Legacy

Chapter 15 - After the Flood

Morning came as a blessed relief. Black clad agents helping the weak and frightened prisoners back out into the light. Shaken groups gathered in the courtyard in front of the stronghold in the crisp clean air and morning sun. Humble and concerned-looking agents handed out blankets, thick stripes of jerky and hot cups of a bitter tasting brew. Occasionally they would lead family members off to a barracks filled with the sounds of sobbing and tears.

As the last of the prisoners were freed, a familiar-looking man strode out of the stronghold, his clothes still streaked with blood.

"My friends and citizens of the Republic, I come before you in supplication to apologize for the atrocities you have experienced. Demus Thira and her accomplices have been taken into custody and will face justice at the hands of the Republic. The nights of terror are over. What she has done she has done alone, the actions of a fanatic who put her own selfish desires ahead of the greater good." Falstis said earnestly to a cheer from weary crowd.

"What happened at Marsh Crossing was a tragedy, but one we will overcome. A team of Architects will be here within two weeks. All those who wish to return and help rebuild all that was taken from them are welcome. Those of you that have suffered under Thira you have my deepest apologies. I wish we could have stopped her before things became as bad as they did."

A group of agents emerged from the stronghold dragging Thira injured but alive along with a few members of her personal guard and Theo Lucius.

"Have no fear, citizens, we will be taking them all back to the capital for trial and they will answer for all they have done. Demus Thira you are Demus no longer. May you bear the mark of a nameless one from now on."

"Fools! You are letting the Black Prince escape. He was in my clutches and I could have rid the world of that filth once and for all. You'll all crawl at my feet soon enough. You'll beg me for forgiveness. You'll regret not listening to me when you had the chance. The Black Prince is a disease on this land – he'll kill us all!" The nameless one ranted as Falstis gagged her.

"Please, Falstis why have you lumped in with these people? I sent word to you didn't I? I risked much to let know what has transpired." Theo Jonas pleaded.

"Quiet, Theo. Your crimes are well known to us. You may think us fools but I have all the evidence I need about what you have done. You fed this woman's madness to suit your own ambitions, driving her to recklessness while all the while claiming to be a man of the people. Not to mention what I have seen in your Room of Screams. You'll stand beside her at the Hall of Justice. What becomes of you will be a mercy compared to what you have done to those who faced your inquisition." Falstis said in disgust. Theo shook visibly at Falstis's words and whatever protest he had prepared fell silent on his lips as he saw the look of disdain on his captor's face.

Falstis led his men from the square dragging the prisoners behind him. The guards and soldiers began to disperse only a small contingent of agents remaining behind sorting through the stronghold and helping those who had suffered at Thira's hand.

Kane found Jonas sitting in a handcart, his legs and feet tightly bound in bandages, traces of blood soaking through. He looked ten years older, his face deeply lined, and his eyes empty and hallow. A look of shame hung off him when he caught sight of Kane. Archon put his hand on the man's shoulders saying nothing but giving him a look of forgiveness.

"I'll take my friend home," Kane said to the man pulling the wagon, who nodded and walked off. There was silence on the streets as they made their way back to the brewery. Jonas's family gathered around him sobbing. He never spoke of what transpired that night and part of him seemed lost forever.

***

It was a week before Kane could bring up the topic of what came next with Jonas as the man spent most of his time sitting in bed staring vacantly out of the window. Kane eventually had a long discussion with the man talking about the future and everything that had happened. Of favours owed, and the need for Kane and the prince to move on. It was late into the evening before they finished. The details had all been arranged and it was all planned. A large group of refugees were returning to the ruins of Marsh Crossing in the morning and Kane and the prince would be among them but would split off from the main group and cut across the fields belonging to a friend of Jonas's. From there they would accompany a shipment of grain to Mellow Creek.

A caravan would be pulling through there the following day and Kane would join one of wagons as a driver. The caravan via a roundabout route would eventually deliver them to the City of Winter's Breath in Cold Moon arc.

There was little time to prepare that night, but by mid morning's light, Kane and the young prince bid farewell to Hundred Orchards. The prince was disappointed he'd not been able to catch one last show by the macabre jester, Smiling Jack, but he was happy to be on the road again.