Hand of Justice

"So." he said, noisily chewing on a leg of lamb. "You say God spoke to you? He told you to kill all those people?"

"Yes, your Lordship," pleaded a haggard man before him, "All I did was for the glory of God and the White Hand."

"That is heresy!!" roared Zalmo. "Although some of your victims were indeed later found to be witches, and had to have their assets seized by the White Hand, your murder of innocents did not go unseen by God! I hereby sentence you to be beheaded at dawn."

The unfortunate was dragged away, and Zalmo turned half of his neck to his secretary. "Any more cases, Drachna?"

"Yes, sir. A peasant lad calling himself Velus Barzoi has come to us with an unbelievable story indeed. We tried to get rid of him, but he persisted, sneaking back in after we threw him out. That's when we found a large amount of gold in his pockets, far more than a peasant should ever have. He says he's willing to talk to the King himself. I thought maybe you would take a look at him - it could be demon possession or something."

"Very well! But this will the last appointment for the day. After I sentence this Velus, I have to finally get myself a decent meal. It wouldn't surprise me if the cook of this particular slop was demon- possessed as well."

Zalmo tossed the leg of lamb aside and gazed at the warm sunlight that spilled in through the curtains. Does God really understand all of my suffering, he wondered?

Screams and thuds were heard. A manacled young man wrestled with the guards as he burst into the chamber. "Let go of me! I must speak with the Heresy Examiner!"

"What is going on?!" roared Zalmo. "On your knees, stripling, and show respect in the presence of your bettors!"

Velus obeyed, falling to his knees. "Your Lordship! I beg of you, please hear me out!"

"Very well." Zalmo nodded curtly, reaching for another whole-baked chicken. "You may speak."

Quickly, Velus related his tale, then gazed hopefully upon Zalmo. "Please, punish this witch for killing the Dragon Slayer! For a certainty she is a witch - I saw the third nipple, mark of the devil, upon her shamefully naked body as I lay in hiding... unsure of what to do next."

"I see." blinked Zalmo. "And you say the Dragon had quite an impressive hoard of wealth, yes? That is where the gold came from that was found in your pockets?

"Yes, your Lordship! Gold, and gems, and jewelry, and countless artefacts of undoubtedly magical origin!"

"I consider myself quite an experienced judge of character." Zalmo said. "And I can tell you are a bright and courageous young man, Velus. You helped Lord Fred find and slay the Dragon, then recovered from both a transformation and a sleep spell, and now you bring us information on the Dragon Slayer's killer! Quite impressive."

"Thank you sir." Velus blushed.

"Velus, I will make you a Commander in the White Hand." Zalmo said. "You will lead a squadron of elite soldiers into the caverns to hunt down this woman. And it is imperative that no one is to learn about this! If the poeple were to find out that a mere witch killed the Dragon Slayer, panic would spread like wildfire! Do you understand?"

"Yes, your Lordship! Thank you so much! Truly you are as wise and generous as they say!"

"Good. Now begone to prepare for your journey."

1. As Velus was escorted out, Zalmo turned to his secretary. "This young fool may yet prove useful. And while he hunts for shadows in the darkness, the Dragon's hoard will be ours!"

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