It was the tenth day. It was now the day of the coronation of the new Contiearl of House Commerro. For several days the preparations for it had continued despite most of the treasury being plundered by the supposed pirate raid. Rumors had now spread to the other nearby cities that Racieros Commerro had unknown, foreign benefactors that had donated to the coronation. The hostile takeover of the Merchant's Guild in Ovespuerte had circulated within the rumor mill, and the supposed pirate raid was an attack by a foreign power.

These rumors were not unfounded, and it is this truth that threatens what Aryyad built and expose Johoon’s crime.

Racieros and the Gildin Brothers were brazenly summoned by both Aryyad and Johoon on the docks. The three made sure that they remained unseen, borrowing cloaks enchanted to mask their identities; however they were aware that the most savvy among their visitors might see them. They kept these cloaks on even now, and hoped that no one had followed them.

“There are rumors of our involvement.” Aryyad informed the three.

“There were always rumors regarding that pirate raid.” Racieros replied.

“No.” Aryyad spoke. “Somehow, word had spread of the truth–at least the version of the truth that is dangerously close to the actual truth. That the attack on the castle was an inside job by you, Racieros. With foreign involvement–our involvement.”

“How?” Cultrost asked.

“[Spies]. I do not know who.” Numisley informed. “I had gained [Area of Sources], and it informed me that the rumors had spread from the castle.”

“The Commerros.” Racieros guessed. “They are openly defying me. Some of them. A few support me. I do not know what they will do aside from protesting during the coronation. ”

“We already paid the [Informants] in the port to not leak info.”Aryyad said.

“Then I shall cut out their tongues!” Johoon barked.

“It might be the Commerros. It might be the other nobility.” Cultrost guessed.

“And which one is the most important question.” Numisley continued.

“Then, Numisley. Cultrost. Since you had helped me gain control of Ovespuerte’s temple with your information about the [High Priest], if these nobles demand arbitration, then we shall at least put up a fight when Racieros’ authority comes into question.”

“Their authority.” Aryyad and Johoon left these words unsaid, for all of them knew which powers are behind the lordling’s throne.

“I assume that I have to wait and see?” Racieros asked.

“Of course.” Aryyad said. “And hope to the Goddess and her Saints that whatever dirt they have on you–us wouldn’t be enough to doom us all.”

After that secret meeting, the coronation had started. People flocked to the streets, and the Kaminor troops made sure that the crowd wouldn’t block the way of the procession. The tradition of most Houses of the region ordained by the Divine Decree is for the coronated ruler is the walk to the temple that would bless the crown or any article of office, and after receiving the blessing of a [Priest] of the Decree, the new ruler shall march back to his throne.

Showcasing the ruler’s extravagance is integral to the entire ceremony, yet the unlooted heirlooms of the castle and the entire household of Ovespuerte’s castle was all Racieros can afford to parade. Numisley and Cultrost, as part of Racieros’ staff, also walked with him. While Numisley had dressed his best, and tried his best to keep up with the march even with a limp leg, Cultrost had worn a full set of armor: his chest covered by a borrowed gambeson, his hooves uncomfortably fitted in greaves, and his helmet and masked visor had holes cut for his painted horns. He had to be covered from head to toe to appear as Human as possible, despite his humid sweating. Some eyes stared at the costume he wore; but it is just that, a costume, and not a disguise to hide his true species.

Music and tales sang and told [Bards] reverberated within the streets. The thin steam and smell from cooked seafood profusely wafted through the crowds. The Commerros watched intently, judging the humble parade, assessing the uncertain future of their House. Racieros climbed the stairs to the temple that overlooked the docks of Ovespuerte.

Each succeeding step of Racieros’ ascension weighs heavier than the last. For Numisley, even more so. He had to push himself up with his weight with one leg and one cane. Normally, he would ask his brother to carry him, however, the eyes of Ovespuerte are upon them. They held their tired breath as they reached the temple at last.

The temple, like many structures of the Human Continent, was all bare stone embedded with rigid patterns of metal. Within the colonnaded compound is Racieros’ uncle and those who oppose his ascension, who formed a line to block Racieros’ path to the temple where the [High Priest] would give his blessing for his title as Contiearl of the Commerros.

“You are not qualified for the position as Contiearl of our House. You are too young, too inexperienced, my dear nephew.”

“And are you disputing my birthright? Sealed by the divine laws we follow?”

“If you were not a puppet of foreigners, we would accept your claim. I can’t believe that you are working for a criminal and a barbarian.”

Garrenno Commerro verbally pointed at Numisley and Cultrost. His eyes pointed towards Numisley in particular.

“This criminal, who dare to claim the Naveirei House’s name as his own? By colluding with him, by accepting the gold from foreign powers, you had doomed yourselves. By my authority as Viconti Garrenno Commerro with Marquis Dustitoz Gaviolos and the Commerros present, in the name of the Divine Decree and its Nine Laws, within the sanctioned ground of Ovespuerte, I declare the right of litigation–”

“On what grounds?”

“Racieros Commerro, you will stand trial for the crime of high treason and patricide. Numisley Gildin and his associates, the crime of unlawfully assuming the name of a noble house, the attempted theft of government funds, and the sacking and murder of the village of Dousso, and evading arrest.”

Stolen story; please report.

Their [Soldiers] appeared behind Racieros’ entourage. Adriasta Kaminor had witnessed this unexpected turn of events, and knew that Dustitoz was behind this. She was ordered by her House to secure a trade route via Ovespuerte by ingratiating herself with Racieros, hence the troops sent to reinforce security for the coronation. She ordered her [Soldiers] to encircle the Commerro’s troops, which shocked the Commerros.

“What is the meaning of this?” Garrenno Commerro asked.

“There is no need for the detainment of a noble. To do so would further disgrace him in the eyes of the law. A noble wouldn’t be this cruel to his fellow noble, am I right?”

Garrenno bit his lip.

“Racieros. The trial will be tomorrow as soon as the fifth bell of the day. Wait in the castle in the meantime.”

Numisley and Cultrost, as commoners and foreigners, were arrested despite Racieros’ protests. However, it is a small comfort that they would be detained in the castle, and not elsewhere, so he could visit them. The onlookers of the parade were surprised that Racieros did not wear the crown of the Commerros, and speculation had inevitably spread throughout Ovespuerte’s streets.

In the ports, there was a confrontation. [Soldiers] who had accompanied the visiting Commerros and those in Dustitoz’s retinue were in a standoff against the [Mercenaries] of Aryyad’s warehouses. Aryyad had gone out, surrounded by his best men: Rhino Beastkin [Mercenaries] of a clan he was well acquainted with back home.

“What is the meaning of this?”

“You are detained in association with Numisley Gildin and his crimes until the trial.” One of the leaders of the armed group spoke.

“On what grounds?” Aryyad demanded. “I’m the elected Guildmaster of the [Merchants] of Ovespuerte. I am a friend of the late Torresso Commerro. I had contributed much to the city. I know my rights under the Divine Decree. To arrest me by association is to break the divine law.”

The leader of the [Soldiers] hesitated. He knew that these [Mercenaries] could kill a lot of them before one of them could reach for their employer. Many of them wielded wicked weapons that could cut through their armor, and wands containing great magic waiting to be unleashed.

A cadre of [Priests] from the city’s temple had appeared behind the [Soldiers] of the Commerros.

“Halt.” The [High Priest] boomed. “He does not need to be detained. Only agree to appear before the trial as needed. Away, all of you!”

Although beholden to the Commerros, the [Soldiers] knew better than to disobey one of the Divine Decree’s clergy. They promptly marched back to their employers. Aryyad rushed towards the [High Priest]; whom he had bribed in his takeover of the city.

“What is the meaning of this?” Aryyad demanded answers.

“The Commerros had built a case against Racieros and your two associates. They demand a trial tomorrow.” The [High Priest]

“That fast? And what are you doing about it?” Aryyad shook the [High Priest]’s shoulders.

“Preparing for the trial. The nobles had already presented me with coin.”

“Don’t you dare. I know what you hid within the temple. The summoning circle-”

“Damn your mouth!” The [High Priest] barked. “I know what I have to do! Annor!”

The [High Priest] beckoned to two of the young [Priests] in his group.

“Annor and Dranori of my temple will be their [Lawyers]. He will brief them tonight on what to say tomorrow. I shall do whatever I can to maintain the veneer of the fairness required of me.”

The [Priests] walked towards the castle, and Aryyad went back to his ship to find a solution for this problem.

Numisley and Cultrost were visited by Racieros in the dungeons that night, with dinner served by one of the [Servants] on a metal tray. Unlike the first time they were detained, Racieros made sure that they were comfortable within the dungeon.

“Aryyad had sent us two [Priests] to be our [Lawyers].” Racieros informed the two brothers.

“I’m surprised there are [Lawyers] in temples in the first place.” Cultrost commented.

“What do you mean?”

“Back home, they usually work under a [Merchant] or a [Governor].”

“It is the same here. But all [Lawyers] must be [Priests] of the Divine Decree, for our faith lies with the law, and the law lies within our faith. But, I shall ask. Numisley, Cultrost, is it true that you had murdered an entire village?”

Memories of that desperate time now resurface like scum on boiling water. Numisley can still feel the pangs of hunger despite the baked fish on his plate, the pain of the bruises left by his brother’s frustrated fist, the overwhelming void in his heart–the same apathy he felt when he first murdered Atasaney–that grew wider as he saw the remote hamlet of Dousso burn.

“It is my sin alone.” Numisley clarified. “We were constantly pelted by rain–I theorize that it was that bastard Dustitoz’s Feat, somehow, to delay us, I think–for several days and nights as we attempted to head to Daqquiristo to reclaim our parents’ fortune, until we had learnt that it was reclaimed by the crown. We were running out of food and ammunition, and Yulvres and the rest of the [Mercenaries] threatened to desert us. Elementals of the storm and wild golems kept assailing us. We had soon run out of beasts to eat despite every monster in the vicinity having a grudge against us. That hamlet was the only source of food, yet they were starving too. They refused to share what little they had. They had–I had to order them to subdue the villagers; yet there are many deaths.”

The regret is palpable through Numisley’s stammering recount of the events of their journey to the city of Daqquiristo. His eyes were without tears, for he had left them behind somewhere along the way. In this moment, he was reminded why he had led his brother and a motley band of [Mercenaries] an ocean away from his home. He was sure that Dustitoz was behind this.

“Idiot.” Cultrost scolded Numisley. “I kept telling you to not bear everything by yourself. I know you did what we had to do.”

Cultrost turned towards his friend, Racieros.

“When will they arrive?” Cultrost asked.

“They are waiting above.” Racieros asked. “And I think the nobles had retreated to their own rooms. So, I’ll sneak you two to my father’s private office where we can strategize about the impromptu trial tomorrow.”

“Before that, we would like to let our company know that we are safe and sound.” Numisley requested.

“I shall send someone to your warehouse then.” Racieros said.

When all of the candles within the castle were dimmed, Numisley and Cultrost had donned robes that covered their faces, accompanied by Racieros and their [Servants], who knew the best passages to avoid the nobles within the castle.

They were greeted by the sight of two [Priests] in gray garb that denoted their position. A sheaf of papers was laid down on the table, along with a thick, leather-bound copy of the Divine Decree, marked with nine concentric gilded haloes that seem to subtly thrum and gleam under the candlelight, as if a slumbering spirit stirs within the symbol.

“My lord.” They both greeted, ignoring Numisley and Cultrost. “We are honored to be in your service. Now please, swear your testimony to the Divine Decree and all of its holy laws.”

Racieros firmly placed his palm over the holy book of their faith. It glowed as he gave the testimony. Throughout the sleepless night, those within the private office within the castle planned for the trial in store for them tomorrow. Throughout the restless night, whispers spread beyond the rooms and alleys of those who speak them. The ears and eyes of the plotting nobility kept watch for plans unfolding, and correspondences were penned in the candlelight.

A former [Duke] can’t help but smile as his grand scheme bore fruit at last. His smile is as bright as the silver light of the night's horizon cast by the sun below the world's plane, and as dim as the shadows cast by the lone floating islands in the sky at midnight.