The following morning is Alton’s turn to take the stand. She gives witness to the events of the investigation in almost the exact same sequence that her partner, Cook, had given the previous afternoon. Where she differs is in recounting the events of the raid and immediately after.

“We followed Bellemare into the tunnels below the crypt, which were partially flooded. The Blackfeather agent, Tetzin, was instrumental in aiding in this search, as she was able to magically track the location of an arrowhead that was embedded in Bellemare’s back during the fight. Her understanding was that his fast healing would surround the weapon and make sure that it did not fall out.

“Where she was wrong,” Alton gives details she learned only after the events, “was that he had pulled the arrow out and stuck it in a Spawn that he had waiting in the Deep Ossuary. While we followed directions given by the Ossuary’s watchman, Qhon, she followed the trace on the arrowhead. This lead her to Joe’s Smithy in the city above, and lead us in the direction of the river wharfs.

“Using information gathered by the magical efforts of our team back in the station, we located Bellemare as he was being packed on board a vessel destined for the Primarchy. A fight ensued, and I was injured. I did not witness how the fight ended, but in the end the Blackfeather agents had captured Bellemare and held him for trial.”

“What evidence do you have that Mister Bellemare made a trade with a Spawn in the Deep Ossuary?” Cerna kicks off the questioning with the one thing that could break her stride.

“We spoke to a witness of the trade.” Alton can only hope that noone will want to call that witness to the stand.

“Who was that witness?” Darn.

“The Ossuary’s watchman, Qhon.” Hopefully this will be a good enough answer.

“What is Qhon?” Romorith asks, knowing the information will save this theory.

“Qhon is a Bone Collective employed by Governor Redfarn Betcher to defend the sacred and magical location of the Ossuary from any living person’s presence. Additionally, this defends the living from entering this location which has no air.” Alton answers with some things she’s learned while doing her own investigation of this mysterious and secret place.

Apparently this is good enough for Nobakht, who nods. Cerna looks almost constipated with the frown that strikes his otherwise unreadable serpent face.

“What evidence do you have that a raid on the Bellemare Crypt was warranted?” Romorith asks the other hard one.

“We were aware that there was no way that Miss Durandal would have turned herself into a vampire so unexpectedly, and that lead to an investigation that she may be Spawn. That investigation uncovered the financial evidence, where we also spotted Helen Emerald. Knowing that a potential thrall of a vampire was most definitely involved in Miss Durandal’s activities since disappearing and becoming a vampire gave ample evidence that we needed to act fast to bring her creator in for questioning.” Alton has a decent answer, or so she hopes.

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“Why such a violent raid,” Cerna asks, his tongue tasting the air in the pause between words, “if all you needed was to bring Mister Bellemare in to answer questions?”

“We were concerned that there would be a violent reaction to the request that he come to us. We also knew that we needed to act quickly and search the building for additional forensic evidence and did not want him to have any warning in advance that would allow his thralls or Spawn to hide evidence.”

“Are there any other questions for this witness?” Nobakht asks the ritually demanded question, as he does not see anything else that could result from questioning this particular detective.

Both lawyers decline, and the next witness is called.

Crauvian Doomweaver takes the stand. Curious, Alton stays behind in the gallery to watch.

Doomweaver rolls through the first part, giving her name and agreeing to be honest in her testimony. She explains her role briefly and then launches head first into describing her role in the magical intervention that connected Marion Durandal’s stale blood with the vampire that turned her’s location.

When Doomweaver is finished, Cerna begins his questioning.

“How did you know that Marion Durandal was a vampire?” asks the serpente lawyer.

“This information was revealed in the investigation leading to the raid on the Bellemare Crypt.” Doomweaver explains. “I was not a party to the raid and was not involved in the part of the investigation that revealed Miss Durandal’s life status prior to her destruction.”

“But you did speak with her before you were involved in the use of her remains to track the person accused of turning her into a vampire.” Cerna has more in common with badgers than snakes. “Did she not say anything about Mister Bellemare then?”

“No,” Doomweaver answers honestly, “at the initial stage of our investigation, Miss Durandal accused her father of murdering her and made no mention of her life status. She opted out of further questioning.”

“What could possibly make her point the finger at her own father if she was such an unwilling participant in the process of becoming a vampire? Why didn’t she accuse Mister Bellemare from the start?” The badgering continues.

“I can only state facts.” Doomweaver folds her arms and assumes a very closed posture. “Miss Durandal had particular requests for what should be done with her remains. I cannot make a determination of why.”

“What did Sir Durandal want done with Miss Durandal’s body?” Romorith redirects.

“Before the evidence that she was a vampire was released,” Doomweaver answers, “he wanted her brought home with him to Bandon. It is my duty to make the arrangements. Marion Durandal wanted to stay here in the United Non-Evil Necromantic State. When it was revealed that Miss Durandal was a vampire, Sir Durandal’s request was dropped. As I understand, vampires may not be buried in sacred ground according to the practices associated with the worship of Serabeth in the Strabthine tradition.”

With nothing left to ask this witness, Nobakht dismisses the court so that those who need it can take lunch.