In the Night

[Ginrai]

"Oh, really?"  Turning to Bjorn, Ginrai asks, "Can I bite their hands off?"

[Bjorn]

Bjorn walks over to Ashton, ignoring Neil now -- and continuing to ignore Parthipan.  "Live?"  He shakes his head, sadly.  "You attacked Loremasters loyal to the Keep in time of war.  You have likely done more than that.  You," he emphasizes every word, "are a traitor.  This is a matter of the law of war, no more and no less.  What could releases you from that?"

[Rezantis]

Rez taps Gin on the shoulder.

"Enough. Let Bjorn handle it. If nothing else, he at least has the authority right now. If you really want to be the one to carry out the sentence you can take it up with Lord Kevin."

Rez steps away from Ginrai and examines Neil curiously. His expression, where his eyes are going, etc.

[Brian]

Ashton's eyes are wild and darting between Bjorn, Parthipan, and Neil.

Neil is alternately glaring at Ashton and Bjorn, completely ignoring Parthipan.

"My word," Lord Kevin says, striding into the room, and flanked by about a dozen guards, who quickly surround the prisoners, pikes at the ready. Kevin waits until the guards are all still before adding, "Though I cannot fathom what would engender such generocity from myself at this point."

[Bjorn]

"My Lord," Bjorn says, with a nod. "It appears that these two," he waves a hand at Neil and Ashton, "are traitors, who have chosen the Lorekeeper's council above the cause of humanity.  Wardmaster Mattias is among their rank, but Master Radagast seems certain that he can be prevented from using his power."  He looks about at the crowd of lorekeepers cluttering the room.  "I have not yet gained all the evidence, but it seems they attacked loyal Loremasters, at the least.  Those gathered here should be able to provide any other answers you might have."

[Brian]

Kevin eyes Ashton, Neil, and then Mattias consideringly.  After a moment, he sighs, and says, "I leave their judgement in your hands.  I've little use for traitors."

[Bjorn]

"As you say, my Lord."  Bjorn turns to Ashton and Neil.  His back straightens, and his voice deepens, projecting through the room.

"As Acting Warden of Stormwall Keep, I hereby find the three of you guilty of the charge of treason in time of war.  The penalty for this is death.  Ashton, Neil, as you cannot be safely confined, your sentence will be carried out immediately.  Mattias will be confined until his interrogation is complete."

He eyes them coldly.  "Do you have anything to say in your defense, before your sentence is carried out?"

[Brian]

"I have no regrets," Neil says coldly.

"I don't want to die!" Ashton sobs.  "Please!  There has to be another way!"

[Bjorn]

"Another way?"  Bjorn says, dispassionately.  "Why? Why should we trust you not to escape?  How could we trust you?"  He shakes his head.  "You a traitor to us, and now a traitor to your Solariat.  Death would be a mercy."

[Rezantis]

"If they aren't willing, this is a waste of time - and you're right, a waste of resources.  They simply aren't trustworthy."

Rez looks flatly at the pair.

"Take them outside and get it over with. This drama is starting to make me sick."

[Brian]

Ashton looks at you hopelessly, tears running down his face, and manages to croak out, "I'm sorry."

Neil closes his eyes, and says, "In oblivion, I find peace."

[Bjorn]

"So be it," Bjorn pronounces.  "Alec, Carl, Jeff, Sir Shuker -- if you will help them to their feet and take them to the courtyard?"

[Brian]

At about this point, Phil strides in through the door, looking around curiously.

Phil:  You see a dozen guards standing over two loremasters who are kneeling, and one who is lying down (Mattias).  Mirallia, Nathan, Alec, two vassals of Hammar (aside from Bjorn), Bjorn, Parthipan, and two lorekeepers you don't know yet, Radagast and Eske, and Lord Kevin are all standing in this room, which is now starting to get a bit cramped.

[Ginrai]

Ginrai walks up to Ashton and, eyes looking directly into the other's, he asks, "Sorry?  After trying to make me kill Serril and burning Astryd, only now you're sorry?  If you're truly sorry then you can at least tell us what you know.  At least in that case you can die knowing you did some good."

[Brian]

Ashton opens his mouth like he's going to say something, then closes it a few times.  After a second, he takes a deep breath, and says, "I'll ... tell you what I know.  And ... I know it isn't much, but I want ... I want last rites before I am to be killed."

Mirallia blinks at this, and looks to Bjorn questioningly.