially in that setting under such scrutiny of all those religious folk.
“So tell us. Why is it you have fallen from Heironious?”
I hadn't realized how loud the whispering had gotten until it ceased. The silence was unnerving. The Clerics stared with realization as to what I was, at least those who hadn’t realized my state first off. I didn’t want to answer. I wanted to hold my tongue. I was most convinced none of the Clerics would believe me or side with me. It was nearly two weeks ago my opinion of Heironious and Erythnul almost got me killed. For me to say that Heironious wasn’t good any more was certain to ensure my demise. Yet, was I really gonna make it out of this alive? I thought for a moment to find the most tactful of words to best describe what had happened and perhaps not offend anyone in the process.
“I don't know if any of you remember the mark," I began, looking to see if any recognition registered on Mathias's, Cabel's, and Garis's face. Their faces remained impassive. All of the faces in the Cathedral didn't seem to register anything as I looked around, "Well, if any of you remember or have heard of the mark, my sister, Meryth, was among one of those who were marked. I had just been Exalted when I saw my sister become marked. From what I’ve been told, the mark claims the body as Erythnul’s. Knowing how good my sister was, I felt if I killed her before she could do any wrong, that maybe, just maybe she’d be spared that fate. But lo, how awful I felt as I watched her die in my arms. I waited hours for her Exaltation to come, but all I was left with was her corpse in my arms. Heironious came down and comforted me, seeming just as upset by the course of events. He told me, through my grief, how he wasn't able to Exalt her because of the mark being upon her body. I was able to come to accept that, though the guilt lingered for having killed my sister.
“Centuries later Malfeiya comes along and she’s saving people from the mark. She’s amazing and the most good person in the world. But she was marked. I let my heart go out to her, seeing how good and powerful she was, but knowing in the end she couldn’t be Exalted while marked...” I then fought back the emotions I could feel welling up. The anger that burned under my eyes were still ever strong as the day I was cast from the Kingdom. Through pierced lips and a voice that struggled for control continued, “But she was Exalted upon her death. And with open arms was welcomed into the Kingdom-” I had to stop myself, feeling myself getting carried away in my emotion. I knew I had to be careful the words I used, especially with my anger on the verge of spilling over. “I was angry because they let her into the Kingdom while my sister rots in the ground, a slave to Erythnul for forever! Heironious tried to soften the blow by saying there was something more to her that overlooked the mark, but I could see through it. It all became clear when she was Exalted. She was nothing more than some overly privileged, favorite of Heironious, immune to any and all consequences! She could do no wrong!” I let that statement hang in the air for a moment.
“So I left because I felt Heironious, whom I thought was all good, who'd never bend one of his rules for any one, went back on one of his most strict requirements by letting Malfeiya into his Kingdom.”
The Clerics whispered among themselves, I’m sure due to me slandering Heironious’s good name. But it was truth and I would never back down from what I knew to be right. Mathias was leaning back, a hand over his mouth in thought. He was obviously intrigued by my story. After a moment of processing my information he leans forward once more to speak.
“Araja, we have heard the stories about Erythnul and this mark. I am, and most everyone here are, quite certain they are just legends, especially concerning Malfeiya. You do know her body was buried in Threll about 200 years ago, don’t you?” I looked at the Cleric questioningly.
“I’m sorry, but that can’t be so. I saw her in the flesh in the Kingdom close to 3 weeks ago. Wings and all. I wouldn’t be here if she hadn’t ascended.”
“That is most curious then. If she’s in the Kingdom... then who was buried in Threll?” Caleb interjected. I was still confused by their timeline. I thought about my time in the mortal realm. It had been just shy of 3 weeks. How was it that Malfeiya was supposedly buried 200 years ago? It was too much for my head to make out, especially considering the fatigue that was there. Sensing that a good portion of them at least knew about my past to a certain extent (whether they believed it or not) I felt impressed that I should mention the mark from the mines to make my history more credible.
“I have more unusual news. I know most of you don’t believe in the mark... but I know it’s still around,” there was an intake of whispering when I made that comment. I decide to press forward, my fear of offending these Clerics rising with the next few sentences I say, “What’s more disturbing about this mark is it suggests that Erythnul is still in fact alive... and that Heironious is working with him.”
As that sentence left my mouth there was a gasp of astonishment. Whether they were as shocked as me when I first discovered it or that I would utter such ‘falsehood’ on their beloved Heironious, I couldn’t tell. But there I was, exposed and trying to remain strong while my heart raced under the anxiety I felt. Being alone and speaking ill of a God in a place filled with God fearing Clerics just seemed foolish, but I doubt I had much of a choice. Mathias, Caleb and Garis were clearly perplexed by my statement.
“That is quite bold of you to say. Do you have any proof of this mark?” Garis simply asked. My blood suddenly ran cold. Billy jumped to mind. But did I mention him and risk him and Isaac being killed? No, that was the last thing I wanted to do. I would not mention him. Billy was under our control anyways and Isaac was a good guy, well at least as far I know him. Yet, how else could I prove this mark when I had no other evidence? There was the mine, I thought to myself. I figured that would be my best option.
“A little southeast of Podunk is a silver mine. My friends and I had gone in there to get silver when we came across an unusually large mass of folk, all bearing this mark,” I then asked for a paper and pen so I could draw the mark for them to see. The three Clerics examined it, intrigued.
“This is most unusual,” he Mathias said staring at the mark, “but, how do we know this to be true and not you just making something up? We can’t just send a party of Clerics on a 3 week expedition on the word of one person.”
“If you did I would be more than happy to go with,” I added. The Clerics shook their heads in disapproval.
“No, it is too much of an investment. Are you sure there is no other source of proof that you might have?” Mathias asked, sounding tired or exasperated. The dread of possibly having to rat Billy out welled up inside of me. I didn’t want them to not believe me, but I didn’t want to make another enemy… I was about to give in and confess when someone called out saying they knew how to scry.
“If you're able to give us an accurate location to where the mine is, then we can go see these marked beings you claim are there,” a Cleric from the stands explained. I gave a close description of the location and could see in the middle of the room a great orb appear with a somewhat familiar location in it. I could see a path and after looking a few different ways knew where the orb was. I directed the Cleric toward the mine. Soon the image brought to view the mine with all the various sized rocks my party and I had placed in front of it to prevent the being inside from getting out.
“Um, sorry. I can’t make this go past obstacles without a line of sight,” the Cleric said. For a moment my hopes were dashed while being so close to the entrance to the mine.
“Why are there so many rocks there?” Garis asked.
“To prevent what we saw in there from coming out,” was my reply though it felt lame to say.
“I know how to scry as well!” Another Cleric chimed in excitedly, "Tell me what it looks like just beyond the rocks, far enough in that we won’t get stuck in them,” he instructed. I gave the description, adding details of the items that we hadn’t taken with us. Soon another image filled the orb of the inside of the cave. It was dark, but the glow of the orb gave some light, enough that we could see the clear footprints we left when exploring the cave.
“Careful, there is a drop off at the end of this path,” I said as they moved past the place we found Billy.
“It’s a floating orb. It’ll be alright.”
“Oh.”
The orb continued into the dark abyss. Suddenly a giant's face appeared that scared everyone with the it’s sudden appearance. As the orb moved away, it gave light to the mass of folk below. The orb maneuvered among the folk, exposing the mark on every single being it drew near. I looked back to Mathias who was mesmerized by the evidence that laid before him. I couldn’t be certain if most of the shock came from the sheer number of marked beings in the cave or the chant they all spoke. Either one, everyone was captivated by the image in the orb.
“That is quite... astonishing, but not in a good way,” Mathias said, “Why is it you haven’t taken this issue to the King?” All the Clerics murmured in agreement.
“I’ve only been in this mortal realm 3 weeks might I remind you. And so far, you have been the only group, who with evidence of this mark, has actually taken it seriously.”
“Now how does this mark work?” Caleb asked.
“Well, from what I was told growing up was those who had the mark were possessed by Erythnul. There was no way to cure it and they were made to take out his orders.”
The Clerics were obviously racking his head for an answer to what could be, in my opinion, another epidemic of the mark. The whole cathedral was in a buzz of whispers from the Clerics expressing their thoughts of the situation. With how shocked everyone was by the proof of my alibi, I figured, maybe they’d know if a marked person could be controlled by another being.
“Mathias,” I said loudly to be sure I could get the Head Cleric of Palor's attention, “now seeing that the mark is real, would you know if it were possible for another person to take control of a marked being?” I asked that only because I had some suspicion of Billy, but maybe the Clerics knew better about people being possessed and if others could override someone’s possession with their own magics.
“Araja, 5 minutes ago, I was most certain this was just a legend. With this evidence, right now I believe you to be the expert on this matter. I don’t know the function of the mark as well as you nor the magic that is used to make it. With that, I cannot give you an answer,” Mathias answered, with a hint of a condescending tone. I nodded my head and lowered my gaze, disappointed at the lack of an answer. I could see Mathias shift his weight in his chair. He looked around the hall seeing the Clerics have returned their attention to him. He let out an exasperated sigh.
“Araja Eloirakn, in conclusion of this trial, to make sure you are not workings with this deity, Erythnul, we shall search your body for a sign of the mark. If you are marked, you will be taken into custody and treated like those of old who were marked. If you are not marked, we shall examine the statements you gave about the death of our beloved Cleric Rob, possibly contacting your party and any other witnesses, over the next few days. You may not leave the city until we contact you, is that clear?” Mathias declared.
I nodded my head once to confirm I understood. With that I was taken into a room and examined thoroughly for a mark. Once satisfied that I was unmarked, the Clerics that searched me then escorted me outside to the quiet streets in the Court of the Gods. The moon was a quarter full, giving a gentle glow to the streets. I then made my way home. Part of me was utterly shocked that I had managed to walk away from all of that, but it didn’t necessarily mean I was completely off the hook. Part of me also felt like the trial was a huge let down. There was no closure to what was to be done with the mark.
Walking back to the Inn seemed long. As I walked into the Inn, I could see my party, looking as though they too had just arrived back. Looks were exchanged, but nothing was said. I think we were all in agreement to just put that day behind us and go to bed. How my head longs for the pillow. I suppose this is all I have to record of my first day in Sardik.
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