Haelimbrar at the Speaking Square

The minstrels had just finished playing and the people were muttering amongst themselves, some peering over others, trying to better view the platform at the Speaking Square. This was no ordinary announcement, this was not run of the mill promulgation of city code or edict, nay, this was to be the new Haldoreeve's first address to the citizenry.

Haelimbrar eyed the masses gathered there with suspicion. There would certainly be baneites in the crowd, not the forthright type—rather, these would be most untrustworthly adversaries, ones that lacked the guts to fight when the peasants stormed Kurthkeep. These would be the survivors who had not felt the cold steel of the sword, the soft-handed, limp-wristed, calculating worshipers of bane that sat idley by, while the lower-ranked hooded brothers were slayn, care of the leadership of the Company of Light and Darkness.

The stalwart warrior stepped upon the platform and raised his sword to point out the dark-cloaked figures that eyed him from beneath their lowered brows. "Good people of Kurth! I planned to speak today in a noble fashion, to commend our dear recently fallen ones. I planned to endear you to me as your new Haldoreeve. But I see still among you the true enemies of Kurth!"

The commoners looked about, cocking their heads in various directions, scanning the large crowd gathered in the square. Suddenly there was silence as they awaited Haelimbrar's next words.

"The enemies are here!" he said, pointing his sword to some pale-faced wizards. "The enemies are here, and here!" again, pointing out several hooded brothers who wore Baneite symbols upon their garmets.

"So instead of greeting you with kindness, I am forced to deliver unto you a new order. Anyone caught dealing, trading, exchanging, or negotiating with a known Baneite, will be imprisoned without trial. This law applies immediately for the good of the people of Kurth."

The crowd erupted in a rukus of outrage. Animosus glared at Haelimbrar from accross the podium, where his eyes had previously scanned the peasantry, attempting to preempt any assault upon the Haldoreeve. Animosus was nearly completely focused on one particular individual, the master priest of the Baneite temple, when his concentration was disrupted by Haelimbrar's unpredictable words. Animosus had expected this to be a celebratory speech, had expected to leave the patronage pleased and joyful. Now, suddenly, that had changed. Animosus watched his mentor stand firmly as some curses were shouted, and the people angrily voiced their displeasure. For Baneites include not just the pious clergy of the temple, but many merchants, suppliers, and customers as well.

Haelimbrar walked off the platform, signaling to Animosus and the guard to force a path through the crowd. Haelimbrar immediately knew how unpopular this law was to so many. Anyone could tell by the reaction just how many disliked his new command. When they reached the road heading back to Kurthkeep, he said only this to Animosus, "Justice does not always mean fairness, and insight is not always gleaned when we look directly for an answer. I watched not the disgruntled in the crowd, instead, I know now whom we may trust."