Jäger didn't react to Kyndreth's strong grip. If he had been intimidated by her strength he didn't show it. Once Krantz began to speak with Shalo it was time for Jäger to move on. He thanked Shalo for her help and then departed.
He casually walked across the courtyard towards Fontaine with his two Cavalier escorts following closely behind. Jäger smiled towards his colleague and shook his hand.
"Captain Fontaine, I believe you received my message last night?"
Kirsch listened to Dobbs' reaction and felt a sense of doom settle over him, as if he had just opened a long-locked door in an old house to find the room inside infested with spiders. By the sounds of things, the Vice Admiral had already conferred with Mannfred over the situation and the latter had described the Zuflucht as a threat that needed containment, but that spoke nothing of the good men and women inside who were already dying to the heretical presence. But the captain was there at the meetings, how could she be allowed to... he began to think when the answer to his new question became overwhelmingly clear. No other ship has such glaring problems with loyalty. If the Admiral suspected Fallensteller of being the root of the threat facing the fleet, then eliminating her would encourage some other like-minded, depraved individual to step up and take her place, possibly even on another vessel, and possibly by someone far more subtle and conniving. Or maybe, killing Fallensteller might even fracture the cult and cause multiple cells to arise.
It was a classic case of trust the devil you know.
"Well, sir, the convenient thing about the bats is that most of them aren't literate or even conversational in Gren. Unless the Captain posts someone else to read every message entering and leaving the ship, then we can trust that the courier won't raise any alarms. On top of that, we could each address our letters to and from fake individuals aboard the our ships. I say this even though we have that radio at our disposal because I feel that it's essentially to have more than one plan of communication. So if you receive a letter from my side, it will be addressed to A. A. Smith. If you want a letter to reach me, I'll set up a mailbox for T. S. Beck.
"Now, that radio would be a godsend if it works, but my primary concern is that we have nothing like it on the Zuflucht. If the device is discovered, she'll know that there's a spy in the mix, and she could easily set a trap for me. I'll take it, but keep in mind that messages could come from either radio or through the post."
Ackermann cut in again. "Kirsch, can you forgive me, now?" he asked, looking him in the eye. "I did what I thought was best for the fleet."
The Lieutenant could barely look back at him. "Me too," he said simply. "I wish you hadn't, though. We'd still have you around, and we could sort this mess out together."
"Or maybe I might be dead," Ackermann countered. "She wouldn't have let me stick around, Kirsch, you know that."
Kirsch nodded, sadly. "Yeah, probably." He turned to Dobbs. "Can we get that radio ready? I need to be back at the Consulate before Fallensteller gets there if I want to avoid rousing any suspicions."
"Don't be too hard on the captain." Fontaine calmly responded to Varadi "Old dogs are hard to teach new tricks, but he may see the light soon enough."
His attention was momentarily by Jager.
"Ah, was looking to talk to you about it. Is there anything you wish to hammer out in terms of details or will a simple delivery be enough?"
Cattapoli, Consulate
Shalo's eyes seemed to twinkle as Krantz put his hand out. "A most excellent choice, captain," she purred. "This will hurt somewhat, but that is normal."
The feline goddess extended her paw once more and set it upon Krantz's palm. There was a tingling sensation unlike anything he had felt before. It felt electric, like a current was passing between the two of them, before it crept further up his arm and then throughout his body. His limbs went numb. A tight pressure squeezed his head and his eyes began to weaken, causing his vision to swim and double. His stomach knotted in protest. Just before he felt like he would tumble over from the disorientation and nausea, Shalo pulled her paw back. Almost instantly, the sensations went away, but a warmth lingered behind in his head and hand, along with a throbbing headache.
"Transferring knowledge in such a manner is hardly ever easy. I am essentially creating and implanting new memories into your mind without the natural process of learning. Even new ideas gradually pop into one's mind from prior information already within your brain, but this method is abrupt and artificial. Its not easy on the mind. The dizziness will subside shortly, no longer than an hour. I've given you the same information I gave Jager - the process and method to summon. Likewise, I've provided you with a few names from demons who were in my employ. I won't tell you who or what they are - that simply spoils the fun."
Shortly afterwards, Jager departed. The meeting at the consulate had been concluded and people were beginning to fan out and return to their ships in preparation for the public punishment tonight. Some lingered behind to conduct private business, or others elsewhere were already well away on important matters, but they too eventually concluded their business before moving on to the gathering at the main square in Cattapoli.
Cattapoli, Sun Meadow Square
Punishment
The clocks were nearing eight already as a massive crowd was swarming the central square of the capital city. It was a wide open cobbled square, with a central grassy area in the middle. Small, colorful trees marched alongside this grassy inner park while a cobbled border surrounded it and connected it to the shops and homes that looked out into the square. Patches of flowers snaked around these trees, and were protected only by a tiny wooden border to keep them from being trampled. As thousands gathered here, many did their best to avoid stamping on the garden, but among so many people it was hard to do so.
One entire side of the square was dominated by a temple and administrative building. The entire building sat on a large marble and white bricked base, with some doorways leading into the depths. However, numerous stairways carved their way up this base which led to the second - the main - story of this large building. The floor here had massive marble pillars stretching the entire length of the base, with only an inner wall to hide the contents of whatever was within. It was undoubtedly the largest and most magnificent structure in Cattapoli, and was a construction that would have been wondrous even in the Old World. How many decades did it take to complete such a building?
Easily several hundred upper class citizens in vibrant and rich dress were gathered on this elevated base, looking out over the main square. Tens of thousands of citizens had turned out today, crowded around the cobblestone areas and all eyes turned to the central grassy fairground, in which there was a smaller cobbled square in the middle. The size of this inner square was such that more citizens were gathered on it, but the absolute center of this area was cordoned off by guardsmen in purple cloaks. A wooden platform had been constructed here to an eerily close representation of a gallows, but there were no hanging posts here. Instead, there was simply two poles standing firm in the center so that a person may be bound between two posts and easily whipped. The height of this platform rose up above the crowd so that all could easily see it, though the distance to the edges of the square was enough that it would be hard to see much detail.
Already on top of the platform was Torsson and Norrys, stripped down to their pants and bodies covered by simple burlap cloaks to shield their heads until it was time for their punishment. A hulking Vulkaine shrouded entirely in black was standing quietly nearby, with two smaller Niakoman guards nearby, holding between them a small chest. Other guards stood on the platform, looking out over the crowd.
The ground around this platform was open and clear for the human delegations. Already, the forces from the Revenant were gathered. A platoon of about thirty sailors were gathered in their dress uniforms, standing at rest with rifles in a large block. In front of this block was a thin single line of a dozen marines in ceremonial and honor dress. They wore the dark red pants and caps of the Brunswick army, but instead of dark blue coats, they wore their dress white jackets standard to their usual all-white attire. Their epaulettes were braided to the top buttons of their high-collared jackets, and all manner of awards, medals, and ribbons decorated their dress uniforms. The main body of sailors were less spectacular in awards, but the honor guard of marines were far more ornamental and magnificent. If there was one thing the countries of the Old World had perfected - it was ceremony and pomp.
Standing just in front of this honor guard was Admiral Mannfred, Captain Murdoch, and several officers in full dress which made up the primary command staff of the Revenant. Their typical utilitarian uniforms were replaced with their ceremonious and impractical dress uniforms, made only to display the splendor, accomplishments, and wealth of their status. Brunswick officers were traditional among the Old World nations in that they allowed officers of certain rank and status to wear their own approved uniforms. While Mannfred and Murdoch were dressed in naval tradition, two of the officers were dressed in army style, while two more were dressed in cavalry style - with hussar jackets and dolman coats hung over their shoulders, fitted with tight pants and knee-high ridding boots. Sabres of all types glistened from their belts.
The area in which Mannfred and his officers were standing was a small rectangular area with chairs for all captains of the fleet to sit together.
Just in front of the platform was the beastfolk delegation, about two dozen officers and elite citizens - senators, plantation owners, and the like - who wished to see the proceedings up close. The consular was with his delegation at the main temple and administrative building, on the edge of the central square, but still able to look out and watch.
A small band from the Revenant was gathered behind their platoon of sailors, playing through a standard fanfare of marches as the other ship delegations got into position.
Already, other forces had arrived and were in position, while more were being marched into the square. This was an occasion of pure ceremony. It was typical enough in the Old World, and even the beastfolk were no strangers to such circumstances, but for so many to see humans in such a manner - some for the first time - made this a unique occasion. Likewise, it was the punishment of two humans which was being featured at this event. While it wasn't a public execution, it was being treated as one.
The punishment would be beginning soon.
Therasmus wasn't quite sure where to stand amidst all of the platoons and honor guard, naturally gravitating close to the admiral as he gently clutched his head with a palm. Such a racket going on, so many minds and eyes on this one little spot in space, he had to devote so much of his energy to spreading his illusory form to all that could see him. Thankfully he could afford himself some respite by staying out of line of sight to the majority of the crowd, but it was a rather humbling position to be in for the demon. There was a time where he would be able to affect many more people than this gathering with his psionic abilities, but all that time spent in the Abyss had taken its toll.
For that reason he was less than excited about this gathering. Why were they all here? Were they truly this excited for scheduled violence? These mortals were such an odd people, too scared to inflict pain on their enemies out of adherence to flimsy logic like laws and morals, yet they readily attend an event relishing in the suffering of others. All to preserve that precious conscious of theirs... With a knuckle to his chin he slowly shuffled toward Mannfred, standing beside him with a nod. He looked out of place for several reasons, but his suit was not nearly so grandiose as the admiral's and his company. He looked to the platform with a slight grimace from his strained mind, hoping this waste of time would be over with soon.
As Kirsch asked Dobbs, he himself looked towards Lonstray for an answer. "If I have to, I'll finish the design myself if time is of the essence." Lonstray said as he stood up and dashed outside of the mess hall and towards the labs. At his pace, it took only two minutes and he was out of breath as he practically kicked the door open much to the surprise of his assistants. He immediately looked over to the back of the lab and saw Adam and Peter toiling away furiously at the device. Lonstray quickly strode over to inspect their work thus far. "Well Adam? Has it been fixed?"
"S-sir, I need more time." he responded meekly. "Several hours sir-"
"You don't have several hours." said Lonstray. "Move. I'll do it myself then."
He pushed the two assistants out of the way as he took a seat at the station, putting on a magnifying eyepiece and wiring equipment and began his work on the delicate internals...
[10 minutes later]
Lonstray leaned back and dropped his equipment on the table and observed the radio for a moment before pickign it up and turning it on. The familiar static of radio began to sound. Bloody hell I'm good. Lonstray thought to himself as he switched it off, took both units and marched out of the lab once more.
[2 minutes later]
"I have it right here." Lonstray stated as he re-entered the mess hall. He walked over to sit next to Kirsch and handed him one of the units.
"Now, there are several dials for channels on the top of the radio here." Lonstray explained as he pointed to the dials that lined the top of the unit. "For example, set the dials to Dove-Lindwin-Oliver (D-L-O) for the letters and the numbers to 8-6-2, you will transmit messages exclusively on that frequency. But in regards to privacy-"
"You'd want to avoid channels used by standard fleet communications." Dobbs interjected, looking concerned. "Otherwise, there's no telling who would pick up on you. However the Dawnbreaker can still catch up on older-naval channels not in use anymore by modern naval standards. I suggest Echelon-Dove-Regal(E-D-R) 3-3-7. It's an old personal communications channel used between captains for private messages."
Lonstray nodded and switched the dials on both units to E-D-R-3-3-7 and handed one of the units to Kirsch once more. "I must warn you. These things have a limited usage without a change of batteries. By my estimates... you can get around 12 usages, perhaps one or two more if you're conservative in power usage and fast at transmitting." Lonstray added.
Kirsch took the radio and nodded, opening up a pouch on his belt before emptying the contents onto the table. Once the field journal, compass, and other standard-issue items were out of the way, he slipped the entire unit snugly into the pouch before collecting his smaller items back into his other pockets. "I understand. I'll use whatever methods are safest when I feel there's something sufficiently pressing to report on. Thank you, gentlemen." He saluted. "Mr. Ackermann, I hope I see you aboard the Zuflucht again one day, once Rabenschwarz is dealt with."
"Godspeed," Ackermann replied with a salute of his own.
---
Kirsch was escorted from the ship and made his way back up from the shoreline to the Consulate. He didn't need to wait long before Fallensteller and the entire assembly from her ship arrived to retrieve him, and there was little time for questions as they marched back down toward the city square. Fallensteller's only question regarded Shalo, which Kirsch explained away by stating that she had no interest in speaking to an officer lower than a captain and had departed shortly after Fallensteller had. All together, they arrived at the city square and took their places.
Captain Fallensteller was annoyed that she would be expected to sit among the Captains of the fleet that she despised, rather than being allowed to sit with the servants of her own ship. She gave a quick instruction to Lunaire and then took her seat, looking rather dejected at the scene.
The platoon of troops from the Eisenstrasse assumed their position as directed by Váradi, as did the honor guard. Unlike the standard infantry man and woman, who wore typical dark grey uniforms with black/red trim, the honor guard were dressed in lighter colors with bits of silver and gold here and there. Their helmets bore the sharp spear-like point of the older Ungrian helmets, and had designs etched into them. Each member carried one of the semi-automatic rifles in use aboard the Eisenstrasse, and a fancy ceremonial saber hung from their hips.
Once the troops were in position, Váradi stepped over to his position next to Krantz. Von Strauss had also joined them, as she was needed here as well. All three commanding officers from the Eisenstrasse were dressed at their best. Well, for the most part. Von Strauss still had her hair down, and was still wearing her colored glasses. All three were wearing their dressier officer uniforms, with black leather coats draped over their shoulders. Krantz had traded his field cap in for his officers cap, and Váradi surprisingly was also wearing a cap now. Both wore sidearms as well, hidden beneath their coats, but Von Strauss had brought a bit of a larger weapon to the gathering. One of her new SMGs, the stock folded and the weapon hanging loosely at her side. Eventually, they quietly settled down in their own seats.
Krantz still felt a bit odd after Shalo's exchange of knowledge, but he simple pushed through it. After all, he had to be attentive tonight, since Von Strauss was now among them. He glanced over to her, and found that she was simply looking around at the large crowd. Váradi, on the other hand, glanced over to the group from the Zuflucht whom was just arriving.
Jäger grinned at Fontaine. "That won't be neccessary. I'll take whatever you have. Cannon shells and gas canisters are to be preferred."
He shook Fontaines hand. "You'll be compensated generously."
---
Once it was time to gather at the square and witness the punishing of Torsson and Norrys the Gothian delegation practically marched onto the square. No man or woman was dressed in a fancy impractical dress uniform, instead everyone including Jäger wore the signature Gothian plate armor.
While it may appear aggressive this was infact a long tradition with the Gothians. One to reflect their views on wars and their status of always being ready to fight back enemies no matter what.
Jäger wore his armor atop his normal attire. He carried a masterfully crafted helmet underneath his left arm. He was not alone. Marine Officer Sari Kahleen, First Mate Gustav Högborg, Doctor Sandrina Wahlbäck and Chief Mechanic Linda Fyrgårdh had joined their captain.
Kahleen wore a lighter and much more slimmed down version of the plate armor which had been custom-made as to not restrict her agility. Högborg wore a set of armor as well. Meanwhile Wahlbäck and Fyrgårdh wore dark uniforms with boots and caps to sort them out from the military crewmembers.
Accompanying the command staff were a dozen Cavaliers and twice as many marines. All ready for war.
Back at the Blitzwave operations were currently overseen by Helmsman Smedberg while Fallstrom and Gavrilov continued to keep watch over Raya with the help of Yarah.
Jäger cleared his throat. He looked at Torsson with a neutral expression. It was impossible to know what he was thinking.
Kahleen on the other hand did not manage to conceal her emotions. Sadness filled her eyes. There woule never have been a trial if she hadn't ordered Torsson to lock down the main avenue.
The rest of the delegation remained silent.
After meeting with Kirsch on the Dawnbreaker, Dobbs arrived at the scene on Cattapoli in full Albionian admiral's dress regalia and armor, accompanied by Wollisfend, some marines and even First Officer Nellow, who usually remained on the ship while Dobbs was absent, was attending (all were dressed appropriately of course). The officers took their seats while the marines stood at attention nearby. Dobbs readied himself for the unfortunate task of watching the punishment going underway. I never did like flogging on my ships. Dobbs thought to himself. But this is necessary to keep order and discipline.
Wollisfend retained a composed look while Nellow was clearly uncomfortable at the prospect of witnessing an event such as this. "Allmighty one, please let their pain be nullified and their sins forgiven." Nellow spoke quietly as he looked around, "And let this event be over quickly."
The Dawnbreaker's delegation was ready.
Cattapoli, Sun Meadow Square
Punishment
It did not take long for everyone to get into their positions. The whole splendor of the fleet was arrayed in the central square, with dozens of unique and colorful uniforms representing the distant nations of the Old World. Some were more practical than others, but all drew the eyes of thousands of beastfolk who had never seen such clothes and customs before. Once the last group had assembled in the square, and all the fleet officers were gathered in their seating area, the admiral made a gesture to an Agios female officer who was standing atop of the platform. She gestured and nodded back before turning to the others on the platform.
There was some shuffling around as the guards dragged one of the men - Norrys from the looks of things - up to the two poles at the center of the platform. They lifted him up from his knees and yanked the burlap hood off of him to reveal his pale skin and squinting eyes, as the setting sun bathed the platform in bright light.
The crowd cheered wildly at the appearance of the first man to be whipped. It was a pretty typical reaction, even in the Old World. The guards showed Norrys off before forcing him back into position between the poles, while another two pulled his arms out to his sides so that they could be bound to the poles. Once he was tied up, the Vulkaine that was shrouded in all black - clearly an executioner taking on the roll of a punisher tonight - stepped forward, followed by his two Niakoman assistants. They opened up the chest they were carrying and the Vulkaine removed the cat o' nine tails from within. At a distance it was hard to tell much detail on it, but it was clearly a wicked looking device. Braided leather made to snap and slice the skin upon being hit. There were little shards of glass embedded into the knots of leather, and this was for the simple reason that beastfolk typically had thicker hides than humans. There was fur to get through, but humans were simple bare skin.
The Agios female officer who seemed to be the one in charge of the platform approached the front of it and rose her hands to quiet the cheering crowd. It took several seconds for the excitement to die down.
"Friends, foreigners, countrymen," she began in accented Gren, likely for the benefit of the humans. "Tonight we perform our sacred duty of punishing the unjust, the wicked, and the unrighteous. These two men are guilty of unlawful slaughter, and in recognition of their crimes, they will be subject to seventy lashes each."
Another cheer went up around the square and it took several more seconds for it to die down. However, when it did, the officer and her guards saluted the human delegation, before turning and saluting the consul who was at the far edge of the square with his own private gathering. Finally, the officer nodded to the punisher.
At that moment, there was a shrill cry from a nearby rooftop and the sound of large wings beating furiously against the golden sky. Lunaire raced down from her distant perch, screaming "Not fair! No hurt!" in stilted Gren.
"Lunaire!" Fallensteller yelled, jolting to her feet and looking genuinely alarmed. "Get away from them!"
The bat dove at the executioner, who prepared to simply intercept the child. But as she neared him, she rolled suddenly in the air and avoided him narrowly, flipping gracefully and skidding to a stop between him and Norrys. "No hurt!" she screamed again, before embracing Norrys from behind and, in the process, shielding him with her outstretched wings. Oddly, Norrys yelped when this happened, perhaps because he hadn't seen her coming and didn't realize she was a bat until her leathery wings enveloped him.
"Lunaire... Stand down! I gave you an order!" Fallensteller demanded, looking more and more embarrassed by the moment. It was obvious now that Lunaire's uniform was the same as Mesahri's, minus the wide-brimmed hat, and that she had come from the Zuflucht.
The executioner grabbed her by her jacket's collar and easily ripped her away before tossing her in Fallensteller's direction. Lunaire quickly flipped in the air and righted herself, trying frantically to flap her way over the captains. Fallensteller reached up and grabbed her by the leg and yanked her down, however, and meeting the disapproving gazes of the other leaders, she remained even-tempered.
"My sincerest apologies- she's only a child... I'll have a word with her... Come on, now," she said, pulling the bat along to the edge of the group before quietly appearing to berate her. Both appeared miserable by the end of it, and finally, Lunaire was sent away; she flew to a nearby bell tower, where she hung in the shade and brooded. Fallensteller returned to her seat and sat down in a humiliated huff. Planting her head in her hands for a while.
Krantz simple raised an eyebrow at the display, cutting a look to Kyndreth, while Váradi remained rather stoic. Meanwhile, Von Strauss seemed to be giggling. "Calm yourself, Strauss." said Krantz, looking to her. She responded with a simple "Yes, sir.", but a wide smile remained on her face once she had settled herself. Krantz eyed her for a moment, but didn't say anything.
Jäger raised an eyebrow as one of the batfolk swooped in from above. He watched the scene unfold in silence while his senior officers whispered among themselves. Once the action died down he sighed and glanced briefly at Krantz and his crew. Did he hear giggling?
Cattapoli, Sun Meadow Square
Punishment
The guards on the platform were prepared to cut down the small bat girl, but surprisingly the one to show restraint was the executioner, who simply manhandled the small bat and tossed her off the platform. Lunaire's arrival to disrupt the punishment drew an uproar out of the public gathering, intent on seeing justice through blood. Many weren't surprised that a degenerate bat would attempt to stand in the way of civilized justice, and the few bats already in the crowd became subject to public torment as a result of the actions of one child of their kind.
Once Lunaire had been tossed off the platform, the guards glared down at the bat and Fallensteller as she recovered the child. Admiral Mannfred remained expressionless during the little incursion into the event, looking almost unsurprised or even uncaring. He hardly spared Fallensteller or the bat a glance. A few looked to him, ready to receive any orders, but he simply waved them off. A few guardsmen - both beastfolk and human guards - sent small glares towards Fallensteller and her bat under the brim of their caps. The Agios officer on the platform was quick to restore order, and within moments, the punisher readied the whip and let it snap.
The cat o' nine cracked like a rifle. Norrys yelled out on the first hit, the multiple barbed tails lacerating his flesh deeply. Leather alone would have broken the flesh, but the glass shared embedded within ensured that even a light blow was extremely painful. Only the guards and punisher could see the several small cuts in Norrys back already seeping crimson - but this was only the first lash. Sixty-nine more remained.
The punisher was utterly mechanic in his whipping, raising the lash professionally and snapping it hard against the human. Each hit the man screamed, unable to contain himself. Stronger men may have been able to stay silent longer, but Norrys did not count himself among such physiques. By the tenth hit his body was already trembling as sweat glistened his pale skin.
From the officer's seating area, the admiral watched on intently. Norrys' pained screams were only occasionally heard over the cheering of the crowd.
While having ample time to prepare for the journey, Vunor found himself watching the punishment undergo in the crowd right before it began. Right before justice could be served, a bat of all people swooped in to try to delay it. Vunor felt somewhat shocked to see one of them out in broad daylight, and it was only when Fallensteller forced it back did he realize: I see... they sail with that woman. Interesting. he thought to himself.
After that distraction was taken care of, Vunor did not cheer with the crowd as they enjoyed the man's cries of agony, but he watched with a stoic look. Justice was harsh, but it wasn't meant to let wrong-doers lightly off in the first place. The whip cracked again, and again, and again, the sentence being served one lash at a time.
Having once again attracted the collective hatred of the assembled public, Fallensteller waited until the flogging began to make her next move. Calmly reaching into her coat pocket, she retrieved her field journal, rarely used, and opened it to the most recent empty page. She then took out the blood quill, hidden up her sleeve since she grabbed it out of Lunaire's claw-like foot minutes earlier, and pretended to distract herself from the morbid display by journaling. Having used Lunaire to get a charge of Norrys' blood, she began scripting a hex on the man. While survival was already questionable, Fallensteller sealed his fate mercilessly with a subtle spell. If she couldn't drive animosity by getting him an acquittal, she would raise the tension by ensuring that the authorities would carry out a punishment unto death, hopefully, far before the number of strikes was actually completed, as if to imply that the executioner had done more than was required.
The public would be left questioning whether the human had been killed in retaliation, and if so, whether it was true justice being served to their increasingly unwelcome guests.
Up on the bell tower, Lunaire watched the ceremony with a mixture of excitement and unease. The Captain had told her earlier, when they were still in the skiff, that by pricking the man on the platform she would be helping Fallensteller beat Mannfred and his evil plans. "Those men won't survive the punishment they've been given," Fallensteller had told her, "but we can make their deaths come quicker, more mercifully. Do you understand what 'mercy' means?"
Schuster explained it when Lunaire shook her head no.
"Believe me, I don't want them to die at all, but we can't save them. But here's what I hope will happen: I hope the people watching will react. Some will be upset; they'll wonder whether it was right to kill those men, and they'll blame Mannfred's friends in the Consulate for letting it happen. Others, hopefully many of them, will be happy."
"Happy?" Lunaire questioned indignantly, "why happy?"
Fallensteller frowned. "Because Mannfred came here to kill followers of Raum. He wanted a fight, and he got it," Fallensteller said, spinning the truth carefully. "I hope the public sees that none of this would have happened if the Admiral had just stayed away, and let the people worship whoever they want. Shalo doesn't want that, either- she'd rather be worshiped by all the people on these islands, even though she won't help them or defend them. She's afraid they'll turn to Raum and see what a true God can offer them. The people will be happy to see those men die, not because of what they did, but because it would be seen as a punishment against Mannfred. It's as if the people are saying 'no more violence. Take your war somewhere else, humans.' And I support that idea, Lunaire, I really do."
Lunaire watched the crowd, waiting for a reaction to see whether Fallensteller had guessed correctly. Behind her, she heard wings flapping. She turned and was met by Mesahri and Bitara. "Lunaire!" Bitara scolded. "[Come with me, we're going back to the village. These humans have their hands in some terrible, evil business.]"
"[Oh, Lunaire, I've been trying to tell you!]" Mesahri added, "[the Captain put a curse on me, I couldn't say a word until I finished my spirit ring!]"
Lunaire was confused and upset by the sudden information, and shied away when Bitara tried to take her hand. "[W-wait, what? No, the Captain has been telling me-]"
"[The Captain is a liar and a murderer,]" Mesahri said. "[If you stay with her she'll put the same curse on you and all the others, make you worship her weird human god and get you involved with terrible, terrible things. You need to trust us!]"
"[It's not that I don't trust you, I just think-]"
Bitara lunged and grabbed the girl forcefully. "[Lunaire, I only came along for this trip to protect you, don't you understand? I'm not letting you go back.]"
"[What?]" Lunaire began to panic, torn between feelings of concern and betrayal. "[Let go of me! I want to decide on my own!]"
"[No!]" Bitara yelled, pinning the girl against the bell in the tower. "[There'll come a day when you'll be old enough to know what's right and wrong in the world without needing an adult, but this isn't that time! Hell, Mesahri isn't at that age, either, apparently...]"
Mesahri was insulted. "[That's not fair, Bitara, I was tricked!]"
There was a particularly loud cry from Norrys that echoed through the town square, below, and for a moment, the older bats paused to glance at the scene before them. Lunaire took the opportunity to lash out, escaping Bitara's grasp and diving out of the tower. "[Lunaire, no!]" Bitara shrieked after her before following her, joined by Mesahri.
"[Dammit, she's such a good flyer,]" Mesahri lamented as the smaller, more nimble Lunaire took off down the street in the direction of the harbor.
Bitara yelled in frustration. "[She's going for the fucking boat!]" The bats glided and beat their wings in pursuit, but having just flown the distance from the Zuflucht to the bell tower, they quickly grew exhausted and were forced to set down at the shoreline. Ahead of them, they could see Lunaire shrinking in the distance, heading toward the repair platform in the deep water. Out of breath, Bitara turned to Mesahri and shoved her in frustration. "[This is all your fault!]" she spat. "[If it had been me meeting that Captain of yours at the village, you can be damned sure I wouldn't have gone along with all this, and I wouldn't have let Lunaire-]"
"[Shut up!]" Mesahri yelled back. "[It wasn't your decision. It wasn't my decision, either! This whole situation is so messed up and you're not helping anything by pointing fingers, Bitara!]"
"[Well then what do we do now?]" the older bat replied. "[What if we don't get back in time?]"
Mesahri paused and thought about it. "[I think all the servants are up in the town square with Fallensteller. As long as we can get back to the Zuflucht before it sets off, we can try to talk some sense into her and get her to come back with us... all of us. We would have had to go back for the rest anyway...]"
Bitara looked out over the bay with desperate fear in her eyes. "[Mesahri... what if she knows how to do that cutting thing you told me about?]"
There was a long, terrible silence. Mesahri didn't have an answer.
"Blood thirsty, aren't they?" said Von Strauss, leaning over close enough for Krantz to hear. Krantz cut her a look, but didn't speak. Really, he was more worried about these two men living through the ordeal than how the crowd was reacting to it. Seventy lashes was a high price, and could prove fatal. If they died from it, this all would have been pointless in the first place. Hanging would have been more appropriate.
Therasmus watched the intervening bat girl with a slight tilt of the head, thoroughly confused by her intervention. There are countless creatures at this gathering to see blood spilled, a sudden surge of bravery or growing a conscience did not seem typical of these folk, at least to his limited understanding of their culture. The concept of such absurd naivete was lost on him, so his mind began to ponder if there was any greater purpose to the interruption. Would he act on such theories or deliberations? Likely not, but anything was more entertaining than this drivel - so a more productive method of occupying himself would serve him well.
Jäger glanced at Mannfred for a reaction as Norrys screamed in the background. Nothing. He glanced at his command staff. Fear. Anger. For a while Jäger pondered if Mannfred cared for anyone of this earth or if everyone were simple pawns to him.
Wilhelm sighed.
Cattapoli, Sun Meadow Square
Punishment
The minutes dragged on as Norrys was whipped mercilessly. It was a brutal sport, a kind of event that you hardly expected to bring such a turnout. Refined nobility and military officers, as well as the common citizenry, all equal for a day as spectators on this occasion of retribution. After over half of the lashes had been administered, Norrys stopped screaming and was presumably unconscious as the twenty or so lashes were provided without remorse. By this point, his back was a scarlet mess of blood and raw flesh. The platform below him was stained in the dripping crimson, along with the back of his trousers. The punisher raised the whip in both hands to signify to the crowd that the punishment for this man was complete.
The cheering and shouting started up again as Norrys was untied from the poles. His body was limp and three guards carried him over to a small stretcher on the platform, in which they placed him face down upon it. One of the present guards sprinkled a white powder over his back, and whether it was some sort of healing powder or salt, it was impossible to tell from viewing distance. The three guards continued to examine his limp form for some time as two other guards grabbed Torsson, ripping the hood and cloak from his body and tying him up in the spot where Norrys had just been. The wood beneath his feet was sticky and wet from the blood of the prior human.
The next several minutes were characterized by the familiar cracking of the cat o' nine tails. To Torsson's credit, the former sergeant remained stoic after the first dozen lashes. His expression began to change around thirty, and his composure had failed by a little over forty lashes. Like Norrys, he began to cry out with each hit, his body trembling and tears flowing from his eyes.
However, unlike Mister Norrys, Torsson was still conscious upon the finishing of the lashes. His body was weak and he still needed to be helped by the guards, but he opted to sit down instead of lay down beside Norrys. It was difficult to see the damage at first to his back, but when he turned, the fleet could see that most of his back was simply varying shades of red - lacerated raw flesh and blood. He wouldn't be laying on his back for months, if not longer.
"Justice," the Agios officer announced proudly, "has been served."
Once more the crowd cheered wildly, while the humans around the platform stood either in resolute silence or sat together in whispering bunches. The admiral looked as if he was simply viewing any other outdoor event, his expression blank - even bored - though he seemed at least moderately interested in the condition of the two men on the platform based on his gaze.
The female officer continued with a short speech on the nature of justice and the punishment of the wicked, and that none were above the eyes of the law. From the moment the whipping ended, the crowd started to disperse, and by now it was dispersing in full force as citizens made their way back to their homes and shops. Hundreds, if not a few thousand, would still likely linger on, but the event was effectively over in the eyes of the public.
"Captain Murdoch, signal the orderlies to recover Mister Torsson and Norrys, please," Mannfred said softly, sparing only a short glance at his second-in-command.
The woman nodded and stood from her seat, heading towards the platform and waving at a small group of orderlies and medical officials who had been waiting off to the side for the entirety of the punishment. There was a physician, dressed in full white clothes with a small cap, apron, and black leather traveling bag. Four orderlies and two more assistants loitered around their stretchers while the beastfolk brought Norrrys down on a wooden one, and Torsson made an effort to walk down the platform under his own strength.
It was clear that something was going on between the medical officers and the beastfolk, arguing over Norrys motionless form. His back was still incredibly red, and in fact, it appeared that he was still bleeding. His skin elsewhere was looking sickly pale and was drenched in sweat. The physician knelt down beside Norrys and could be seen checking the man's pulse in his wrists and neck, and then emphatically shaking his head in a no gesture.
The Eisenstrasse officers watched as the medical officers tended to the pair of men, before taking note of the argument growing between them and the beastfolk. Krantz's suspicions were confirmed when he noticed the physician squatting next to Norrys shaking his head. "Norrys is dead." he muttered.
Both Von Strauss and Váradi looked to him, then back to the group. "Well, seventy lashes is quite a lot. Torsson survived, so at least there's that." commented Von Strauss, though the smile she had been wearing before still hadn't left her face.
Váradi grunted. "Our admiral looks like he didn't care in the slightest." he said, cutting a look to Mannfred. Krantz glanced over. He was right, Mannfred's face pretty much was blank.
Fallensteller rose to her feet, slipping the quill and journal back into her pocket. She bore an expression of frustrated resignation, and her eyes hovered on the bloody mess she had helped create. A mixture of feelings played on her mind: on one hand, the blood was attractive to her, it was so fresh and useful, she just wanted to run her fingers through it and even taste it, and it was a difficult temptation to resist. At the same time, she ached for her Lord's approval, but could not sacrifice the man. Prior experiences with inky portals and unintended side effects meant that it was too dangerous. This time, the blood would do nothing but enrich the Earth. She turned away, halfway preoccupied with dark daydreams of her next actions aboard the Zuflucht, when she checked the high bell tower for Lunaire. With mild alarm, she noticed that the young bat had disappeared.
Now is not the time for loose ends, she thought as she prepared to leave. If only they had both died, it would have sent a much stronger message...
Some of the Zuflucht's highest officers met up with her while Pawlitzky shaped up the fighting men for their march back to the skiff. Schuster and Kirsch each seemed to be at a loss for words after the savage display, until Schuster finally broke the silence. "...did it really have to be flogging?" he asked bitterly, and cut a resentful glance in Captain Krantz' direction.
"Apparently Captain Krantz felt that hard labor or whipping was insufficient," Fallensteller replied, a bit coldly as she cast a judgmental look in Krantz' direction. The Eisenstrasse's captain noticed their gaze, but from his position he wasn't able to hear their words. It wasn't necessary, either, because from their disdain it was obvious what they were discussing. Meanwhile, Kirsch watched the Admiral carefully, trying to discern what he might have been thinking or feeling. It was difficult; the Admiral showed very little, and on some level Kirsch was a bit disturbed. Just as he was at the meeting earlier that day, the behavior of the fleet's officers seemed out of touch with reality, or at least the reality Kirsch belonged to. He shook his head.
"I suggest returning to the ship quickly," Schuster said. "The locals are going to be hostile to anyone wearing Teutonic colors after today."
Fallensteller nodded. "An unfortunate necessity. We need to find our bat before we return to the Zuflucht. She shows a lot of potential, you know."
Schuster grunted in agreement.
"Beg your pardon, Captain?" Kirsch interjected.
Fallensteller gave a slight smirk which made her helmsman regret asking. "She shows spirit," she said vaguely, but Kirsch understood the deeper meaning. Fallensteller had done something underhanded involving Lunaire; the interruption of the ceremonies had been planned. But as to what she had done, it was unclear. Kirsch glanced back at the dead man on the platform and wondered: did the Captain somehow poison that man? And why target Norrys?
"I have one last matter to attend to," Fallensteller said, striding over to where Captain Jäger was. "Willhelm," she said gently, "I'm glad your man endured this most terribly unjust treatment... These savages care nothing for the greater picture, and this was nothing more than petty revenge."
---
Lunaire set down on the deck of the Zuflucht gracefully, but then doubled over, short of breath. To escape two of her kin on such a long flight was as exhilarating as it was exhausting, and she took a while to regain her composure before heading inside. The first thought on her mind was to find Braam and tell him what had happened on the island, and the strange task the Captain had given her. Even with the distress of having to run from Mesahri and Bitara, Lunaire felt a surge of excitement when she reminded herself that she had done magic with Fallensteller. [Real magic... and she says I can learn!]
It wasn't clear where Braam would be at this hour. He could be in his quarters, or eating dinner somewhere. He could also have been in the hospital, now that it had been reopened, and since the hospital was quite close to the top deck, that was where she decided to check first. Entering the glass-inlaid double wooden doors, she surveyed the large room, which hadn't quite fully recovered from the attack the previous day. Braam wasn't there, but interestingly, someone was there who was eager to greet her. It was the only servant officer who wasn't permitted to leave his post during the assembly: Dr. Keseberg.
"Oh, well ahoy there, little Lunaire," he greeted perhaps a little too warmly. He was familiar with her already thanks to the many times she had accompanied Braam to the hospital during his daily studies there. "Back already from that ceremony? Where's the Captain?"
"I fly back alone," Lunaire answered. "Mesahri and Bitara came without ask, tell me I can't help Cap'n Fallensteller anymore. No fair. Cap'n want to teach me magic."
Keseberg had been cleaning and organizing his tools when Lunaire walked in, but now he froze and set them aside. "Is that so?" he asked her, keeping his jovial demeanor like a friendly uncle playing babysitter. "And did she tell you she got her powers from Raum?"
Lunaire nodded. "He rewards his servants," she said, repeating what Fallensteller had told her.
"Well then," Keseberg said with a chuckle. "How'd you like to get started today?"
Krantz watched Fallensteller and the rest of the Zuflucht crew for a few moments, as they cut looks in his direction. After a moment, he felt Von Strauss nudge him. "What do you think they're saying, sir?" she asked, leaning over a bit towards him. "...They're likely talking about Norrys' death. And my suggestion of flogging earlier today." responded Krantz.
Váradi spoke up. "You could have suggested something less extreme. Whipping would have worked." he stated, looking to Krantz. Krantz glanced to Váradi, but looked back to Fallensteller as she approached Jäger. "The beastfolk wouldn't have gone for whipping. Not enough blood or pain inflicted. You heard the crowd. They would have rather seen both of them die. Flogging was meant to spare them from that. To give the beastfolk the blood they wanted, and spare the lives of the men. Apparently it only saved one of them." stated Krantz, as he studied Fallensteller and Jäger together before looking back to Váradi.
After a moment of silence, Krantz looked around. "Well, gather the men. We'll be heading for the Eisenstrasse soon enough." Váradi saluted, before walking away towards where the Ungrian Honor Guard were standing. Krantz watched him walk away, before turning to Von Strauss. "...Strauss. Try and contain your outbursts. I'd rather your little quirks be kept secret for now. Understand?" he stated, his tone a bit more serious than usual.
Von Strauss continued to smile. "Yes, sir. I'll try my best." she responded. Krantz eyed her for a moment, before looking to Fallensteller and Jäger once again. Then, he decided to move. "Follow me, Kyndreth. Von Strauss, wait here." he stated, before strolling over towards where Fallensteller and Jäger were talking. "As you wish, sir." stated Von Strauss, tilting her head a bit as she watched Krantz walk away.
Jäger exhaled as Torsson managed to walk away from the pole. Högborg muttered something about 'Gothian resilience'. The others nodded.
Once the crowd began to disperse Jäger got up and started to relay his orders. Sandrina was sent forward with an escort of eight Cavaliers who pushed their way through to Torsson. Sandrina thanked the physician sent forth by Mannfred before helping Torsson up.
Jäger was so focused on Torsson that he barely noticed Fallensteller. He smiled briefly and nodded. "Thank you Sabine." He gestured towards the scene infront of them. "I support justice but this was...costly. Norrys didn't deserve this."
Back at the Gothian crowd Kahleen stared at Fallensteller with a neutral expression. She then felt someone else staring back and found Von Strauss smiling at her. Kahleen stared back and spat on the ground.
How rude. Von Strauss's smile shifted to a smirk, before she raised her left hand up from beneath her cloak. With it, she motioned with for Kahleen to come over. She wanted to have a nice civil chat with the woman.
---
"This was the only form of punishment that the beastfolk would have accepted besides outright execution. At least this way, he and Torsson had a chance...I apologize for having suggested flogging, but no other acceptable alternative came to mind." stated Krantz, as he stepped up to Jäger and Fallensteller. "The suggestion of simply not punishing them wouldn't have went over well at all, and would have set a horrible example for the fleet. Even though we're far from home, we shouldn't stoop to the level of common warlords and let our men and women slay the innocent without punishment. Be the victims beast or man." As he finished, he cut a glance to Fallensteller.
Kahleen grunted and slowly strolled over to Von Strauss. She crossed her arms. "What do you want?"
-----
Jäger nodded as Krantz stepped forward. "No need to apologize, captain. Justice would have been served regardless. The beastflk wouldn't have settled for anything else."
"What do you want?"
Von Strauss shifted her stance a bit, but continued to smile slightly. "I wanted to take the time to apologize for the insulting statements I made yesterday in regards to you, your personal character, and your beliefs." she said, with a slight bow. "I also deeply apologize for any insults I leveled at Ackermann as well."
Kahleen stared at Von Strauss silently for a minute. She nodded. "Apology accepted. Anything else?"
"Apology accepted. Anything else?"
"Well, that depends on something. Do you have any questions for me? I'm sure you're fairly curious about a few things right about now." responded Von Strauss, tilting her head and smiling a little wider as she straightened up.
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