The three followed by, who Jake had recognized as a local blacksmith, headed in through a corridor that led into a large dank room. Chairs had been set up and there were various towns folk seated. In the front stood Pete behind a podium he was slamming down a gavel while demanding silence. Jake approached and the crowd grew silent. I called this meeting to order Pete shouted out, We have a special guest here today and he will address you all. Wiz took that Que to chime in and said, “This here is Jake, and he came a long way to speak with us.” The crowd's murmuring started up again and Pete silenced them with a bang of his gavel. “Listen up! Jake the floor is yours.”
Jake cleared his throat and began, “Listen here, I know you all don't know me but I am here to help.” Someone near the back shouted out, “Help, help? You have killed the king's men. It's only a matter of time before we are...” Jake shouted down the interrupter, “SILENCE! It has come to my attention that there is a traitor among us!” The crowd shifted uneasily. “Jake held up the warrant he found and said,” What I hold here in my hand is proof that one of you has betrayed your fellows!” At that, the one who interrupted earlier jumped up from his seat and sprinted for the exit. “Grab him!” Jake shouted. The Smithy snatched the short heavy-set man by the collar and yanked him back. He pinned him to the ground and started pummeling him into submission. Jake watched on approvingly.
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Jake interrupted mid-beating and said Pull him up, we need answers. The blacksmith nodded and easily jerked him to his feet, The man was dressed in business attire and was still squirming trying to get away. Hostel eyes of the crowd bore into him. Jack grinned and addressed him, “Who might you be?” The Man said, “Like you don't know already you have evidence.” Jake schooled his face and said, “Yes that is true but for the benefit of all who are present speak.” The man balked, “You will get nothing out of me!” Jake replied, “Truly?” He looked down at a ledger that sat on the podium. “Will you swear it on this holy book here?”
With a confused look, the man said, Yes of course I will. I will swear it on all the Gods above and the devils below.” Jake smiled, “Then place your hand on this holy tome and swear you will tell me nothing.” The man frowned put his hand on the ledger and said, “I swear I will tell you...” In a flash, Jake materialized his knife and drove it through the hand, book, and deep into the podium pinning it there. The man shrieked and tried pulling his hand free but he lacked the strength. When his shrieks turned to sobs Jake asked in a calm voice, “You were saying?”