"I swear to the goddess, creator of the sun, mother of angels, and the dawn bringer that I will speak only the truth." Dalbert Estian, the grand duke says as he looks up to the roof.
"Grand duke of Creseytesia… What's your purpose for traveling through the duchy of Norka?" Hedara An'Yis asks the small sharpened blade next to her looking far more intimidating than before.
"I'm simply passing the duchy in secrecy. I have some further business to conclude with the kingdom of Revay."
"Is this "Business" with Revay the reason for the slave trader's continuous trespassing in our lands?"
"More than likely."
"Could you define this "business" you have with the horse lords?"
"Unfortunately those are strict political matters."
In the cold large chamber, only the flapping of the many bird feathers remains. The eyes of the council are aimed at Hedara who responds by glaring at the interrogated.
"What are they? Mercenaries or adventurers?" She says pointing at the armed party standing nearby.
"Adventurers, mercenaries can be swayed."
"Anyone can be swayed. It's why you give no one complete control." Hedara An'Yis says as she stands up from the uncomfortable stone chair. She walks over to every council member and leans over, listening to their whispers. Seeing her full figure, it's clear that the elf has combat experience of some kind. The clothing she wears resembles something closer to light armor than something a noble would wear. Hedara returns to her own chair, seating herself as her bright red mixed with orange eyes clearly judge the one in their center.
"After hearing everyone's opinion, I will swiftly conclude this farce. To begin with Dalbert Estian, you hired adventurers for a political orientated motive. This goes against the wishes of "The citadel Of words" and the agreement."
"My choices were limited."
"The choices of a grand duke were limited?… How are we supposed to trust the words of a man already bending established rules to his own will? Or being swayed to do so."
"I made a vow to speak the truth. I would ne-"
"The vow that you broke in your first reply? When did secrecy involve going after a band of deserters? When did secrecy become making your presence known in the free city? Of course, you have our gratitude for solving the issue with the deserters. An issue that would not have taken place if your actions did not force continuous transgressions from the slave masters.
"I agree that it could've gone better… Especially because of my choices but the essence stays the same. We did not mean harm to Norka."
"Your intent in this instance does not matter. You as an outside political force brought harm to us. How could we not take this as provocation? Tell me, how will we find justice here?" The copper skinned elf is unrelenting in her pursuit. The grand duke still seems noble and weathered, but that does not change the flow of this discussion. Slight panic starts to sink in with the party, realizing that this might truly be the end of this journey.
"Then send me… Send me to Vessen. It would stop the transgressions and avoid the war." The grand duke replies, looking into the eyes of Hedara. The one who will decide his fate, his life once again out of his own hands.
*Sigh* Hedara An'Yis sighs similarly to how the grand duke sighed before.
"Vessen Heris Assar is dead." Brandubh says his words accompanied by the many birds in the room flying wildly. "They found a pouch of gold with a white flower stuffed in his neck. The march into our land is now led by his 3 "Sopoirs." A tenacious bunch that seem eager for their respective rewards. Add to that the hired mercenaries who were also promised a considerable amount of wealth."
Dalbert Estian struggles to respond so he stays quiet. 'Did I make another wrong choice? What have I done? All those who will die in the skirmish… And it's my fault.' He thinks his noble facade slowly cracking as his eyes look downward.
"You hang your head like a sinner, duke."
"…"
"During his grace's absence we as the remaining council member will have to make the decision…. Unfortunately we are well aware that imprisonment will only deteriorate our relation with Creseytesia whilst causing nothing beneficial. So for this matter we request for you to send word to your duchy that if it should ever come to war we can rely upon an ally. We will decide from the received aid how "strained" our relationship will end up. Any issues with the verdict?" Hedara asks as she looks around, all the council members nodding in response. Some more firm than others. "Do you, Dalbert Estian?"
"I promise…. I will do my duty and part for the prosperity of both our people as I had sworn when I ascended to the throne." He replies, his gaze still downward yet his words more firm.
"Lead them out." Hedara orders the guards, who quickly open the doors at the elf's order.
"I will join you as well." Brandubh declares as he quickly joins the party and the grand duke of Creseytesia who are leaving the council room.
They are being led to their respective guest rooms in the palace. The guards clearly keeping an eye whilst not being overly forceful. Still trying them as guests and not prisoners.
"How did you all find the experience?" Brandubh asks the party, those who to remain quiet during the interrogation.
"Rather cold and uncomfortable." Cristal decides to respond briefly.
"Well, it's done so on purpose. Hedara and the previous dukes have struggled in the past with corruption within the council. So the council room has purposefully been left barren, to remind those who wish the seat are always aware of the trials bound to the position…. Some men are more beastlike in that aspect, getting distracted by whatever shines more."
"I see… She has been around for a while then? The headmaster of Justice." Sol asks intrigued by the species he had until now only truly heard off.
"I'm not going to divulge her age, but she has. A proud position held by a proud woman." The party arrives at the arranged guest rooms, already gearing themselves for another delay on their travel. "Was it your first time seeing an elf?" Brandubh suddenly asks before they can enter their rooms.
"Unfortunately not." Cristal responds as she enters her room, the others of the party following her lead as they leave the crow masked man behind.