The assembled crowd grew restless awaiting their Captain's arrival. Rumors of why the assembly had been called spread like wildfire through the group ranging from the death of the king and attacks by Lady Minax on the frontier to the Captain's retirement and need for someone to step in. A blue, shimmering gate opened on the walkway above them and all hushed themselves in anticipation. Captain Krynn emerged from the portal in a dazzling display of golden armor and midnight blue. He stepped forward to the railing and performed an armed salute before removing his helmet. A thousand clanks echoed throughout the pits as his men returned the salute.
Krynn gazed out into the assembly... a veritable ocean of platemail glinting in the mid-morning sun. He was happy to see his second in command, Britt Fox was amongst the men staring up at him. Hundreds of citizens of Jhelom island had gathered on the outside walls of the pit, staring at the awesome display of soldiers. Grahn took his place next to Krynn and placed the broadcasting communication crystal in front of his Captain, so that the guards unable to attend would also be allowed to hear the message. He activated it, the greenish glow barely visible in the sunlight.
"Hail... and well met once again, gentlemen." Krynn's voiced boomed over the crowd, his deep tone resonating boldly. "The reason for calling this assembly together comprised of the finest guards in our Lord British's service... is a grave one. There is a menace loose in our kingdom. A menace that has brought grown men to their knees, pleading for their lives. A menace which robs the good people of Britannia not only of their goods and gold, but of their dignity... of their security... It is each and every one of our duties to ensure that security amongst the citizens of this land. And we have failed them. Look amongst yourselves... each of you, and yea... even I, are failures... Go ahead! Look at yourselves!" He paused at this, watching his shamed soldiers glancing nervously at one another.
"The only way to make this up to our people and our king... is to bring this menace to justice. He has eluded us all for far too long. You know his name. You know his sinful and unvirtuous deeds. And as the gods are our witnesses, we shall make him know the true meaning... of Justice!!" A murmur rippled through the assembly of guards... Krynn caught some of the whispers floating on the wind. "Yes... Kendrik Soulbane is his name. A thief... a criminal... a murderer... and least of all... my brother." A shocked gasp tore forth from the crowd.
"It is time that you all know the truth." he shouted above the alarmed din. "I trust each and every one of you with my life. Now, I trust you with my darkest secret. I am Krynn... Soulbane. Eldest brother to one of the greatest threats Britannia has ever known. And that makes my duty to bring that man in even greater. And now that you all know this... it is your duty as my sworn soldiers - as my friends - to help me." A cheer arose from the crowd that shook the very training pits. Cries of reassurance and vows and promises to help were music to Krynn's ears...
"And to sweeten the pot..." the crowd hushed at this. "Our gracious and most noble king, Lord British, has offered up a reward... of one million gold pieces to the man who brings him Kendrik Soulbane... Dead or alive." Another cheer erupted at which Krynn grinned broadly. "So... now... you have all the incentive in the world to bring this man to Justice. One million gold pieces, and the gratitude of all the citizens in the land... for the head of Kendrik Soulbane. Go, now... return to your posts a thousand times more vigilant. A thousand times more eager to fulfill your duties."
"It is hereby decreed, by the order of myself - Captain of the king's Royal Guard - that no criminal will be tolerated in our streets. Any man determined to be a member of the thieves' guild... will be struck dead on the spot. I am giving you all free reign... Many of you that have studied the art of Forensics have spotted numerous times a man belonging to that roguish order, but were unable to act unless they acted first. That time is passed."
Two figures leaning on the wooden walls of the pits stood out from the crowd. The first, a tall bearded man in a yellow, floppy hat and red robe... and the other, a shorter man all in orange and black, cleaver on a loop on his belt. They both stiffened as they heard this news. They gazed down in disbelief as the crowd grinned wickedly, brandishing their weapons, eager to strike. They turned to one another and with a nod reached into their packs, grasped a rune, and chanted "Kal Ort Por," disappearing from sight. Fingers was not going to like this one bit...
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