Trial and Tribulations

THURSDAY 5 OKTOBER 3460

They are awoken at 7.00a.m. by the sound of bells ringing. Their host families awaken hem and tell them that the bells are summoning all of the villagers to the Temple. Naturally, they go along with the villagers in order to hear Kesryk speak., although reluctantly so in Yaz's case, tired as he is of listening to speeches. The small temple is packed with villagers and so the party is forced to stand at the back in order to hear Kesryk’s speech.

The villagers hang on every word as the priest gives a fine speech. He starts off by thanking Spravedelna for guiding the party towards the village in their second hour of need, telling the congregation that they are truly blessed by Her for bringing them all to the villagers rescue for a second time.

There is no joy in Kesryk’s voice as he gives his thanks to the party, however. He then goes on to produce two bodies swathed in orange cloth. They contain the corpses of Miklosh and the lad.

He tells the villagers that they should remember the two Pannons that died in their prayers. He tells them that to die for one’s own country is a sacrifice that they should all be prepared to make in order that future generations may live a life that is just. He says, however, that to die for a foreign land is sacrifice to the extreme and that the two Pannons should be buried as if they were one of Spravedelna’s flock.

The sermon is over and some of the Hammerers carry the orange bodies outside to a burial plot. All of the villagers file out behind them and stand around the freshly dug graves to watch the two corpses being laid to rest. Kesryk asks Will to sing a dirge as the bodies are gently placed into the hold and earth is piled over them. As Will starts to sing a melancholy song, tears can be seen rolling down the cheeks of some of the attendants.

Once the graves have been filled in, Kesryk stands in silence for a couple of minutes and then speaks afresh to his congregation:

‘Men and women of Holitze and Sezemitze, the corn grows ripe in the fields. Pray continue in your harvesting after the interruption of yesterday. The sooner that the crops have been collected, the sooner that we may be free to devote our full attention to banishing the Nyemetz from this land in the name of Spravedelna.’

The villagers cross themselves with the sign on Spravedelna and then head of into the fields.

Kesryk views all of the party and sees that they are still far from fully healed:

‘Friends, I have attended to the needs of the dead, let me now use Her gifts to aid the living.’

With that Kesryk starts to chant and then lays his hands upon first Jihan, then Winnacer, Xavier and Bennett. After casting the healing ritual four times, Kesryk looks a little drained.

Hrust has been watching the cleric. As he finishes, Hrust starts a similar chant and carries on the work of healing. He casts upon Winnacer twice, then Xavier, Jihan and the bodyguard. By now, there is little work left for Yaz to do, as another good night’s sleep should bring them all back to full health, but Yaz casts upon Will, Winnacer and Barbarossa just to speed things up a little.

When the healing efforts of the clerics have been finished , they see Hrust start to cast once more and are a little surprised when he starts to speak Bohavian. He starts speaking to Kesryk first of all:

‘Holy man, to you I give thanks for your burial of the Pannons, Miklosh and Gabor. I know not which god they served, but it brings gladness to my heart to know that they were buried with honor and not left to die on some foreign field. Was a Bohavian to die on Slovene soil, then I would have honored them similarly in the name of Blesk.’

‘Forgive me shaman’ says Kesryk a little warily, ‘but I know not of the Slovene pantheon, of what is Blesk the god?’

‘Blesk is god of the storm, the bringer of thunder and lightning upon the earth when he has been displeased’ replies Hrust devoutly.

The bugbear then turns to Winnacer.

‘I am glad that I am now able to speak to you now, as my gratitude to you is long overdue. I have learned more of Bohavians from my time with you than during the other two months in your land. Two days ago you saw me as your enemy, and tried to put me in chains, yet less than two nights later, you stood by my side and saved me from sure death at the hands of the Nyemetz warmongers. I know not what the reasons are for your change of heart, but I am indebted to you and your comrades. I hope that I have started to repay my debt to you by saving the life of the dwarf, but feel that I still owe you more. What service may I provide for you that my debt to you may be repaid in full?’

Hrust is silent for a moment and looks around him at the village:

‘I am far from home here. I know not how Zsolt and I will return to Pannonia or Slovensko. Neither of us speak your tongue but for Blesk’s gift upon us. The journey home is far and many Nyemetz stand before us. I fear that the death of Miklosh and Gabor will mean the death of us two also, but we will not meet Blesk easily. Many Nyemetz will die before we stand before him.’

Kesryk has recovered a little from the exertion of casting the healing spells. While the party is speaking with Hrust, Heimlin speaks to the priest:

‘Kesryk, I was wonderin’ whether you could take a look at Bekkah for me, she…’

‘Certainly’ Kesryk replies. ‘Jihan told me what fate had befallen her and I promised him to see what can be done to aid her in her current state.’

Kesryk goes to the gnome girl and studies her for a while. He waves a hand in front of her eyes, but the gnome girl does not react, simply staring into the distance as she has done since you first saw her.’

‘From what I know of her, it would seem that she is still suffering from extreme trauma’ Kesryk says. ‘There is nothing wrong with her body, but her mind has been damaged in an horrific way. It is as if her soul has died and that she has no more will to live.’

Heimlin looks sad at the news:

‘But is there nothin’ that you can do for ‘er?’

‘Personally, no’ replies Kesryk.

Heimlin looks as if he is about to break down.

‘But, but’ the cleric stammers, not wanting to increase Heimlin’s sadness ‘that is only because I lack experience in the healing arts. During my training, I was told of the wonders that the high priests and priestesses can perform in the art of healing. There is hope for her, but it would need to be provided by one who has spent longer learning the ways of Spravedelna than I. I recommend that Bekkah be taken to the High Priestess at Our Lady’s Temple in Pardubitze. She should be able to see to your girl’s well being.’

Heimlin’s face lights up at the news, glad that there is hope for her:

‘Errm…there’s somethin’ else too, Kesryk’ Heimlin says as he looks around at the rest of you, seeming a little embarrassed at what he is trying to say. ‘I…errm…I used to be a follower of Kamen. I spent my ‘ole life with gems an’ precious stones an’ the such like. I used to think that there weren’t nothin’ more important than them stones an’ the money what they brings. I used to donate a lot o’ me best stones to ‘im when I was in the business, an’ I never asked for nothin’ in return, until I found our that me lad an’ Bekkah could be in danger. Then I jus’ asked ‘im to make sure that no ‘arm came to ‘em. I don’t reckon that that was too much to ask for, not after a lifetime o’ bein’ a good follower.’

‘Anyways, you knows the story. Kamen didn’t do nothin’ to ‘elp me the one time that I needed ‘is ‘elp. So I denounced ‘im. I don’t worship no god at the moment. I was impressed by your speeches when we last met though, Kesryk. Winnacer, ‘e lent me them pamphlets that you lent ‘im, an’ I been readin’ ‘em, over an’ over, I ‘ave. The more I reads ‘em, the more they make sense to me. I see that Spravedelna’s words are the most important thing in my life now. There ain’t nothing more on this world that I wants more than justice to be served upon them what did this to my lad, an’ Bekkah an’ my grandson. Well, apart from seein’ Bekkah gettin’ better an’ to see my lad again, that is, but yer knows what I means.’

‘Well…errm…I know that it might sound silly to you, what with me bein’ of my age an’ all, but I reckon that I wants to be like you, Kesryk. I wants to become a priest of Spravedelna.’

Kesryk is silent for a moment and then speaks calm words in response to Heimlin:

‘Spravedelna would never turn away someone who believes in all that She stands for. However, do you realize the commitment that it takes to become a priest? It is not something that should be undertaken lightly. Priests of Spravedelna must devote themselves to Her totally, to put Her ahead of any worldly goods. Is your devotion to Her total?’

‘Errm…yes…errm…well I think it is. Errm…how do you know exactly?’ the gnome replies.

‘That is a difficult question to answer’ Kesryk replies. ‘I cannot answer it for you. Only you can answer it yourself. My advice to you is to consider the question carefully. If you do decide that this is the most important goal in your life, then you would need to speak to the High Priestess about it. Only a High Priest or Priestess can train a novice into Her ways.’

Heimlin looks a little hesitant at Kesryk’s words:

‘OK…errm…thank you Kesryk. You’ve given me some food for thought there. I’ll ‘ave a good long think about it I will.’

‘Very well’ concludes Kesryk. ‘I think that it is time to move on. We should start the trial of the Nyemetz captives shortly, but I think that some breakfast is called for before we start to proceedings. Shall we retire to The Dancing Troll for a while and see how your...errm...associates are progressing.’

They all agree and walk the short distance from the Temple to the tavern. Upon entering ,they see that Tharnald and Darry have done a grand job in the tavern, with the place looking cleaner and tidier than it has ever done before. There are table cloths on the table, and little vases with flowers in the center of each.

Tharnald greets Kesryk as they enter the tavern:

‘Morning your worship’ Tharnald says cheerily. ‘Can I service you?’

Darry starts tittering in the background. Winnacer glares at the two of them, hoping that they will behave themselves.

‘Errm…’ replies Kesryk, very much ill at ease in their company. ‘We were wondering whether you could provide us with a little breakfast.’

‘Certainly, vicar’ Tharnald replies. ‘We all need a little something inside us to get us going in the morning, don’t we? Darry….’

You all sit down. Kesryk notices Yaromir’s Tooth on Faewen’il’s belt:

‘So, have Yaromir’s artifacts been of use to you in your travels?’ Kesryk asks.

Xavier is rather red-faced and coughs a little before talking:

‘I’m sorry to say, but I’ve had eine…kleine problem with Der Justifier.’

‘What exactly?’ responds Kesryk looking rather concerned.

‘It’s …errm’ stutters Xavier, before thinking it better to show Kesryk.

He produces The Justifier…both pieces of it.

Kesryk just stares at the broken, completely speechless. He holds the two pieces of the sword in his hands as he tries to comprehend what has happened.

‘You…You…This…It …This is one of the holiest items to the followers of Spravedelna in Bohavia, an object that pilgrims used to travel hundreds of miles to witness. This is the sword that slew the mighty Boscobelous. This is the sword that has survived the centuries being cared for with reverence and I lend it to you for three weeks and you break it!!!!????’

‘It vas nicht mein fault!!!’ Xavier begs, getting rather agitated. ‘It vas das dumkopf, schweinhund statue that broke it, not me!’

Winnacer calms the two of them down and explains exactly how The Justifer was damaged in the battle with the animated statues in the laboratory of the Witchfinder Building.

Kesryk simply shakes his head for what seems like several minutes. And then he finally calms down.

‘It could be mended. I think. It’s not going to be easy, but I think that it can be repaired. It’s going to be a LOT of trouble, however. I hate to say this, as it sounds as if I am forcing your hand to go to Pardubitze, but it will have to be the High Priestess again that will be needed in order to mend it. I don’t know how exactly, as breaking holy artifacts does not happen every day, I’m glad to say, but I’m sure that she will know a way.’

Kesryk goes back to shaking his head. Luckily Darry brings in a breakfast of freshly baked bread rolls and fruit for them all at that point. They quickly change the subject so as to get Kesryk onto other matters.

Half an hour later, breakfast has been consumed.

‘I think that it is time to try our captives now. We will need to transport them back to the Temple’ Kesryk suggests.

The two Hammerers guarding the door to the cellar open it and drag the captives out. The orcish sargeant is at the head of the line of captives. He seems to be quite arrogant as he struts out of the cellar, tugging back on the chains whenever the guards pull him forwards. This is not the case with the goblins, however, who gibber away to themselves and cower away from them all. Between the party and the guards, they manage to drag the captives over to the Temple and they are seated on one side of it, while the party takes the opposite side. Seven villagers are summoned and sit at right angles to both the party and the accused. Kesryk sits behind the altar. He places an orange sash over his orange robes and bangs a small hammer on the table.

‘This session is now in progress’ Kesryk starts.

The cleric then goes on at length to explain how a trial under Spravedelna functions. The witnesses and/or victims of a crime, all of the party in this case, are first asked to give evidence concerning the crime. The accused are then allowed to give their side of the story. Both sides are then allowed to question the other. Each of the witnesses are then required to tell the independent jury what they believe would be a suitable sentence for the accused. It is then up to the jury to decide as to whether that is a suitable punishment for the crime, or whether it should be more or less lenient. Kesryk tells you that his role is to represent Spravedelna in the trial, to ensure that justice is done and not to take any active decision making role in the process, but simply to use his experience in order to guide all those present into making a fair decision.

Once Kesryk is satisfied that everyone understands how the trial will work, he asks Winnacer to start off for the side of the witness/victims. Winnacer gives an accurate case for the party and then each of the rest of them is allowed to add something to the statement. Shaman Hrust casts another spell and gives his account of the situation, which matches the party's pretty accurately. He also acts as a translator for Zsolt the bodyguard. Kesryk is true to his word in being totally independent. Whenever there are minor discrepancies whenever someone embellishes the story, he picks up on them straight away and ensures that only the facts are considered by the jury.

Once they have finished with their accounts, he then questions the orc sargeant and goblins, with Xavier acting as an interpreter. The orc is not at all repentant, he tells all those assembled that the Nyemetz are the rightful rulers of Bohavia and anyone that stands in their way must be crushed. The goblins, on the other hand, are scared witless by the whole occasion. They gibber away for quite a while, making it very slow-going to conclude with this part of the proceedings. In the end, Xavier manages to understand that the goblins say that they were only following the orders given to them by their sargeants and that they had no malice towards the party. They were only doing what they were told to do.

Kesryk summarizes the proceedings. He looks towards the party:

‘You have now heard all of the evidence. What I now need to know from each of you is your verdict regarding the guilt of the defendants and your suggestion as to a suitable punishment should they be found to be guilty. Upon hearing your suggestions, the jury will make the final sentence based upon your suggestions and their own thoughts based upon what they have heard during this session.’

‘So which of you will speak first?’

Winnacer, inspired by the proceedings before him, takes to his feet. He scans the jury and the defendants in succession then begins to speak in his powerful tenor.

"It is too easy to judge them when biased by ideas of patriotism and fear of reprisal. These things would condemn them to death simply for our security rather than for their crimes. I ask everybody here to open their minds and think in the basest terms of good and evil when making their decision, for this is how I try to look at it anyway."

Yaz opens his mouth to respond, but remembers his role and stays quiet. He sits on his hands, obviously suffering, and muttering softly to himself.

"All the defendants are charged with murder, enslavement, and the performance of horrible atrocities to both Bohavia and between each other. While we only know of their most recent actions, I think we can assume that we are not the first Bohavians to meet their blades. The orc sargeant admits to all these things and probably could give you a tally of all the atrocities he personally has committed with some pride. He admits to evil acts, perpetrated in the Nyemetz name, and shows no repentance. As with all evil, it needs to be purged from the soil of Bohavia. I would recommend that the sargeant be put to a quick death."

Yaz leans over to Jihan and speaks in a low voice:

"Aw fuck it, I can't take it anymore."

He starts getting up, and moving to the outside of the row.

"This good and evil stuff, that's up to you guys, not me. But I tell ya, if it were up to ME, they'd all die, just 'cause they know the location of this little town. They're a liability to the cause. Simple as that."

Yaz makes a strangle sound as he brings a finger across his throat then gestures with his thumb over his shoulder. Yaz is most of the way out of the gathering when he hears mention of a topic he's interested in:

"As for the goblin troops," continues Winnacer, "they have also participated in all the aforementioned acts with the sargeant. But unlike their leader, they have an excuse. They were just following orders. Complicity should never be mistaken for remorse. Complicity is a horrible crime in its own right. It is the mechanism that empowers lone evil men to perform monstrosities on the large scale. These goblins were certainly not conscientious objectors, they all had a hand in the horrors the Nyemetz have committed to Bohavia, and most likely enjoyed it. The crime of complicity cannot be tolerated, and again I recommend the goblins be put to a swift death."

"This leaves us with a question of what to do about the worg mounts the Nyemetz used against us."

Winnacer looks at Yaz.

"I am not sure if worgs are a truly natural creature or an artificial creation at the hands of evil breeders, and such things should not matter. When a man commits a crime on horseback, we typically do not destroy the horse as well. These worgs, who have a predilection for savagery, do not discriminate in what they attack as their masters do. They have acted in the way they have been created, and should not be destroyed due to their master's sins. But they do pose a great threat to the village if released and will drain the village resources heavily if kept captive."

Again, Winnacer looks towards Yaz.

"Typically, I would suggest the lot of them be destroyed and that would be the end of it. While I still think that solution is a valid one, Spravedelna has inspired me with an alternative way. Some of the various gods give their priests the power of suggestion over creatures. Perhaps if we were to use this power and tell them to directly return to their birthplace, after finding out where it is. This way, we need not recklessly destroy creatures, despite how vile they might be, while insuring that the beasts will not threaten these villages. Only the three priests amongst us can verify if such a plan would really work, and I ask them to add their opinions at this point."

Yaz calls out from behind the back row: "You're right about the worgs, Winnacer. But how 'bout you leave that one to me. I'll take care of them."

"In summation, Spravedelna's court must decide what is the nature of evil. I put before you that evil is conscious consent to acts that the individual knows are morally reprehensible. I feel that the orcs and goblins before you had full knowledge of their actions and refused to take measures to act otherwise. They are guilty and should meet a swift fate by executioner's axe. The worgs are not responsible for their actions as far as I know. If they are intelligent to be co-conspirators, they should die at their master's sides. But if they are not, they should be released as I put forth before."

Winnacer himself is surprised that he came to the aid of the worgs, personally hating the creatures himself. But with the eyes of Spravedelna on him, prejudice and fear melt away. Winnacer takes his seat and waits for the next person to speak.

Once Winn recommends the death sentence for the orc, Bennett inappropriately applauds the suggestion, somewhat interrupting Winn's speech. When he recommends death for the goblins, Bennett only nods his head in total agreement. He looks with curiosity about the worg discussion, but waits until the monologue is over, then adds:

"Our spokesman performs his role admirably, as always. My opinion is no secret. Death to the orc and the goblins, for all the reasons cited by Winnacer and more. I would ask that the orc's death be given to me for performing, as his kind has done much to harm me and mine and his death, which might cause one of your Holy Warriors some distraction or guilt, would give me only happiness. If anyone feels any kind of sympathy for the goblins, then I would also take the duty of executing them as well, as they certainly cannot be allowed to live and their deaths would mean as little to me as if I had stepped on an ant hill. As to the worgs' malevolence, an easy answer to that provides itself in our friend Viirin, who can communicate with them and divine their intentions. My understanding of worgs paints them as evil and more intelligent than the rats that rode them, so the question of their intentions certainly deserves some clarification. Once Viirin determines that these creatures acted of their own will and preference, any inhibitions about killing them should also disappear."

Bennett sits and leans back in his chair, seemingly quite satisfied with the just sentences recommended so far. Undoubtedly that will change.

Will stands and looks around solemnly at all gathered:

"The true and rightful rulers of Bohavia are Bohavians! The Nyemetz claim to these lands is based solely upon the use of force upon a country that was unprepared for a foreign invasion. I do not subscribe to that code of law. No man or god of good intent can. Might does not make right. Were we to judge you by your own laws, then you would most certainly die today, as you are a self proclaimed enemy who has been overcome in mortal combat. As it stands, we are interested in justice here. Justice demands a price for every deed done. It is not revenge. It is a reckoning. It is setting aright that which has been put awry. The Nyemetz government under which you willingly serve commits such atrocities against humanity and nature that it is held in contempt by all that behold it through the eyes of goodness. Murder and enslavement of our peoples, prostitution of our natural resources to the war machines. Had there been an inkling of remorse, any sign of repentance, then our justice would be tempered with mercy and a chance to prove those reconsiderations of heart. But I see only fear and contempt. You do well to fear, for today justice will be done. Make your entreaties to your gods, for you will soon meet them."

Jihan decides to stand and add his piece.

"I cannot speak for my companions, but I believe redemption is possible for any soul with but a flicker of light within. I will not condemn these beings for being what they are and were raised to be, I blame those who planted the ideas of dominion and conquest in their hearts. But for the actions of their brethren and the attitudes they present to this court today, I cannot conceive of levying anything else but the ultimate penalty. We cannot exact any promises from them that we can hold to be true under these conditions, not without sending someone along to supervise their actions when they leave. From what the sirshaint here says, he feels no guilt or shame for his crimes or the crimes of his people. He does not profess the desire to change his views, defiant as they are of Spravedelna's justice to all of Prirodna's free-living creatures. For this and for the continued threat I believe he will be to society and the people living in this area, I believe that he should pay the ultimate price. As for these goblins, I cannot hold with their profession of 'only following orders.' All sentient beings have lives based on CHOICE, free willed choice. These goblins chose to follow the Nyemetz to whatever dubious glory was drilled into their hopes. Of all the goblins I have seen or met, only one did not take wholeheartedly to the foul acts that the Nyemetz commit every day. I cannot believe that they would not be a continued threat to the countryside."

Jihan continues speaking, as thoughts progress in his head. He is still unresolved on dealing 'justice' of whatever sort on the Nyemetz, much like before with the orcs that they let go free from the ambush.

"This is what I would like to believe, as the blood-debt of the Nyemetz has mounted high in account against me of late, but I cannot let personal prejudice get in my way in proclaiming judgement of any kind. Sirshaint Sklad, whom I spoke with weeks ago, confirmed to me that the Nyemetz themselves are not evil in heart, but the intents that they are led to follow are."

"The only real condemnation of them that is relevant to this case, other concerns notwithstanding, is the fact that they charged us when we readied our weapons to protect ourselves and our horses. There was no way it could possibly be conceived that we would have simply stood our ground and let them pass by when their worgs were getting incensed with the scent of horseflesh and were moving in closer to investigate. And yet, how can this be resolved, except to have Viirin or Yaz speak with the worgs to learn their intentions for which they were approaching the horses? If they were to devour them and us with them, then they are the ones who should stand accused here. The fact that we fired first when the charge began, rather than let the worgs charge in and attack our horses, may justify the goblins and orcs defending themselves against us also, so we are at an impasse on their account. As it stands, they are guilty of nothing else other than being raised as Nyemetz, and for this I cannot condemn them to Spravedelna's ultimate wrath. I stand at the same crossroads as I did days ago, when several orcs were at our mercy and spoke truly in a desire to return to their homeland and families. I cannot say how I would deal with them, as we must supervise their activities at all times until they can be trusted if they are not done away with. Can anyone suggest a way of dealing with them, other than imprisonment, for which we neither have the men or resources to fund at the moment? I cannot be the ultimate arbiter in this case, as I am only one speaking under my own authority."

With that he crosses his arms and stands back from where he advanced to speak, his eyes still very pensive and disturbed.

Xavier is the next to speak:

"If dey vhere to escape they would bring back the full force of Nyemetz arms upon thee. As a knight of the Rodengast, ve belief in mercy to a brave and honourable foe. But how often can the Nyemetz claim such a position as an honorable enemy? Most are cowards who find their manhood in the bullying of defenseless women and children. There are, and never will be warriors born in the true traditions of honor and chivalry. As one of Saxony, our reputation is grim, in our dealing with the fate of prisoners not of human birth. But only some days ago did I release three orcs, who I saw as having some fragment of decency in their souls. I vould like to be able to speak for mercy, but I cannot this time. In these cowering before us do I see naught, in the way of decency, or willingness to change. Within their own heart does lie, or should I say rot, the fate which they plead for. That alas is death!!!"

Feeling far better than she had the day before, Faewen'il waits her turn to speak; putting down the thick tome she had brought with her. The look on the dwarf's face is rather solemn as she speaks.

"Firstly, I will state me own thoughts on tha matter; an then I will be givin ye some other thins ta think about.... thins that will affect tha future o Bohavia."

"As to tha disposition o tha Orc captain, I agree that justice needs be swift. He be consciously choosin his actions against others an should pay tha price for them. As for tha goblins who be followin his command.... they too, had tha choice o what they be doin. Iffin they had felt that they actions be wrong... then they should na been doin them. An tha worgs needs be released; but far from here so they be bringin na harm to tha folk o tha villages."

"Now let me be tellin ye what it be ye truly be doin here taday...."

Faewen'il gathers a deep breath and then begins speaking; walking back and forth in front of the assembled jury with her hands behind her back.

"Ye are an assembled group o people that be representin tha very fiber o Bohavia; tha laws that hold her together. Without such laws, we be nothin but a bunch o folks that can lay na claims ta bein a nation."

"Law be very important to even tha simplest man that be livin off tha land. It creates a standard ta which all men live by... it be givin ye rights an privileges.. and in namin such rights, ye set up tha thins which ye must band together as a country ta be defendin."

"Bohavia do be havin laws... even tha Nyemetz and Slovenes be havin their own laws. An when these laws na be agreein with each other is when we have somethin called war.... that thin in which we live in taday."

"Now let me be tellin ye somethin about tha laws in place taday. They were created far a'fore our time to govern tha peoples o Bohavia as their needs dictated then. Iffin such thins were still valid taday, then tha rulin class o Bohavia would na have sold us out to tha Nyemetz. This is not ta say that all tha laws be foul... but they clearly need ta be for tha people and tha country... not just to protect tha rights o tha rulin class."

"This trial taday... and tha trials ta come in tha future... these be tha thins that will set tha foundation for the laws o Bohavia when she be free once again. Tha justice ye dispence to these criminals will be looked upon in tha future... by those who would be dispensin justice an tha gods themselves."

"So when ye think o tha justice that these crimes merit; think o what ye think would be just iffin ye were in tha shoes o those ye judge. Look into ye hearts an know that ye justice be true; na matter what ye mind be filled with."

"Thin o what ye want ye laws ta be. Do all men who murder deserve swift death as justice? Do those who help that man deserve death as their lot far helpin him? Thin o who ye be wantin ta be a jury; tha town elders? A council o representatives from all walks o life in tha town?"

"Ye children will inherit what ye birth taday... an bein people o good moral upbringin; one would thin that ye would want ta be leavin tha best for them."

Faewen'il stops pacing and looks all the jurors in the eye.

"Iffin ye judge that those on trial be deservin death; do so with firm resolve that those who come after him will be receivin tha same kind o judgement.... an do it with tha resolve that one day, ye may have ta make tha same judgement for a Bohavian that be committin what ye agree be a crime.... an do it with tha resolve that one day, ye may have ta make tha same judgement for ye own blood an flesh...".

"Ye have ta be first determinin somethin as a crime... an then ye have ta figger out what tha punishment for it be.... and lastly, ye have ta live by tha same law that ye be metin out ta others."

"An tha reason I say ye be startin a new law this day is that ye be tha first free township o Bohavia. Ye will always be known for that an judged for that... so what ye do here taday will be marked by others; an like as not copied."

"One thin ye canna let happen is tha dependence on others ta make tha laws ye will have ta live with... even tha gods. A free Bohavia needs ta think for itself... an it canna be tha dictates o tha gods either. It be true an noble a thin ta ask for tha wisdom o tha gods ta help ye be makin decisions... but stop an think for a moment... iffin tha gods did na want ye ta think for yarself... then why have they given us minds?"

"A parson who be followin Kitry have different thoughts than one who be followin Spravedelna... an none would be happy iffin tha laws were based on tha other's beliefs. So while ye may seek wisdom ta make a choice... ye needs ta take what ye god tells ye and use it as just another ingredient ta figure out ye problem."

"Ye will earn far more respect from those that think highly of ye for yar mind than ye will iffin they think of ye only as a good servant o tha gods."

"Donna take me words wrongly Kesryk.... but I have seen tha wrong way ta do thins.... an tha mixin of Law an tha gods be a right awful mess." Faewen'il says as she pats the thick tome she has with her; which Kesryk notices is a Nyemetz book of laws.

"I can only ask that ye think on me words."

"That be all I have ta say." Faewen'il finally adds before sitting down again.

Shaman Hrust realizes that all of the others have spoken and so casts another spell so that he may be able to speak on behalf of himself and Zsolt the bodyguard. Not surprisingly, he is in favor of death for all of the Nyemetz, saying that no other sentence would be suitable compensation for the lives of Miklosh and Gabor. Zsolt agrees with him.

All have spoken and Kesryk summarizes each of their positions, although there is little difference between them. He then addresses the jury directly, telling them that the witnesses' thoughts are only suggestions and that it is up to the jury to make their final verdicts. He gives them Spravedelna's blessing and tells them to retire to the vestry in order to reach a decision.

It takes about half an hour before the jurors return to their seats. One of the jurors, a well-dressed man in his late forties, stands:

'I have been selected by the other jurors to act as spokesman' he says. 'There can be no doubt that the accused are guilty of the crimes as all of the witnesses have confirmed this fact. As a result, there is only the question of their punishments to be determined.'

'For the orc sargeant, it is obvious to us all, I believe, that he had no regrets for his actions and willingly led his troops against the victims. As a result, we believe that he should be put to death.'

'The goblins are also guilty, we believe,. As a result, we are in agreement with the witnesses in that they too should die'

'Finally, as for the fate of the worgs, we realize that it is wrong to kill a creature just because of its natural instincts. We do not, however, want them anywhere close to this village or any other settlement. We would ask you to take them from us and deliver them to a place where they will not be a menace to mankind.'

Kesryk nods as he hears the jury's results:

'Sir Xavier, I believe that you are familiar with the Nyemetz tongue. Please tell the goblins of their fate. Sir Bennett, you are the only one who has volunteered for the task of executing the Nyemetz. Therefore, I would take advantage of your offer.'

'As for the worgs, I believe that you have indicated that you are soon to travel to Boscobelous Tower. This, I believe would be a suitable location to let the worgs loose, as there is no human, or non-human habitation close to that accursed place. It is on the opposite side of the river and so the citizens of the Twin Villages have naught to fear.'

Kesryk bangs his ceremonial hammer on the altar and declares the trial to be finished.

The orc and the goblins are taken in chains and taken to the fields under the watchful eye of the two Hammerers. The orc continues to struggle and begins to spit at everyone defiantly, before chanting to his god. The goblins just continue to gibber in fear.

Kesryk ignores the orc's struggle and speaks calmly to Bennett:

'Be sure to make their deaths swift, Bennett. Were you to cause them any undue pain, then we would be no better than the Nyemetz.'

Bennett nods and takes his battleaxe, Regret. With one stroke of the axe, he cleanly separates the orc's head from its body. He then repeats the actions upon the goblins until there are ten headless corpses upon the ground.