Crushed Under the Wheel

It is dusk, the day after Cain and his party arrived home from Bael's Isle, on the 44th of Havis. Adolfo has just spoken in private to all those who took part and has stepped out of the Mermaid to get some air when suddenly he is grabbed and surrounded by men bearing a Tabard imprinted with a symbol of a white hand. Adolfo the Giant; you are hearby arrested in the name of the Hands of the Emperor. Sashes spill out of the building and swords are drawn but the officer hisses to Adolfo Call off the dogs or they will join you in the Tower of the Hand! Aldofo waves his friends away, smiliing unconvincingly and making a joke to prevent his friends from falling into danger. He is lead away and those who know him well see that he strains to catch a lingering glance at the Mermaid, as though it might be his last.......................

Later that night, Cain is preying to the altar of Sol, when Oswald appears. Lord Darvin of the Blue Sashes has been arrested and Adolfo is in the Tower of the Hand. They have come for you. What shall we do? If you ask it, I will sell my life to allow you to escape; you remember the way marked in the catacombs with a Tree. Or you could try to brazen it out. I think they have nothing on you or it would not be the City Watch coming to arrest you. I would counsel calmness, but then I am an old fool; but at least I have lived to be old.

(I do not know if the RP with the council would change any of the above but if not) Cain looks sternly at Oswald. You are a fool Oswald, but also the wisest I know, you should know I would never ask you or any brother to sacrifice yourself for me. You have done enough for me and you know my wish to avoid bloodshed between my brothers and that includes you. I feel that Sol is watching over me for he is the one who sent me here and leaving this place would be abandoning his plans for me, this is but a test of faith I will not leave my brothers behind and I will change them for the better, I can not do so if I run from Haven scorned and considered a traitor. I spent century in that wretched curse my skin nothing but ash and bone grinding against metal to save three people and would spend a millennia to aid my brothers of the light. They have nothing against me but a perhaps a rumor, any brands or torture they have to pull information I do not have out of me if they decide to do so will be nothing but a tickle compared to that pain and the my fights in the future. I am going to turn myself in Oswald, await for my return for I have much more work to do here. Cain shackles himself and walks out to the nearest group of Iron Fist guards and shouts. I am Cain Immortui of House Rathaka and I have nothing to hide from this city... from my brothers! I know not the reason the hand or any other seek for my arrest, everything I have done is for the people of Haven. I have fought in countless battles so that I may heal them, feed them, console them, and become part of this city. I wish to have a fair trial and to learn of what senseless charge has been put against me and put it to shame. I wish to be taken in at your hands Fists for I know you are men of honor. Cain tosses the key at their feet and gives no resistance to them.

The Iron Fists seemed abashed at this and unlock your manacles but lead you nevertheless, to the Tower of the Hand. There, a tall man dressed in black robes takes charge of you. Aha; Cain Immortui! Excellent! As you duck into the Tower you hear screams coming from somewhere deep below it and the door closes behind you with the finality of a tomb.....

Cain walks with the man at his side if he is able. I heard you were looking for me so I came, excuse me if this is considered rude but that never seems to be a good thing from what I hear. I can see that the guests I currently hear could attest to that. Might I ask for what reason I was being searched for? (Also a side note Cain would have hidden Drorgar in the hidden room in one of the empty tombs.)

That was most wise Master Cain. I have indeed been looking for you. I am Matthias Ravenor; The Emperor's Inquistor General. I have heard some disturbing rumours about events upon Bael's Isle these past few days. Indeed, accusations have been levelled if I may speak frankly............... He leads Cain into a plain room with a huge chair bolted to the floor. In the chair, bloodied and bruised is Adolfo . He is unconscious and his hair is lank and matted with sweat. This Giant has said many things which interest us greatly, Tell me Master Cain of your mission to Bael's Isle. YOu ca leave out the part about the rebels. I am more interested in what transpired in the Mansion known as Stormpoint. Three of His Most Exalted Majesties servants were sent there and have not returned. According to Lord De Courcey and the testimoney of one Aurelia Donau, you were also there, with several other Blue Sashes we are anxious to question. So Master Cain; what say you?

Cain turns to Adolpho pulling his hair from his face checking his condition and giving a mental prayer to Sol. I feel I am trapped here my vows contradict one another I wish to aid my friends but if I break the vows I will have no power to protect and heal the weak and even worse unable to complete the task you have sent me to do, if found guilty I will be a traitor and banished from my brothers unable to aid them. Cain then turns back to Matthias Your methods are indeed harsh do you not know you gain more from people if you show compassion to them? It pains me to see someone so kind battered like this. My story does require me to speak of the rebels I do apologize for doing so. When we were on the battlefield while I lead the charge with the fists I noticed one of my shield brothers I have been fighting with since the day I have gotten here he had ridden off sick of the taste of war. I had the feeling to where my shield brother was at so that I may speak to him once again. I took up Aurelia’s company for the ride to where she was going and managed to find him. After our conversation he said that no longer wished to live on haven and after that I do not know what has become of him or the others since I parted with them. I am afraid besides for that I could not give you anything more than Aurelia has already accounted for.

I thank you for your explanation Master Cain; but I would like to linger on what happened when you and your mysterious companions came to Storm Point. I ask as an Imperial Aide and two of his protectors disappeared and according to certain information I have, you were involved in these events.

Cain sighs and looks to Adolpho. I am guessing you know my vows and plan on using them against me for I do not hide such things. I will tell you what you need to know as long as you let me take this man and his superior back to where they belong so that they may recuperate. They had nothing to do with this. You have my word I will return as soon as I do so.

Hmm; very well Master Cain! if you give me your word that you will return, then I shall release these! I had intended to make an example of them! Too many enemies of the Empire hide behind the tabard of the Blue Sash. If it were left to me I would see them all burn for their sedition. Go now and take Darvin and this thing with you. But if you do not return then rest assured that I shall find you.......

Cain brings Adolpho and Darvin back to the safety of the mermaid and brings them into the back room. I am going to do something foolish, I ask of you to gather any of those who respect my name and have them raise hell at the gates of the hand for my return. For any other way I will likely waste away in their keep needing to be rescued and become an enemy of the empire. I do not wish to see this happen for Haven is now my home its people and its companies my brothers and I will do anything to keep you and any of my friends safe. Make sure none get violent I do not wish for any blood to be shed on my behalf.

Brother Oswald marches into the Mermaid and goes straight into the backroom. Cain; what are you doing? How did you escape the Hand?

Cain turns to Oswald and smiles. I have not yet escaped the grasp of the hand but I am putting things in motion so that I may. I ask of you along with Darven do as I have asked. I have made good friends in my past two years here and I plan on using them now. I will return to you and I will still be part of haven to complete my holy mission. I just need my brothers of each company to now to stand together at the doors of the hand and petition my release. I will handle matters on the inside until that happens.

Cain; I would counsel against this, at least as far as the Sashes are concerned. They are greatly out of favour and there have been whispers that they will be disbanded and all imprisoned or executed. Let your Brothers in the Temple handle this! The Hand will find it hard to brook the Chosen of Sol. I hope you realise what this means though my Brother; the schism is now certain, just as was foretold.

Aldofo, his eyes blackened and scars raw upon his flesh, suddenly stands. I will not lie down whilst they break Cain nor any others I once welcomed under my roof!

Cain smiles I will not let them break me nor will I let our house be torn from one another Oswald I will never forgive myself if I cause anyone of them harm zealot or not, all I ask is just gather who from each of the companies you can who wish to honor me this day. How can the hand retaliate if the entirety of Haven and its companies are against them? And I will repeat myself again NO violence should be taken against them. All I wish for is a rally at their gates by those who respect me. Now gather them do not worry for the time it takes to do so we need as many from each company as possible, I have handled the pain of having no flesh for a century anything they can do to me is child's play. I need to take care of things on my end now they will become suspicious if I am out too long. Adolpho your company took me in when I first got here. You are a home away from home for me and I wish that it stands I do not know the consequence of this but put your people first this time it is your decision. Cain listens to any final words the others have to say before he is off then heads back to the door of the hand.

Oswald speaks. You can indeed go Adolfo, but you and I both know the price you will pay if you do? Adolfo smiles grimly through bloodied lips and swollen cheeks. And what will it mean if the people of Haven defy the Hand? To defy them is to defy the Emperor himself. Did you ever hear about the massacre at Tregarn? I was there; and that was for a much lesser offence than this. How do you think I and my Brother ended up here? If we rise against the Hand, we are declaring Rebellion and you know it Oswald. Tell the boy; so that he can make his choice. Oswald grimaces; Aye; Tis so! But we cannot let them take him. Or the others either! Too much is at stake for the Reborn to fall now. No; we cannot! Says a voice from the back of the Mermaid. Ulrich strides into the room. If I am not mistaken a time of chosing is at hand. I have read the portents and we stand at a crossroads Cain. Choose wisely, for the destiny of Haven, The Church of Sol and even the Blue Sashes hangs upon your choices. And beyond that, even greater things that are now hidden also. If you go back, they may force you to reveal Syvil's involvement and Sharleen. Do you think the Empire forgives?

Ulrich suddenly exhales and sighs. There is a way to make this right Cain; but it will place you in the debt of a creature of evil. I speak of G'Narkiss, also known as the Dweller. He thinks I do not know his powers, but it is he who does not have the measure of me. You must go to Reskin and Meren and ask for aid Cain. I know; you do not wish to, but any other choice will break Haven under the wheel. I offer you this choice so that you might save all that you have loved.

Cain looks solemn at these words of Cain betrayal to his friends Ulrich gives. I will give no one up nor betray any of my brothers or any of you. Its funny really you get a medal one day and the knife the next. I will sit in their torture chambers as long as I need. A few of you sit on the council and my deeds for haven should speak for them selves, petition my return to the Seneshal, rally my followers and sing of my deeds to my captures and beg my return. It may take days but I can hold out until then do not worry and do not do this for me. I wish once again to help this city I have fallen in love with. I have lost my home and found a new one and will do anything to keep it from being destroyed. And what could this beast do for me? I serve only Sol and do not wish to forsake him.

Cain; I know you think you can weather torture but I know what it can do to a man, and all men break in the end. At this he cannot help but glance at Adolfo, who nods sadly. Listen to me; I cannot tell you any more until after you have seen the creature. If I am right, you will still be a servant of Sol. Will you place your own safety against that of all of Haven? Have all your deeds so far been merely vainglorious? I can tell you now that if the creature does make you his tool, then I shall free you of that taint or else slay you myself if such is within my power.

Yet Cain; if you are bent upon sailing your own course and will instead give yourself up to the Hand, in that also I might aid you says Oswald. But to defy the Hand, even without bloodshed is to trample upon the Emperor's authority. How do you think he will answer that? You must choose Cain says Ulrich

Cain starts seething with anger. ENOUGH OF THIS. YOU FOOLS WANT TO DIE FOR ME? I DO NOT ASK FOR THIS! I am telling you I can handle the torture be it weeks, months, or years that I need to survive. Follow my plan and ask for my release peacefully I will give them NOTHING! I will show you that my constitution and my love for my brothers stands above any pain. All I need to know is how long will it take for you to negotiate my release! Cain pounds his fist on the table staring at the group for their response.

Very well says Oswald breathing out heavily! The choice is made! Indeed it is says Ulrich and you see a single tear fall from his eyes as he strides out into the night.

What is he doing? Cain's face falls into his hands. There must be another way.

Suddenly Oswald's face is a cold as stone; There was Brother; there was! But if you go the Hand and we force them to free you, Haven would not last a year. This time they sent 50 ships; next time it would be a thousand. There is only one way that ends for Haven; in fire and the sword. So Ulrich will do what he must; he will give himself up. The Hand have been searching for him for hundreds of years. I guess he will tell them he destroyed the Avowed on Bael's Isle or forced you to do it by magic. Don't grieve; Ulrich's time is past, as is mine. We had our chances and we failed. Now we pay the price. Somehow it seems mete.

Ulrich walks the long walk to the Tower of the Hand. The guards at the gates to the Upper City try to stop him, but are suddenly turned aside by an unseen force and Ulrich's staff blazes with Emerald Fire. Ulrich walks up the hill towards the Tower of the Hand and as he does so, a man steps out in front of him. The man's face is hidden in the folds of his Grey Cloak. Do not try to stop me Trajan. I must do this! says Ulrich Ulrich; you are a fool if you think this will stop them! Forget the Empire, we have larger enemies rising again. Dromen walk Maladon for the first time in centuries. And ten years ago I stood on the slopes of Drorgoroth; something stirs in the deeps. you know of what I speak. Yes; I know Ghost General; but the time of our people is passing. I am the last of my kind. I long to see the Keldonvale once more but I know now that that can never be. There is no other choice. The Reborn must survive and by some chance the Empire are gathering them together here. I cannot risk them yet, when they are all still so weak. The Empire will destroy Haven and break all those souls they find here. The Vale is not strong enough to resist the Empire. Not even the great General Trajan could resist the might of Valmar for long. You and your prophecies Ulrich! Live in the here and now! What chance do we stand without your magic? What chance do these Reborn stand without the Last of the Gravenlords? I do not know old friend; I know only that a choice has been made, and now I go to meet my fate. Take my staff; that another might use it's power in furtherance of our cause. Farewell General.

Cain grabs his chest with his hands and screams. I am the reason so many of my comrades are dead and now I get another killed! What fool am I? Is it so wrong to want peace? Is it so wrong to try and have everyone be happy? Why must my words be the reason of so much strife? Why must I say the truth when it only causes harm to the ones I care about? Cain then stands up from the chair and out reaches his hand to the sky. RAOS COME TO ME. Cain sticks out his tongue and cleaves it in half with his teeth ripping it away with his free hand healing the nub that is left. As he does so a flash of light and a crack of thunder his hammer Drorgar crashes into his hand. Cain looks at the group with blood streaming down his chin and holds the maul standing at his side with the sunstone facing the group. I am Raos, Cain has cast aside his tongue that can only speak truths and can only hurt his brothers when they need him the most. He now speaks through me, I am his new tongue not bound by the same code. Able to protect the ones he cares for. Cain tosses his cleaved tongue onto the table and feints from the pain.

Are all these Reborn mad? breathes Oswald, dragging Cain into the secret chamber that Adolfo reveals. They take his slumped form down into the darkness, taking Drorgar with him. A day later, Cain awakens, his raw stump of a tongue swollen and red. Adolfo looks red eyed as if he has been weeping. Cain; you are awake? I thought for a while.............well never mind what I thought. You are alive and that is all that matters.

The Hand sent this last night; says Aldofo, handing you a slip of paper. To Cain Immortai greetings. I am sorry for your ungentle treatment at our hands, but we did not know that you and your kindred laboured under the foul enchantments of the Wizard Gulgarin. He has now been captured; trying to enter our halls to slay you ere his his perfidy came to light. Given the circumstances, I am willing to issue you a full pardon and ask that you understand our position as the Guardians of the Empire and the weight of his Majesty's trust that lies heavily upon us. In fact, you have done us a great service, as this terrible man has finally been captured. I hope you bear us and the Empire no ill will and I also pray to the Emperor that you continue your Good Works in the service of Octavin. Yours Matthias Ravenor

Cain opens his mouth to speak but then smiles and looks to Raos. Do not worry about me, I am guessing Ulrich has done something foolish I hope his sacrifice was not in vain! I do hope one day we can overcome this and get him to be free once again if they do not send him to the chopping block. Come Adolpho not all is lost you and your brothers are likely now free of this suffering we have brought upon you. It looks as though you need a drink.

A single ship departs Haven that night; under cover of darkness. None mark the gagged and hooded prisoner who is bundled aboard her by Praetorian Guard, not the stern face of Ravenor as he gives quiet orders that all were to be careful and were never to let the prisooner speak or stir to wakefulness. Keep giving scratching him with these thorns. They will slow his body so that he will not starve and shall remain asleep. Ravenor then gets off the ship as it unfurls its sails and slips away. The ship sails on; out into the moonless night, past Bael's Isle; heading south towards the Medaran Myst Tide. What none were there to see were the forest of grey tentacles that suddenly sprouted out of the ocean and pulled the ship into the watery depths with never a ripple. After the ship had vanished, only a solitary barrel floats upon the ocean as the sole testitment that the ship had ever existed..............