Feeling conspicuous, Jens Don Qurile approached the Office of the Steward in the palace. While the courts decisions had come down on the 29th Marcitt, with the expected death penalties, appeals and requests for clemency had taken almost two more months. All had been refused or denied with a date for execution now fixed for later in the year. It was now the 3rd Retma so, on his friend’s instructions, he was approaching the palace with pleadings for review of sentence. However his friend was Slav di Naska and Jens also carried a pleading for Commander Kanna Trop.
As Jens reluctantly approached the office, a young man sitting there smiled and asked what he could do to help.
“I have two pleadings for the Dark Lords consideration.” People nearby perked their ears up at the request.
“The Dark Lord, I am informed, will not be entertaining any pleads at this time. He will announce a Day of Hearing at his discretion.” The young man followed what was an obviously well-rehearsed statement.
“I think that he will want to see these ones.”
“Sir...” Was as far as the young man got.
“Just read the names.” Jens spoke tiredly.
By long established tradition, all pleadings had to be made in written form. Slowly and obviously reluctantly, the young clerk accepted the proffered documents and looked at the names on the pleadings. He stiffened and his eyes slid to a member of the Imperial Guard standing nearby. The young woman noted the almost imperceptible nod and stepped over quickly.
“Please wait.” He gathered the documents together and disappeared inside the depths of the office. The woman member of the Imperial Guard stood quietly nearby and was soon joined by another, older guardsman. Neither spoke a word, in any case Jens had nothing to say. Visitors to the palace who had been interested now avoided the small group although some people watched from a distance.
It took longer than expected but Head Steward Grada Karkart, Senior Administrator Madla Dinsta, Security Chief Ferni Massett and Administrative Assistant Lea Cania all came to the desk. Garda laid the documents on the desk. The young man whose station this was, stood well back.
“And who exactly are you?” Garda asked.
“I am Jens Don Qurile and I am a friend of Slav di Naska.” Eyebrows raised at that admission.
“What is your relationship with Commander Kanna Trop?”
“I had never met her before. She was told by Slav that I was going to take a pleading to the Dark Lord for him. She insisted on my taking a pleading for her as well.”
There was a pause while Grada considered what to say.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Grada asked.
“It is the wish of the pleaders.” Jens replied.
“I see.” Grada responded. He looked the man over. It was clear that Jens was unhappy with his role but Garda also recalled his instructions from the Dark Lord. “Let’s go,” was the only choice.
Jens stood still. “I don’t understand. I thought …”
“No time like right now.” Madla Dinsta cut in quietly. Jens stared at her.
“I’m not ready for this.” Jens protested as they walked through the office. He had assumed that the Dark Lord would be too busy to see him and the pleadings would be taken by the office staff.
The two guards followed the group. Chief Ferni turned and spoke to them, “There is no need for you to come. I am sure that you have other duties.”
“This visitor has not been vetted,” the senior guard responded. Ferni grunted, she had written that instruction.
There was silence as they headed through the palace. Then Jens stopped and looked embarrassed.
“Is there a problem?” Grada asked.
“Yes, I need to … err.”
“Over there.” Lea pointed to a men’s room.
The male guard followed Jens in, while the female guard took up a position outside. The other four waited in silence. All wondered what the Dark Lords reaction would be when they arrived.
A couple of corners later, they arrived at the study, as usual some of the Ladies were standing there. Lady Taryn being one, looked them over, “Someone’s not happy.” Came as she eyed the group. There were no jokes about the big four, not this time.
“Who dropped a bucket on their parade?” Lady Lisa wondered.
“Ladies, we have important papers for our Master.” Grada addressed the clutch of Ladies.
Jens stared. He had never envisaged such a group. Scion of a wealthy family, he had never actually worked, except for taking positions on different companies’ boards as a director. He had known Slav di Naska from his days in higher learning and had kept in touch down the years. As their interests overlapped but never to a serious degree, they stayed friendly. Considered by both Slav and his sister Lia to be something of an innocent, he had been kept in the dark about the pairs plans. Learning of them had been a shock.
Now seeing the Ladies for the first time and in person, he was shaken again.
“He’s waiting for you.” Came from Lady Sydney, standing in the doorway.
Taking a deep breath, the Head Steward led the small group in, the Ladies following. The Dark Lord and his companion were sitting in their usual chairs, Ladies were scattered around the room.
“Ah Head Steward,” The Dark Lord smiled, “you come with a gift I see.” The Ladies perked up at this.
“I bring pleadings my Lord.” He held out the papers which the Dark Lord accepted. The interest in the room became palpable.
“Come now, I have been expecting this, it was more a question of who and when, rather than if.” The Dark Lords eyes swept over the group. “Jens Don Qurile, step forward.” Accompanied by his escort, Jens hesitantly moved to stand in front of the Dark Lord. He frowned, how did the Dark Lord know his name?
The Dark Lord also frowned. “Why the escort.” Went to the Security Chief. Ladies Dana, Andrea and Luca exchanged glances and moved closer.
“That is my doing, sire. The instructions are that any person who is not vetted prior to entry to restricted areas has to be escorted.” Chief Ferni responded.
There was silence for a fraction. The Dark Lord looked at the two members of the Imperial guard. At “Wait outside please,” they bowed and withdrew.
“I will see the Senior tomorrow.” The Dark Lord spoke quietly. Both Lady Andrea and Ferni stepped forward and began to speak, but stopped at a motion from The Dark Lord.
“The Guard sometimes gets above itself, they should have listened to you Chief Ferni. You are Security Chief of the palace.”
Jens had stood silently watching all this. The Dark Lords power swept the room and His control clearly was absolute. That raised Jens fear level even more. He wondered how he had gotten into this.
“Do not worry Don Qurile, you are the messenger and I am not in the habit of blaming the messenger for the content of the message. In this case, the message was expected.” The Dark Lord gave Jens a kindly look.
The Dark Lord perused the papers. “I will consider these.” He looked up at Jens asking, “How did you get involved in all this?” as he stood and handed the petitions to Lady Taryn who took them with a look of surprise, as did the Lady known only as The Companion.
“As I told your Head Steward sire, I am a friend of Slav di Naska.”
There was a nod at this from The Dark Lord who had returned to his seat. “And the Commander?”
Jens shrugged. “She heard about Slav’s petition and wanted her own appeal sire.”
“I see.” The Dark Lord held Jens with his gaze. “And what did you tell them?”
“That they were mad to make such a petition sire.” Jens spoke levelly.
The Dark Lord smiled at that. Some of the Ladies chuckled. “But they insisted, correct?”
“Yes my Lord.”
“So, they are either supremely arrogant, stupid or believe that I will give them a quicker death then the one they face.” He stood again and turned to Lady Taryn. “Taryn, you have had no part in any of the actions against these traitors. I would like you to review the petitions and also find out the nature of the death penalties they face.”
He turned back to Jens. “Leave your contact information with the Stewards office. You will be contacted within two days.”
With a look of surprise Jens bowed and turned to leave. A word from The Dark Lord stopped him. “Jens Don Qurile, do not give your friend and the Commander any hope for a reprieve. I will consider their fates in full.”
With a nod and bows, the group left.
*********
“Well, that was interesting. You have all their details at your fingertips.” Lady Dana commented as Lady Taryn flipped through the petitions. “What more do you want?”
The Dark Lords companion also had recovered from her surprise at His actions. “Yes, give!” She said. Other Ladies echoed her sentiment.
“For a start,” The Dark Lord spoke with restraint. “This is not like the Day of Hearing. This is a very public matter and I do not need Special Assistant Anis Le Brackel or Sabra Boon to tell me that my actions will be watched. So, I will take a little time and do a little research on these two and their sentences.” The Dark Lord paused and looked around. “In any case, where any person’s life and death is considered, some reflection is in order, is it not?”
There was a muted sound of concurrence from the Ladies. The Dark Lord called Lady Andrea over. “Kindly go to the Stewards office. Tell them to release the news that a notice of petition has been accepted by me and that I am considering it. If Sabra Boon wants more information than that, find out what she wants and I will consider it.”
There was a nod, then hesitation. “The Guard?”
“I will speak to them. I know what they mean to you, but sometimes they need daddy!”
Making a face, Lady Andrea left.
*********
Lead by Sabra, the announcement received wide play on the news media. There was much speculation and certain academics appeared on some shows, speculating on possible actions the Dark Lord could take. These were carefully stated, none of the professors wanting to feel the Dark Lords wrath. A count made by one of the media outlets of the various predictions came down with the petitioners having a fifty, fifty chance of either having their sentences remitted or being executed.
The outlet concerned declined, as they put it, to enter into the petitioner sweepstakes. They stated that they were content to leave the decision in the capable hands of the Dark Lord, commenting that the traitors were liable to the death penalty and frankly, deserved it. However, if the Dark Lord gave relief, or substituted some other penalty, that was also fine.
It was on the afternoon of 5th Retma that the announcement was made. The news outlets were disappointed. All that was said was that the Dark Lord would hear the petitioners in person on the morning of the 8th. No further details were given. Speculation was rife.
Others were also interested. Certain establishments that catered for those who wished to gamble their credits away opened lines on which people could place wagers for different outcomes. The least likely outcome, therefore the one with the highest odds, was seen as a full reprieve. The most likely outcome was the exact opposite, death.
*********
Garda Karkart when he reported to the Dark Lord, did reluctantly reveal that there was betting on the outcome when asked how the people had responded to the news of the petitions.
“Betting are they on these people’s lives?” The Dark Lords companion threw her hands in the air and rose to her feet in her outrage!
Others of the Ladies also vented their disgust.
The Dark Lord sat quietly. Then spoke. “What do you think, good Steward?”
“I think people will be people, sire.”
“And you, Special Assistant?” Anis Le Brackel did not respond straight away but spoke after a fraction
“Sire, as the Head Steward said, people will be people. It is disgusting. It cheapens people’s lives.” She paused. “If you were thinking of taking action against these houses of gambling, sire, I would recommend against it.”
“Why?” The question actually came from the Dark Lords companion.
Surprised, it was rare for the ladies to ask questions during these meetings, Anis replied carefully. “First of all Lady, because, while distasteful, it is legal. Secondly, many gamble as a form of relaxation, it would be unpopular and may even incite unrest. Third, no action has been taken against them for similar betting on people’s lives in the past, during the trials for example, it would seem arbitrary.”
Lady Dana stepped forward and seemed about to speak when the Dark Lord stood and lifted his hand. “I will say nothing. It has happened in the past, and it will happen in the future. If I start with such actions, where would I stop?”
Reluctantly, it seemed to Grada, Anis and standing in the background, Lea, the Ladies nodded in agreement.
The Dark Lord turned to Lady Taryn.
“What have you discovered, Taryn?” Came the question as the Dark Lord took back his seat along with the companion.
“I see why Commander Torp appealed to you! The sentence for treason on her home planet is to be placed naked in a capsule and shot into the planets sun.” There were interested looks thrown at the Dark Lord who made a face. “The kicker is,” Lady Taryn continued, “The treaty with her home planet says that any and all members of the planet who commit a crime must be returned to the planet for execution of sentence, no matter what the crime.”
“Interesting, and her reasons are understandable. And Slav di Naska?”
“He would get the standard death sentence from the Empire. Death by plasma rifle.”
“Seems quick enough, although a little messy.” He sat in thought a bit, then looked up. “So why do you think he petitioned me?”
It was Lady Luca who answered.
“I think he wants to see you face to face. He doesn’t care about anything else. He has something up his sleeve that he wants to say, that he hopes will hurt you. He wanted to blow up the reactor and kill everyone including himself, disregarding the fact that such a ploy would be easily foreseeable. He was very upset when he was outwitted.”
The Dark Lord sat back in his chair and pondered. He shook his head.
“He will have to come up with something really novel. I may have heard every insult there is! As to actually hurting me, I wish him well in that venture.” There was silence for a fraction. “We will see on the eighth.”
Turning to the Head Steward, he asked. “Is there anything else, good Steward?”
“Just, one item, sire. Ganner Re Dapplell wishes to give his final report on the Star Builders reconstruction.”
There was a fraction of silence. “That man has done excellent work.” The Dark Lord murmured. “I wish to honour him.” He turned to Lady Dana. “Dana, you and Andrea dealt with him and were the point of connection between myself and Star Builders, what say you?”
Both the Ladies smiled. “I see what is on your mind.” Lady Andrea said. The rest of the Ladies looked interested. Lady Tyler had a smile on her face as well as Ladies Sydney, Sofia and Taryn.
The Dark Lord nodded then spoke with a smile. “Go and discuss it and let me know. If yes, decide on the degree as well. All of you have to agree, remember.” All the ladies left, chatting.
Turning back to the Head Steward, “Advise the First Councillor of Ganner Re Dapplell’s request. Also that I will hear his report along with the full council. Better warn the good businessman, but say nothing about the Ladies until they give their approval yet.”
“I will say nothing sire.” Garda replied with a smile and a bow while Anis looked on uncertainly. The Dark Lord raised an eyebrow.
“I have done some research sire.”
The Dark Lord smiled. “Very good. Is there anything else?”
“Nothing sire.” The three bowed and retired.
*********
Walking, Anis glanced at the Head Steward.
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“Is there something I need to or should know?”
There was a slight hesitation, but this was not something that was secret, at least not to palace staff. Lea did not ask, she already knew having done her research into the events of a thousand years ago and the aftermath.
“There is an award, the highest degree of which is Knight of the Circle, other degrees are Commander and Member. Being appointed to the Circle is the highest possible honour however it can only awarded by the Dark Lord with the approval of the Ladies of the Circle who also decide what degree is awarded. The last award was a thousand year ago.”
“Oh.”
Anis thought for a fraction as they walked. Then, “What about Sabra? The giving of the report at least should be covered.”
Grada stopped. That he had not considered.
“I will take that up with our Master later.” He replied. “You are right, this is something that should be covered. It will give the Empire a boost and show the business world that the Dark Lord keeps his word.”
They continued to the Stewards complex.
*********
The eighth dawned bright and sunny. An early observer would have noted work being done in the wastelands. Two clusters of wooden poles were being erected by strangely dressed, half naked men. There were overseen by men wearing long red cloaks and ornate headdresses.
The aware observer would have considered this work ominous.
*********
Sabra Boon arrived early as the suggestion had been made that it would be wise to do so. Recent experiences had shown her the need to pay attention to the moods of the palace and the Dark Lord.
Anis met her at the Stewards office.
“I will show you the room where the meeting is to take place, tell you what is to happen and then you can have a chance to get your preliminary report together.”
Like many others Sabra was impressed with the First Ministers room which she had only seen in the palace broadcast. Anis showed her where she was to stand, telling her as well that there was to be no recording of the event. Returning to the Stewards office, Sabra settled in to compose the first draft of her report. Deep into her work, Sabra did not look up when her door opened.
“I’m working, if you don’t mind.” Came absently.
“That’s good, I like to see people working, I can sit and watch them all day.” The voice was very familiar, even tinged with amusement.
Sabras head slowly came up, followed by her rising to her feet.
“My, my, Lord.” She stuttered.
“Please sit.” The Dark Lord moved to the side as Ladies Dana and Andrea stepped though the doorway.
“I asked Dana and Andrea here to explain to you what the raising of any person to being a Member of the Circle means to the Ladies. I may recommend, but the Ladies have the final say. They also decide on whether a person is elevated to a Knight, a Commander or a Member. The decision is entirely theirs and I have never enquired as to the reasoning behind any of their decisions.” He smiled, somewhat fondly Sabra thought, then moved to the door, “I leave you in their hands,” and left, closing the door behind him.
As the two Ladies took their seats they smiled at Sabra, who smiled weakly back.
*********
The room of the Ministers was crowded when at midday Ganner Re Dapplell, after he had given a brief oral presentation, duly placed his report, a printed one that tradition demanded, in the hands of the Dark Lord who passed it to the First Councillor to review. He had stared at Lady Luca who stood close to The Dark Lord, resplendent in her shining armour of old. For once, of the palace staff, only Security Chief Massett was present occupying her place at the doors. As the Dark Lord spoke, the High Council and the senior members of the Legion along with Sabra Boon, watched with interest.
“I thank you Ganner Re Dapplell, for the excellent service that you have performed for the Empire. It was a most difficult and demanding service that you have performed for more than a year, and you performed it with intelligence, strength of character and courage. For this most excellence service and with the approval of the Ladies of the Circle, I create you a Knight of the Circle.” Lady Luca stepped forward, raised her sword and touched the businessman twice, once on each shoulder.
She smiled, “Welcome Knight.” She said, while the other Ladies clapped. Then all the Ladies of the Circle stepped forward and welcomed the new Knight and finally the Dark Lords companion spoke.
“Latest member of the Circle, we bid you welcome. Any member of the Circle and certain others will know you in the future and will know to trust you.” She smiled. “That includes those of us who are not present.” After a pause she continued. “You may be interested to know that you are the only living holder of the award and it can only be given to those who provide service directly to the Circle.” She stepped back.
“Congratulations again, Knight.” The Dark Lord had returned to his seat. “We do have more business to conduct today and while you do not have a direct interest in the matter, you may wish to see the final outcome of the events in which you had a highly significant part.”
“Thank you sire.” Ganner moved to stand beside Sabra Boon. He couldn’t deny that he was interested in the final outcome. Like those in the past who had been so honoured he wondered who the ‘certain others’ were.
Standing at the center of the double doors, Security Chief Ferni Massett watched everything with interest. Receiving a nod from the Dark Lord, she motioned to the two security guards standing with her to open the doors. Slav di Naska and Commander Kanna Trop stepped through into the room. They were each dressed in a one piece, collarless suit and their hands were manacled. While Commander Trop looked composed, Slav seethed. Neither looked at any member of the High Council as they were escorted between the two tables and the doors closed behind them. The Star Commander, Vis Vistricer, and Mont De Templer, the Admiral of the Legion gazed with curiosity at the pair while the First Councillors face held a look of contempt.
“Slav di Naska and Commander Kanna Trop,” The Dark Lord spoke softly, “you have both made petitions for clemency to me. Why should I hear you? Or should I just close my fist about you?”
“You murdered my sister!” Slav di Naska screamed. “I call on all good people to raise up against you!” Further verbal abuse followed. When the tirade had ended there was silence. Commander Trop just shook her head. The Dark Lord had sat motionless throughout. All wondered what would happen next.
Into the silence Lady Tyler stepped, “Well that wasn’t very original, I have heard better.”
Silence followed, then some of the Ladies giggled. The councillors and legion officers remained silent and kept their faces composed. The Dark Lords lips appeared to twitch, then He stood. “Legate” reopened the doors.
Standing in the doors was a solid looking man dressed in a uniform that Sabra easily recognised from the execution of Slav’s sister. This was Legate Mangus Lictus Garius, who she now knew was the leader of, Those who do the Dark Lords will. While his uniform was similar, Sabra saw that it was finer and of high quality. Behind Mangus stood several soldiers, some carrying spears, others ropes and all dressed in the fashion she remembered all too well.
Stepping into the room he slapped his chest with the palm of his hand than raised it.
“Ave Caesar.” He called, echoed by the troops behind him. The watching group drew in their breath with a hiss. The Dark Lord and the Ladies remained silent.
“You are ready Legate?” The Dark Lord asked with a soft voice that still had ominous overtones.
“We are Caesar.”
“Good.” The Dark Lord turned to Commander Trop. “Commander, what do you have to say?”
“I throw myself on your mercy, Lord. Just give me a swift death.”
“Nothing more?” The two locked gazes. Following a fractions silence, the Dark Lord turned to the others in the room. “Does anyone wish to speak? For or against?”
The councillors exchanged glances, but remained silent. The two Legion officers exchanged a look and the Star Commander stood. “My Lord, while I cannot speak for a full commutation of sentence, I would endorse the Commanders request for a swift death.” He sat down. The Admiral added his agreement.
“Spoken like true soldiers.” The Dark Lord stood. “Anyone who wishes may be excused. Does anyone?” There was silence. With the statement being put in such a manner, there could only be one response.
“Legate” The Dark Lord turned to Mangus Lictus Garius. “Take these two into your custody.”
“Caesar!” Harsh commands rang out in their unfamiliar tongue. Half the solders went to Slav di Naska while the other half secured Commander Trop. Their bindings were removed by the palace guard and their wrists were tied behind their back with rough rope. Commander Trop endured this in silence while Slav di Naska fought the solders fruitlessly.
Through the open doors, the Dark Lord strode, the Legate following him. The prisoners followed with Sabra Boon and Ganner Re Dapplell in tow. The legion officers followed quietly talking to the First Councillor while the Councillors straggled after them. The two security guards who were at the door made up the tail. The Ladies did not follow, but left by another door.
The small crowd of visitors who happened to be present in the palace parted like a shoal of fish, staring as the Dark Lord, shrouded in his cloak led the procession down towards the Hall of Hearing. Palace security and Imperial Guards kept the crowd separated until the small procession passed. Whispered comments passed back and forwards but none dared approach, ask any questions or call out comments.
As the Dark Lord reached the doors that led into the hall, they opened without being touched. Turning to His left, He began the long walk to the other end, where the doors already stood open. Other figures were standing there, becoming distinct as the procession drew closer. Those in the procession started as they recognised the rest of the convicted traitors as well as the Head Steward and Lea Cania.
Reaching the throne and dais, the Dark Lord stepped to the first step, waving the First Councillor and the legion officers over. There was no smile as they approached followed by the rest of the council. They were staring at the Head Steward, and the other traitors.
Unsmiling, the Dark Lord addressed Trop and di Naska. “As you can see, others have decided to join your request for review of their crimes. We have here Tama Priestas; Tim Deuris; Vic Tappa; and Tupper Hills.” A quizzical look passed over His face as he continued. “The only notable missing is Riar Pur Catt. I presume that she wishes to remain where she is,” He surveyed the group, “but we will continue without her.” Tappa had loudly complained about the non-use of his rank of Vice Admiral. As he had been stripped of this title, he was ignored. The costumed soldiers laughed and one cuffed him, contempt on his face.
*********
Standing to one side Sabra Boon and Ganner Re Dapplell exchanged glances. It had not escaped their notice that the visitors to palace had carefully followed them down the hall while maintaining distance.
“I think he deliberately allowed them in.” Ganner murmured.
“I agree, I think he wants witnesses.” Came the quiet reply from Sabra. I must get him on my show. She thought, giving the businessman a quick glance.
*********
The Dark Lord had turned to the First Councillor, the Star Commander and the Admiral of the Legion. Quietly he spoke to them. “These have all disgraced their oaths, their positions and the organisations they stood for. That is with the sole exception of Commander Torp. Unless you have a profound reason for me not to, I will now dispense my justice on them.”
Both Vis Vistricer and Mont De Templer indicated that the legion had no further interest in the pair of disgraced officers. Les Doman Resta observed that one of the councillors might cause trouble, but it had been pointed out that the Dark Lord had exercised his right to pass judgement on members of the council many times in the past. The council had no grounds to protest the Dark Lords right to exercise judgement this day.
The Dark Lord nodded and with a quiet word indicated they could leave. There was an exchange of looks between the trio and they also noted that some of the Ladies had arrived at the dais. Vis Vistricer spoke for the three.
“My Lord, having come this far, it would be unseemly for us to leave now.” He bowed.
There was no smile from the Dark Lord. “Very well, we have kept everyone waiting long enough.” He turned to the group before him.
“Tama Priestas, step forward.”
The tall ungainly woman, slowly stepped forward, her hands bound behind her back. Worn lines etched on her face showed the strain of the last year on her.
“Are you ready to accept my justice?’ The Dark Lord continued.
“I am.” Came the defeated reply. The Dark Lord regarded the failed traitor for a fraction.
“Legate!”
“Lord?”
“This woman is a traitor to the Empire, but I will be merciful. Take her and cut off her head.”
“As you command, sire.” A wave went to a Tribune stand nearby. Again commands rang out in the strange language of the soldiers. Two seized Tama Priestas’s arms and walked her over to the rough bare ground. Another solder was waiting by a block of wood with an axe.
The Dark Lord turned back to the group in front of him.
“Tim Deuris, step forward.”
The sullen ex-councillor was man-handled forward to the dais, hate streaming from his eyes. There was a shriek, cut off by a dull thud. Eyes flicked to the wasteland where Tama Priestas body jerked spasmodically then laid still while the soldier who had used the axe washed it clean of blood. The eyes turned away.
From the visitors who had followed the procession, gasps were heard.
The Dark Lord considered Tim Deuris. “Yes you hate me for spoiling your plans. Never mind that in all cases your plans involved murder, treason and betrayal. I will deal also with your co-conspirators and the unexpected wild card.” Only the Ladies understood the reference. “Bring the rest forward. Except for Commander Trop.”
*********
Watching all this, Ganner turned to Sabra, “Can he actually do this?”
“Looks like he is.” Came the calm reply. “Well Knight, I would love to have you on my show!” Sabra flashed her professional smile.
“I’ll think about it.” He waved at the other councillors, standing huddled nearby. “What about them?” Sabra is pretty calm seeing that Tama Priestas just lost her head, he thought, I wonder why?
“Not a chance, they will all throw up before this is over.” She looked the group of fourteen over. “Except maybe Ken of Hosta, Don Krispa and Simone of Christos, they look tougher than the rest. Red Bonnis as well, maybe.” Lika Dupra was standing facing away, hands on her face.
*********
The Dark Lord surveyed the group before him. The Soldiers had stopped their banter and were silent, grim faced. “You have condemned yourselves by your actions, by your breaking of your oaths of office and by your plans which would have cost the lives of many. You could not have known of the plans of invasion by a foreign power, but that does not excuse you. Your actions merit death and that is what you will get.”
There was one last grim appraisal, then the Dark Lord turned to Legate Mangus Lictus Garius who had moved up to stand at the foot of the dais. He stepped down beside the Legate. “Crucify them,” was the order.
“As you command Caesar.”
A wave of the Legates hand had the four traitors hustled out to the grim wastelands where each was forced to his own pole.
*********
Commander Torp stood alone with her escort of two soldiers. “What do you intend to do with me?” Was her quiet question.
The spectators watching suddenly became aware that Lady Luca had moved to the front of the Ladies. In contrast to the rest, she was wearing a tight black top and greenish brown, baggy pants which were tucked into boots. In her hands she held her sword. This was not the shiny ceremonial sword of the knighting, but a well-worn, battle proven sword, its scarred scabbard hanging by her side.
“I have received a petition regarding your fate. You will have a choice, to be returned to your home planet, or face the axe or the sword. You must decide.”
“So I get death either way.” Commander Torp said with a smile.
The Dark Lord stepped up to her. Their gaze met squarely. “I see you understand.” He murmured then turned and nodded to Lady Luca.
*********
Screams had signalled the start of the flogging, the first step in the crucifixion process. All the men had been tied to a pole and the soldiers were putting the flagrum, a whip with a short handle and generally two or three long thick thongs tipped with lead balls, to its full use. Tim Deuris and Slav di Naska screamed straight away while the two ex-members of the legion bore it stoically, at least in the beginning. Slav screamed loudest and fainted quickly. So quickly that the Centurion had to check him to make sure he wasn’t dead. He wasn’t and the flogging continued after he was revived. Tim Deuris followed him in fainting.
*********
Lady Luca led Commander Torp to a somewhat empty part of the wasteland but one still in view of the Hall of hearing. There she told the two soldiers to release the Commander. The rope was removed and Commander Trop hesitated for a fraction before Lady Luca said, “Kneel, Commander.”
Slowly the rebel soldier descended to her knees, her head dropping. The two strangely dressed soldiers moved to the side while Lady Luca moved behind. The sword was raised in a two-handed grip as Lady Luca said “Raise your head, Commander, look to the sky.”
Commander Trop Looked up as the sword slashed down, and her head fell to the ground. Her body followed, kicking spasmodically.
Lady Luca let out her breath with a hiss. A third soldier came over with a bucket of water and a rag. The sword was washed clean. The watchers all grimaced with the exception of the Dark Lord and the Ladies, who made no sound. The two officers of the Legion grunted.
With a word to the soldiers as to what to do with the remains, followed by thanks for their service, the Lady left. The soldiers did not smile but straightened and their faces showed their appreciation for the Lady’s thoughtfulness.
Sheathing her sword while returning to the dais, Lady Luca nodded to the Dark Lord who was now sitting, not on his throne but on a seat that he had appropriated. He nodded back, “You gave her a warrior’s death, Luca. That is good.”
Lady Luca gave a slight smile in return.
“I understand that it is not easy to take a life,” The Dark Lord sighed, “It never should be easy.” The other Ladies nodded. Lady Dana stepped forward and embraced Lady Luca. The rest followed.
Sabra Boon watched, fascinated.
*********
The screaming had subsided as the cruel flogging ceased, one by one in turn for each of the condemned. As it stopped each traitor was released and, still naked, dragged to another set of wooden poles standing upright.
There they faced the next step. Vic Tappa was first. He was dragged to a wooden beam laying at the foot of an upright, called by the soldiers the stipes. Without being given a chance to recover, he was dropped at the beam, known as the patibulum. Four soldiers, two on each arm, dragged Tappas arms across the patibulum, tying each arm in place. Two men, wearing just a loin cloth knelt at each wrist. These were the crucifixion masters. A spike ten centis long with a large head was produced and each man positioned the spike, raised a mallet then brought it down with force. A piercing scream rang out, repeated with each hammer blow driving the nail home.
Coming to their feet the two nearly naked men considered their task. A nod was passed between the two and one went to where Tupper Hills was waiting, a look of horror on his face at what he had just witnessed.
Two of the soldiers at Tappas stipes produced two long poles with a ‘v’ shaped top. The other two soldiers at a command from the man wearing a loin cloth picked up the patibulum at each end. This drew more screams from Tappas. Slowly the beam was pushed up the post until, reaching the top, a slot in the patibulum was guided onto a tongue on the stipes. A bolt passed through both secured the two together.
The screams issuing from Tappas at this treatment slowly receded to moans. These were drowned out by screams from Hills, who was now being nailed by the other master. His other wrist was soon nailed and he was raised like Tappas.
Tappas was semi-conscious as he hung. He barely saw the master approaching him with another, longer spike. A command and two of the soldiers positioned the feet with ropes to the masters satisfaction. The spike was placed at the necessary spot and blows from the master’s mallet drove it through both feet into the wood of the stipes wringing further screams from Tappas. The soldiers removed the ropes from both the legs and arms, then stood back admiring their work. Another group of soldiers joined them. With a word, the master indicated they were to take over the guarding of the two.
Waving to his group of helpers, the master and his squad turned towards where Tim Deuris and Slav di Naska were waiting, semi-comatose. The rough handling they received, roused them to groans, then screams as their nailing took place. It seemed to the watchers that they were raised swiftly and soon all four traitors were hanging from their crosses. The groans seemed to fill the hall.
The Dark Lord stood. With a sign to the Head Steward and the Legate He walked out to the Wasteland with them. When others went to follow him, he waved them back. Calling the soldiers over, The Dark Lord complemented them on the work that they had done for Him. “Those who did the hard job will now rest. The guards will take over.” He smiled. “Eat, drink and be merry.” With “Ave Caesars” the soldiers showed their appreciation for the Dark Lords thoughtfulness.
Turning to the Steward, the Dark Lord addressed the matter of the bodies of Commander Trop and Tama Priestas. “Take their bodies into your custody Steward. See that they reach their families, as appropriate. If no one wants them, deal with them in the usual way.” The usual way was to drop the body into a convenient star.
“As you wish sire.” Four members of the Imperial Guard came forward. Garda mused to himself that they had been more accommodating since the Dark Lord had spoken to them. “And those?” Indicating the naked writhing bodies on the cross.
“They will not last long.” The Legate commented. Looking at Tim Deuris and Slav di Naska with an experienced eye, he predicted, “Those two will be dead today, the other two by tomorrow.” He turned to the Steward. “You will be told in the usual manner.” The Steward nodded. That had been established at the Day of Hearing.
“I thank you Legate.” Grada replied. The broad, tough soldier smiled and bowed. These two had taken the measure of each other during the day of hearing. Both knew that each had the favour of the Dark Lord, although in different ways, and were warily respectful of each other. With a nod, the Dark Lord left, followed by the Steward, the Ladies having already departed. The councillors slowly left followed by the Legion officers. With an ‘I will think about it.’ and a smile Ganner Re Dapplell also left. Sabra Boon gave a last look at the death gyrations of the condemned then headed to her small office in the palace, there to compose her nightly report. She would also place a call to her friend Reapa, with details of Ganner Re Dapplell’s final report. Sabra remembered her friends.
As the bodies of the two women were removed, the great doors closed, leaving just a small opening. A sigh went through the gathered onlookers. Then everyone dispersed. Word soon spread about the executions, soon distorted out of all recognition until none of those present who recognise the story.
The body of Tama Priestas was received reluctantly and quietly cremated. Commander Trops on the other hand was received with respect and not a little pride. She after all, had requested her fate and had been executed with honour by one of the most prominent of the Circle of Ladies. This was something to be a little proud of!
As for the four crucified, after receiving their bodies the families quietly interned them, each with the custom of their planet.