After dealing with the thread of invasion, attentions were drawn to more pressing matters. The funeral for Lord Hyrule. As was tradition the members of the Royal Family are buried in a graveyard a short distance from the castle, behind a village at the foothills of the vast mountain range. Being that it was this mountain range the adventurers need to go to, stopping off at the funeral on the way up way not totally out of their way.
The met up with Zelda and here attendant outside the gates to the cemetery.
"Mourners in search of the Lord Hyrule’s ceremony?" ask a women at the foot of the steps to the higher level. "If you are, please go up the steps behind me. Lord Hyrule was quite important, and his service is to be held on the upper partition of the tombs."
"Zelda, My dear! I have been worried sick about you!" exclaimed a man who came running up to the princess as she made her way up the stairs.
"Oh no! It's Islington! Let's get out of here. " cried Zelda.
"No, do not turn away!" pleaded Islington. "It has been so long since I have seen your face. So regal and...uh...a bit dirty actually. Have you been slumming again? Naughty!"
"Kindly place a Bromk in it, Islington, I do not 'slum.' Foppish fools looking for a thrill 'slum.' I help people." Zelda proclaimed with dignity.
"Of course, one must have one's little hobbies, but it is just about time you honored our...ahh...agreement?"asked Islington. "The honor of your house is at stake, you recall?"
"My home has a new head that owes you no allegiance. Do such agreements carry beyond the death of the makers?" Zelda asked with a hint of furiousness in his voice. "No, a master of weapons may assume title to..."
"You know as well as I do that the arrangement is a fabrication!" interjected Islington. "Urgh! My word, you have brought them here? This...foreigner is ruling your house? Ridiculous!"
"No more ridiculous than you forcing the issue of this 'betrothal.' No, Islington, I will not marry you." Zelda proclaimed loudly, regarless of who might hear it. "Above all else, I do not find your company enjoyable."
"You may be entitled to ruin your own reputation but I will not have you dragging me down as well by denying what is mine by rights! I will not stand for it!" exclaimed Islington.
How exactly is she ruining her own reputation?" asked Sir Karl. "By being kind to zose less fortunate?"
"It can speak!" Islington said in astonishment. "Zelda trained you well. Oh, did I provoke you? Your reaction will be violent, no doubt. On your first move I shall have my guard cut you to p..."
"What is going on here?" asked a talk man who appeared behind Islington. "Who are these...oh, hello Zelda. My deepest sympathies to you this day. Your father was a fine man."
"Thank you, Lord Roenall." Zelda said with a curtesy. "He would be pleased to hear such praise."
"Stop this 'Lord Roenall' business." said the man. "I'll not have such formalities. My brother may have been fond of them, but not me, you may call me Norrington 'Norryy' if out of sight of the missus. Hrmph heh?"
"Lord Roenal, you are a positive cad!" giggled Zelda.
"Yes wel hpmh hmml," coughed Norrington Roenall. "OH! I feel I must apolgise for the callousness of my brother, As the general of the Roenall army, he can lead the troops as he sees fit, but I assure you his decision to invade was purely his own. I had heard a rumour, Is it true your home has been overrun by barbarians? My guards will have you home and safe in no time... there are none finer!"
"I fear you are misinformed, Sir." Zelda replied in a gentle tone. "No, with my father's death it was best to defer to the weaponsmaster that saved the keep. You know the old customs, don't you?"
"Of course, a fine tradition." said Norrington. "Why I know many a name that was started in that way.... the Curstwerds of Kakariko village, for example. I'm glad to see you follo..."
"THANK you Uncle." interjected Islington. "but it's NOT that simple. Zelda made a rash decision and we'll sort it all out shortly. Aren't the Curstwerds downstairs? Give them my best."
"Quite, quite. All my best, my dear." Norrington said with a wave as he left.
"Islington!" explaimed Zelda. "What have you told him? That I was run off and afraid to go back? Is that how you intend to take control of my home, my life? I'll not have it!"
"Zelda, descend further into these whims of yours and you shall be a laughing stock." Islington said. "Come now, our combined names would carry quite the weight. What do you say?"
"I say..." said Zelda then she began to ponder he next words. "I say.. I say take your name and eat it! I'll not be your puppet!"
"Do not anger me, Zelda. I can help or hinder, I've done it before." proclaimed Islington.
"She said her vishes."said Sir Karl sensing Zelda's digust of the man. "Vhezer you respect zem or not, you vill let zem stand."
"Your comment is asinine, Foreigner." scoffed Islington. "Obviously she does not know what her wishes should be. Just look at her choice of company. I will leave...for now. This is unfinished."
The funeral session was long, and worn on most of those attenting. One by one the left till only Sir Karl and Zelda remained at her father's grave.
"You were not obligated to accompany me to my father’s funeral." Zelda said to Sir Karl. "Most people don’t like to be reminded of death. Why did you come?"
"I vanted to pay my respects to a good man." the old man replied.
"That is a very thoughtful gesture for a man I am certain you never met." Zelda said as a tear ran down her cheek. "It still makes me fume with rage that Islington was there to press his ridiculous claim on me! Everyone else was willing to put aside the differences they had with my father--and there were plenty of differences to set aside--but not Islington. I know exactly what he's after, and it has nothing to do with me or what I want from MY life. He just wants to build his own empire on my father's hard work and turn me into some helpless, homebound, frilly gown-wearing socialite! I have no intention of being that person for him or for anyone else! There are far too many who need my aid!"
"Are you certain?" asked Sir Karl. "Islington looks like ze type of man who could put you in your place in a hurry."
"Hah." laughed Zelda. "THAT will be the day. I would sooner muck Islington's stalls than warm his bed, but both are distasteful ideas. I am sorry for that extended exchange but he is such a bounder, such a...a manipulating...such a...oh, to hades with the manners, he is a complete bastard, and calling him that insults bastards everywhere!"
"Has he always been zat...driven?" asked Sir Karl. "He is quite intent on enforcing your betrothal."
"I do not understand him. If he were not the son of Lord Roenall I would think him capable of anything." said Zelda. "Anything short of the criminal, of course. This has been too much to take in. Let us get away from here and away from him. Lead on. "
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Not long after everyone had left the cemetery, did Islington and a small group of armed soldiers reappear.
"Zelda! I would ask that you drop this foolishness at once and return to your proper duties! Honor the commitment you made to me!" shouted Islington Roenall.
"I made my opinion of you quite clear, Islington. I will not change my mind now" Zelda cried defiantly. "Then I have little choice but to forcefully show you the error of your ways."Islington said sternly. "Zelda Hyrule, I place you under arrest by order of the Hyrulean law." "What!!" exclaimed Zelda. "What is the meaning of this!!" "You are a danger to yourself and your lands. You have not been thinking straight since your father died. It is for your own good" replied Islington. "Who are you to decide that!" Zelda cried. "And by what right." "I have every right." Islington said smartly. "I am a liason to the nobility. It is my function to see that everyone is well in their proper station. You have demonstrated that you are under some strange influence, and I must act to protect you." "This is madness!" Zelda shouted. "Sir Karl will stop you!" "No, he will not. I act with full sanction of the law." Islington proclaimed blodly. "Even if you were the type to attack guards, you would not survive the result. No, I am simply going to walk away, and there is nothing you can do. To attack would mean your death, as I am a respected officer." "I vill risk all manner of death to stop you!" cried Sir Karl. "Bleat as you must, but Zelda is under arrest. I will secret her away so that you and your ilk can no longer poison her mind. Don't take it so hard; I am just better than you." Islington replied in a very cocky tone. "Oh, feel free to lodge a complaint to the proper authority. That would be... me." And with that, his armed escort seized the princess and drew their weapons out towards Sir Karl and the others, before leaving in a large horse drawn carriage. "Bah!" cried Heinrich. Vould zat we could visit upon ze boy ze punishment he deserves! If ve do anything, ve must find proof of his foulness und ruin him." As the carriage sped off, one of Islington's men walked up to Sir Karl. "Please sire" he pleaded. "I have words you must hear that are for you alone. I saw what happened, and I share your helplessness. Any complaints about Officer Roenall must first go THROUGH him, so you can imagine how many get through. And worse, here he has a legitimate claim. If Zelda breaks her oath to be betrothed she breaks Hyrulean law." "Yes, yes, you haf expressed your sympathy." said Sir Karl gruffly. Now vhat is it you actually vant?" "This did not come from me" said the man. "For if my indiscretion against Islington were to get out I should be thrown from my position, but I hate that man. There is one way you can get to him. Islington is quite corrupt and more than willing to exercise his power. You are not monitored as we, so you can do something that I or another guard cannot. Look to the dock area of the market and a man named Barg. Examine him and what he does, and you are sure to see what I mean. You might also wish to pry into his personal records. They may reveal something of his fondness for gems. I did not tell you this... and I certainly did not say his records are in his home northwest of the Town Hall. Should anyone ask, I also wasn't the one who arranged to have the door to Islington's estate unbarred. I cannot tell you more. They will question me if we are seen together. Remember -- Islington values his name over all else. Sully that and his life is in your hands. I must go. Think on what I've said, and bring anything you learn to Corgeig Axehand in the Town Hall. He is Islington's commander. Now I must be going, lest I be discovered." "Ve must go to the docks und find zis man. Islington can't get avay viz zis." said Heinrich.
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They made their way to the dock portion of the market, from the state of much of the buildings and paved stone roads, one would be tempted to think it had been invaded. They made their way through the groups of labourers to the tavern that occupied the centre of the area.
"Yo ho ho for the lads now at rest! Yo ho ho so they say! We'll drink for the lads that have sunk to their rest, and we'll drink for the living just the same!" sang a man slumped up again the sign out side of a tavern. "Oooh, my head is barely on my legs today. Too much of the miller's tales and his damn home brew."
"Are you Barg?" asked Sir Karl. "I am looking for a man named Barg."
"Let me think now... er... yes! Yes, that is my name. What can I do for you, friend?" the man replied.
"You are not my friend." Sir Karl said gruffly. "Tell me, who pays for your bottles?"
"My source is as true with me and my fellows as can be." said Barg as he took another swig from his ale cup. "Nothing under the table there. Simple business arrangement. Of course the whole matter is not viewed as such by the guards, but it's an honorable trade amidst ourselves. Islington foots the bill. (hic) He's a right gent, if a bit too much fop in the britches. Want me to set you up with a job?"
"Sure. Vhat is it that you actually do?" asked Sir Karl.
"Pirating, of course. Oh, the others'll be all quiet about it, but (hic) but I'm right proud." proclaimed barg." Keeps them merchants on their toes, hehe.Of course that Islington is into other things too, but me and the boys don't go in for slavery and such. Me, I've never talked to that slaver contact Dirth. Hey, what do you suppose they pay to get the guard to look the other way? Well, I don't...Must be thousands to overlook it. Wow, that's a lot. Anyway, I've never even talked to no Dirth (Hic) even though I spend hours in the tavern. Ain't even far from here. Wanna drink?"
"You should zink tvice about your vocation." replied Sir Karl. "I'd hate to haf to kill you for it."
"Don't (hic) go getting mad and all. Never harmed a soul in my life. Relieved a few of their purses, but never harmed 'em. Nope not ol' Barg." Barg said shortly before drifting off unconsciously.
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"Move along now. I'm waiting for someone and I don't need them scared off." grunted a man dressed in armor.
"You are Dirth yes? I vanted to speak viz you. We haf a mutual friend." said Sir Karl.
"I doubt this is so. Who is it that you claim you know?" asked the man.
"Islington Roenal. Certainly you know him." replied Sir Karl.
"Well, indeed I do know Islington Roenal." said Dirth. "I know him well enough that he would never tell our dealings to another person! Who are you! Some trussed-up guard trying to trick me? Trying to con yourself a slaver? Probably have the place surrounded, don't you! Well, I won't let this come to pass, not without a fight, and by the goddesses your going to get one!"
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"L'il alurl! For Lloth!" Baeithra cried as she swung her newly acquired flail around her head.
Its multiple heads struck Dirth's face and upper chest with such force they broke several ribs and knocked him over onto his back.
"Now how about you use what little breath you have left to tell us where this Islington live, like a good boy." Baeithra said standing over him.
"I won't tell you anything" Dirth cried out.
"I said tell me where he lives!" Baeitha said as she drove the point of her blade through dirth's shoulder.
"AARRGGGHH" Dirth wailed. "I won't talk! ARGHH"
"I will not ask again maggot! Where does he live!" Baeithra yelled as she turned the blade in the wound.
"Alright I'll talk." Dirth groaned. "He has a hide out in the market place."
"Thank you maggot." Baeithra said with a smile. "Now that I have what I want, it seems you have outlived your usefulness."
Sir Elric averted his gaze as the Drow crushed the man's skull with he flail.
"You didn't haf to kill ze man, he gave you the information we needed." said Sir Karl.
"HMPH. I do not know who you have lived as long as you have with an attitude like that. He is worthless, he is not even worthy of being my slave. And neither would you be with an attitude that like that, should I leave him alive so he can try and kill me later? Surface dwellers can be so stupid."
"You could haf gotten more information of him." said Sir Karl. "Is ze place guarded? how many men are in zere?"
"Bah." scoffed Baeithra. "I do not care how many are in there, they will no doubt try to attack us regardless."
They made their way to the resident's of the man who had arrested the princess.
"I have been watching you for a time as we travel." Baeithra said to Heinrich as the walked. "You have a pleasing look about you, I think. The sort of musculature that does make a woman swoon with desire."
"How can you be so transparently lascivious? Do they not have any sense of pride or decency where you come from?" Eldroth said with disgust.
"Where I come from, women are free to speak their minds, especially about what pleases or displeases them." replied Baeithra. "And we have no tolerance for tiresome prudes who interrupt when their betters are talking."
"And the men?" asked Eldroth. "How are they treated?"
That, waela, is for me to know and for Heinrich to find out." Baeithra said smirkly. "Mmmmm. Yes. There is definite potential here."
"Truly?.. You find me desireable. do you?" Heinrich said barely managed to avoid blushing.
"Perhaps. And what do you think of Baeithra, hmm? Does her ebony glow spur lustful thoughts? Does her sharp beauty give you singular twinges of desire?"
You know of your beauty vell enough, Baeithra." answered Heinrich."I'll not add to your descriptions."
"You are coy, yet you stare from the corner of your eyes." laughed Baeithra. "You are a salivating dog...but I'll be sure to offer a pleasing view for you now and then, hmm?"
((OOC: waela means fool in Drow))
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As the approached Islington's residence, they found the door open, just as the man at the graveyard who worked for Islington had said. They entered and hurriedly began searching for any clues regarding the Princess.
"Hmmm. This document contains a register of slaves recently sold to this outpost of Slavers located in hovel behind the temple." Eldroth said as he unravelled a binded scroll that had it's seal broken. "It also bears a signature in wax, pressed by a signet ring. It appears to be the greater crest of the family Roenall. Keep looking."
"Nozing over here." Heinrich said
"Aaah. What have we here?" queried Eldroth. as he continued to search through drawers and shelves. "A ledger of income for the last season, it marks major purchases and trades within Islington's household. It details a number of gem and jewel transactions, though not from any local dealer that I am familiar with. On inspection, the importation prices are far below market value, and while I am no accountant, it would seem that an effort has been made to get around local tariffs. This could be documented smuggling, or it could just be sloppy clerical work."
"Hmm zis is damning evidence, ve should take zis up viz his commander. Perhaps he can find somevay to release ze Princess."
"Yes I believe he works in the townhall." replied Eldroth.
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The town hall was vast, but surprisingly well designed and planned out, despite it's size it was easy to find their way through.
"Ve are looking for Corgeig? Do you know vhere he is?" asked Sir Karl.
"The desk behind you." said the door guard. "He should be done with those execution papers soon."
Is there a reason you are here? You should make an appointment to request an audience, or speak directly with officer Roenal. He serves well as liaison to the nobility." replied Corgeig as he peered over the mountain of paperwork that covered his desk.
"You should stop und examine him a bit closer. He is not as he seems!" replied Sir Karl.
So you are suggesting that one of my officers has behaved inappropriately? What is your evidence of this? What are your claims?" quered Corgeig.
"He imprisoned Zelda Hyrule to force her submission to an arranged marriage." piped up Heinrich.
"Serious charges indeed. However, I am familiar with the young woman in question, and she is hardly to be considered innocent by default." replied Corgeig. "I also have it on authority of Islington Roenall that Zelda was distraught after the death of her father, and that he has placed her under his care as a protective measure. I am afraid it is his word against yours, and no matter what you think Zelda has said of her motivations, Islington is the more credible claimant. I thank you for the concern you have shown, but in this instance it is misguided. Have you anything else I can help you with?"
"Perhaps. I still think Islington should be looked into closely." continued Sir Karl.
"If you have no other claims, I suggest you leave, I am a very busy man." replied Corgeig gruffly.
"Islington Roenal deals in slaves. His insignia vas used on slave documents." said Sir Karl as he handed over the document.
"Any number of factors could place his insignia there and not directly involve him." Corgeig said as he examined the seal." Alone it is not worth the risk of defaming an innocent man. Have you other charges?"
"Islington has possession of smuggled gems, a fact proven by his own records." Eldroth said handing over the ledger.
"This may have been a clerical error. The two charges are damaging, but still not enough to slander Islington. Have you other charges that remove all doubt?" said Corgeig as he scimmed through the ledger.
"Islington finances pirates. I have a witness to these events; a man named Barg." replied Sir Karl.
"Barg is a scoundrel; his testimony is questionable." bark Corgeig."His name is long over due for the list of scum to be executed. Still, all of this together is disturbing. There is enough here to warrant an investigation, despite the risks to Islington's name. It will take some time to fully investigate, but we should know tomorrow if an inquiry is warranted. I suggest you return then. If the allegations you have made are true we owe you a debt. Such bad apples are a very destructive influence on our effectiveness. If your allegations are false, however, you may find yourself indebted to Islington. I will have Islington summoned here and we will see what course must be taken. Return on the morrow, but until then leave me to my work."
"Vell zat vent vell." Heinrich said with a slight hint of sarcasm. "Now vhat do ve do?"
"Ve have no choice but to vait until ze morrow." replied Sir Karl. "I could use a drink. I'm going to ze tavern."
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The next day the returned to the town hall to speak with Corgeig again.
" I have reviewed this matter extensively." Corgeig said as he once again reviewed the paperwork Sir Karl and the others had presented him with.
"The indignity! I demand satisfaction!" cried Islington.
"You have not been wronged here, Islington." Corgeig said sternly. "There has been no slander if the allegations are true."
"You believe the lies this ditch rat is spewing?!" Islington called out. "Need I remind you how respected I am? I am Islington Roenal."
"And if it turns out to be true that you have done what this person says, I will have you stripped of your rank, regardless of how 'respected' you may be." replied Corgeig.
"This is preposterous!" yelled Islington.
"The matter is closed until further investigated!" Corgeig said closing the documents into a thickly bound leather book. "Zelda, you are free to go. Islington, you are not to leave Hyrule."
"An outrage!" proclaimed Islington.
"Don't whine, Islington." said Corgeig. "It makes you seem even less of a man."
"This is not over by any means!" Islington cried as he stormed off into the back of the town hall.
"First the keep, then my father’s funeral, now Islington’s detestable plotting... I thought I was supposed to be helping people, but it appears I constantly need you to come to my aid." Zelda said.
"My pleasure." Sir Karl said with a bow. "I can never resist a damsel in distress."
"Well, I would hope to be a little more self-sufficient than that." said Zelda. "It is not as though I waved a lace handkerchief out a window to summon you. Although I am relieved you got the message, regardless. It was all rather unusual, being Islington's prisoner. I thought he would be there to gloat, or perhaps arrive with some drunken priest to force a marriage, but he seemed preoccupied and was rarely around. Whether that was to see to his reprehensible business dealings or to try to cover them up once he heard you were looking into them, I cannot say. That was certainly no military stockade he had me locked up in. It was probably one of his safe houses, which was why they hooded me to keep me from seeing where I was being taken. Quaint, if rather dingy. I was locked in a small room, with precious few clues as to where I might be. Somewhere in the city, since it did not take overlong to reach you once you turned the tables. They--Islington and his social-climbing goons--kept me well away from my spellbook, of course, so blasting my way out was simply out of the question. I think Islington set me up for a laugh, however. The first room they kept me in had an insultingly weak lock on it, but once I picked that it let me out to a small hallway with a guarded and barred door. And the guards were not good company. There was another man who came by occasionally, a mage, but I never got a good look at him. Now that I think of it, I do not think Islington spoke more than a few words to me once he made that great show of incarcerating me for my own protection. He just asked me if I was comfortable and "begged" me to reconsider my refusal to have anything to do with him. My answer was always the same. Listening to the conversations through the door, I heard a little in the way of detail about the seedier parts of Islington's dealings, but probably nothing you do not already know for yourself. But that's behind us, and Islington is probably quaking in his boots over his impending tribunal. Perhaps we should attend? I'm sure he will make quite the scene."
"I vill be ze first to call for his head!" Sir Karl said loudly.
"He has certainly found ways to drain even my charitable spirit. But here we are talking about Islington, when that's the last thing he deserves. I will feel much better when we can forget all about his desperate grasping." Zelda said. "Now let us leave, there is much I need to do around here."
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"You there! Foreign Moor!" cried Islington as he ran up to Sir Karl and the Princess.
"By the Goddesses!" Zelda moaned. "Will this never end."
"I can't compete with you physically, and you're no match for my brains." Islington proclaimed boldy.
"You're zat smart?" asked Sir Karl.
"Let me put it this way. Have you ever heard of Volo, Elminster, Abd Al-Hazir?"
"Yes, Yes I haf." replied Sir Karl.
"They are morons compared to me." Islington cackled.
"Zen I challenge you to a battle of wits." Sir Karl said.
"For the Princess?" asked Islington.
Sir Karl nodded in agreement.
"To the death?" Islington asked.
Sir Karl nodded in agreement again.
"I accept!" said Islington, with a smile on his face.
Sir Karl looked around and noticed a barrel which he made into a make shift table. He then reached into his pouch and retreived two small goblets and a small bag of powder, he then proceeded to put the powder into one of ther goblets but not allowing Islington to see which one.
"All right. vhere is ze poison?" asked Sir Karl. "Ze battle of vits has begun. It ends vhen you decide und ve boz drink, und find out who is right... and who is dead."
"But it's so simple. All I have to do is divine from what I know of you: are you the sort of man who would put the poison into his own goblet or his enemy's?" mused Islington. "Now, a clever man would put the poison into his own goblet, because he would know that only a great fool would reach for what he was given. I am not a great fool, so I can clearly not choose the wine in front of you. But you must have known I was not a great fool, you would have counted on it, so I can clearly not choose the wine in front of me."
"You've made your decision zen?" asked Sir Karl.
"Not remotely." scoffed Islington. "Because iocane comes from the Merchant Coast, as everyone knows, and the Merchant Coast is entirely peopled with criminals and pirates, and criminals and pirates are used to having people not trust them, as you are not trusted by me, so I can clearly not choose the wine in front of you."
"Truly, you haf a dizzying intellect." Sir Karl said with a slightly mocking tone.
"Wait til I get going!" Islington shouted. Now, where was I?"
"Ze Merchant Coast." Sir Karl said.
"Yes, the Merchant Coast." Islington said settingly down again. "And you must have suspected I would have known the powder's origin, so I can clearly not choose the wine in front of me."
"You're just stalling now." Sir Karl said with a slight hint of impatience in his tone.
"You'd like to think that, wouldn't you?" Islington said in an argivated tone. "You are a renowned warrior, which means you're exceptionally strong, despite your age, so you could've put the poison in your own goblet, trusting on your strength to save you, so I can clearly not choose the wine in front of you. But, you've also bested my father's army, which means you must have studied, and in studying you must have learned that man is mortal, so you would have put the poison as far from yourself as possible, so I can clearly not choose the wine in front of me."
"You're trying to trick me into giving avay somezing. It von't vork." Sir Karl said.
"IT HAS WORKED! YOU'VE GIVEN EVERYTHING AWAY! I KNOW WHERE THE POISON IS!" Islington shouted.
"Zen make your choice." Sir Karl said gruffly.
"I will, and I choose - What in the world can that be?"
"Vhat? Vhere? I don't see anyzing." Sir Karl said as he looked around while Islington quickly switched the goblets around.
"Well, I- I could have sworn I saw something. No matter." Islington said. "First, let's drink. Me from my glass, and you from yours."
"You guessed wrong." said Sir Karl.
"You only think I guessed wrong!" That's what's so funny! I switched glasses when your back was turned! Ha ha! You fool! You fell victim to one of the classic blunders! The most famous is never get involved in a land war in Hyrule, but only slightly less well-known is this: never go in against a Roenall when death is on the line! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha... UUURGGGGHHHHHH" croaked Islington as he fell over to the right dead.
"And to think, all that time it was your cup that was poisoned." Zelda said.
"Zey vere both poisoned. I spent ze last few years building up an immunity to ze powder."
"Thank you for everything. Islington... Islington would have had his way, with my family land, with my name... and quite likely would have tried to have his way with me. Thank you, again, for all you have done. Sir Karl, I--I do not think there is anything more I can say. With Islington gone, perhaps the people of our lands can rest a little easier. I only wish there was some other way to punish him for what he has done, for the devastation he has brought to so many lives! To make him feel the same suffering and hopelessness! And... and despair! And violation! And to... to..."
"Calm down. At least you know vizout a doubt zat you von't haf to marry him."
"It gives me chills just thinking about it. Even the remote possibility...Perhaps I am allowing myself too much luxury, to selfishly think of how he wronged me when he was making paupers of the privileged and slaves of the paupers. But I cannot forget my father, lying on the crypt floor... I... Come, Sir Karl. We still have much to do. I will try to think no more about Islington, now that he is where he belongs."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
-Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's First Law of Equivalent Exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one, and only, truth.
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The met up with Zelda and here attendant outside the gates to the cemetery.
"Mourners in search of the Lord Hyrule’s ceremony?" ask a women at the foot of the steps to the higher level. "If you are, please go up the steps behind me. Lord Hyrule was quite important, and his service is to be held on the upper partition of the tombs."
"Zelda, My dear! I have been worried sick about you!" exclaimed a man who came running up to the princess as she made her way up the stairs.
"Oh no! It's Islington! Let's get out of here. " cried Zelda.
"No, do not turn away!" pleaded Islington. "It has been so long since I have seen your face. So regal and...uh...a bit dirty actually. Have you been slumming again? Naughty!"
"Kindly place a Bromk in it, Islington, I do not 'slum.' Foppish fools looking for a thrill 'slum.' I help people." Zelda proclaimed with dignity.
"Of course, one must have one's little hobbies, but it is just about time you honored our...ahh...agreement?"asked Islington. "The honor of your house is at stake, you recall?"
"My home has a new head that owes you no allegiance. Do such agreements carry beyond the death of the makers?" Zelda asked with a hint of furiousness in his voice. "No, a master of weapons may assume title to..."
"You know as well as I do that the arrangement is a fabrication!" interjected Islington. "Urgh! My word, you have brought them here? This...foreigner is ruling your house? Ridiculous!"
"No more ridiculous than you forcing the issue of this 'betrothal.' No, Islington, I will not marry you." Zelda proclaimed loudly, regarless of who might hear it. "Above all else, I do not find your company enjoyable."
"You may be entitled to ruin your own reputation but I will not have you dragging me down as well by denying what is mine by rights! I will not stand for it!" exclaimed Islington.
How exactly is she ruining her own reputation?" asked Sir Karl. "By being kind to zose less fortunate?"
"It can speak!" Islington said in astonishment. "Zelda trained you well. Oh, did I provoke you? Your reaction will be violent, no doubt. On your first move I shall have my guard cut you to p..."
"What is going on here?" asked a talk man who appeared behind Islington. "Who are these...oh, hello Zelda. My deepest sympathies to you this day. Your father was a fine man."
"Thank you, Lord Roenall." Zelda said with a curtesy. "He would be pleased to hear such praise."
"Stop this 'Lord Roenall' business." said the man. "I'll not have such formalities. My brother may have been fond of them, but not me, you may call me Norrington 'Norryy' if out of sight of the missus. Hrmph heh?"
"Lord Roenal, you are a positive cad!" giggled Zelda.
"Yes wel hpmh hmml," coughed Norrington Roenall. "OH! I feel I must apolgise for the callousness of my brother, As the general of the Roenall army, he can lead the troops as he sees fit, but I assure you his decision to invade was purely his own. I had heard a rumour, Is it true your home has been overrun by barbarians? My guards will have you home and safe in no time... there are none finer!"
"I fear you are misinformed, Sir." Zelda replied in a gentle tone. "No, with my father's death it was best to defer to the weaponsmaster that saved the keep. You know the old customs, don't you?"
"Of course, a fine tradition." said Norrington. "Why I know many a name that was started in that way.... the Curstwerds of Kakariko village, for example. I'm glad to see you follo..."
"THANK you Uncle." interjected Islington. "but it's NOT that simple. Zelda made a rash decision and we'll sort it all out shortly. Aren't the Curstwerds downstairs? Give them my best."
"Quite, quite. All my best, my dear." Norrington said with a wave as he left.
"Islington!" explaimed Zelda. "What have you told him? That I was run off and afraid to go back? Is that how you intend to take control of my home, my life? I'll not have it!"
"Zelda, descend further into these whims of yours and you shall be a laughing stock." Islington said. "Come now, our combined names would carry quite the weight. What do you say?"
"I say..." said Zelda then she began to ponder he next words. "I say.. I say take your name and eat it! I'll not be your puppet!"
"Do not anger me, Zelda. I can help or hinder, I've done it before." proclaimed Islington.
"She said her vishes."said Sir Karl sensing Zelda's digust of the man. "Vhezer you respect zem or not, you vill let zem stand."
"Your comment is asinine, Foreigner." scoffed Islington. "Obviously she does not know what her wishes should be. Just look at her choice of company. I will leave...for now. This is unfinished."
The funeral session was long, and worn on most of those attenting. One by one the left till only Sir Karl and Zelda remained at her father's grave.
"You were not obligated to accompany me to my father’s funeral." Zelda said to Sir Karl. "Most people don’t like to be reminded of death. Why did you come?"
"I vanted to pay my respects to a good man." the old man replied.
"That is a very thoughtful gesture for a man I am certain you never met." Zelda said as a tear ran down her cheek. "It still makes me fume with rage that Islington was there to press his ridiculous claim on me! Everyone else was willing to put aside the differences they had with my father--and there were plenty of differences to set aside--but not Islington. I know exactly what he's after, and it has nothing to do with me or what I want from MY life. He just wants to build his own empire on my father's hard work and turn me into some helpless, homebound, frilly gown-wearing socialite! I have no intention of being that person for him or for anyone else! There are far too many who need my aid!"
"Are you certain?" asked Sir Karl. "Islington looks like ze type of man who could put you in your place in a hurry."
"Hah." laughed Zelda. "THAT will be the day. I would sooner muck Islington's stalls than warm his bed, but both are distasteful ideas. I am sorry for that extended exchange but he is such a bounder, such a...a manipulating...such a...oh, to hades with the manners, he is a complete bastard, and calling him that insults bastards everywhere!"
"Has he always been zat...driven?" asked Sir Karl. "He is quite intent on enforcing your betrothal."
"I do not understand him. If he were not the son of Lord Roenall I would think him capable of anything." said Zelda. "Anything short of the criminal, of course. This has been too much to take in. Let us get away from here and away from him. Lead on. "
"Zelda! I would ask that you drop this foolishness at once and return to your proper duties! Honor the commitment you made to me!" shouted Islington Roenall.
"I made my opinion of you quite clear, Islington. I will not change my mind now" Zelda cried defiantly.
"Then I have little choice but to forcefully show you the error of your ways."Islington said sternly. "Zelda Hyrule, I place you under arrest by order of the Hyrulean law."
"What!!" exclaimed Zelda. "What is the meaning of this!!"
"You are a danger to yourself and your lands. You have not been thinking straight since your father died. It is for your own good" replied Islington.
"Who are you to decide that!" Zelda cried. "And by what right."
"I have every right." Islington said smartly. "I am a liason to the nobility. It is my function to see that everyone is well in their proper station. You have demonstrated that you are under some strange influence, and I must act to protect you."
"This is madness!" Zelda shouted. "Sir Karl will stop you!"
"No, he will not. I act with full sanction of the law." Islington proclaimed blodly. "Even if you were the type to attack guards, you would not survive the result. No, I am simply going to walk away, and there is nothing you can do. To attack would mean your death, as I am a respected officer."
"I vill risk all manner of death to stop you!" cried Sir Karl.
"Bleat as you must, but Zelda is under arrest. I will secret her away so that you and your ilk can no longer poison her mind. Don't take it so hard; I am just better than you." Islington replied in a very cocky tone. "Oh, feel free to lodge a complaint to the proper authority. That would be... me."
And with that, his armed escort seized the princess and drew their weapons out towards Sir Karl and the others, before leaving in a large horse drawn carriage.
"Bah!" cried Heinrich. Vould zat we could visit upon ze boy ze punishment he deserves! If ve do anything, ve must find proof of his foulness und ruin him."
As the carriage sped off, one of Islington's men walked up to Sir Karl.
"Please sire" he pleaded. "I have words you must hear that are for you alone. I saw what happened, and I share your helplessness. Any complaints about Officer Roenall must first go THROUGH him, so you can imagine how many get through. And worse, here he has a legitimate claim. If Zelda breaks her oath to be betrothed she breaks Hyrulean law."
"Yes, yes, you haf expressed your sympathy." said Sir Karl gruffly. Now vhat is it you actually vant?"
"This did not come from me" said the man. "For if my indiscretion against Islington were to get out I should be thrown from my position, but I hate that man. There is one way you can get to him. Islington is quite corrupt and more than willing to exercise his power. You are not monitored as we, so you can do something that I or another guard cannot. Look to the dock area of the market and a man named Barg. Examine him and what he does, and you are sure to see what I mean. You might also wish to pry into his personal records. They may reveal something of his fondness for gems. I did not tell you this... and I certainly did not say his records are in his home northwest of the Town Hall. Should anyone ask, I also wasn't the one who arranged to have the door to Islington's estate unbarred. I cannot tell you more. They will question me if we are seen together. Remember -- Islington values his name over all else. Sully that and his life is in your hands. I must go. Think on what I've said, and bring anything you learn to Corgeig Axehand in the Town Hall. He is Islington's commander. Now I must be going, lest I be discovered."
"Ve must go to the docks und find zis man. Islington can't get avay viz zis." said Heinrich.
"Yo ho ho for the lads now at rest! Yo ho ho so they say! We'll drink for the lads that have sunk to their rest, and we'll drink for the living just the same!" sang a man slumped up again the sign out side of a tavern. "Oooh, my head is barely on my legs today. Too much of the miller's tales and his damn home brew."
"Are you Barg?" asked Sir Karl. "I am looking for a man named Barg."
"Let me think now... er... yes! Yes, that is my name. What can I do for you, friend?" the man replied.
"You are not my friend." Sir Karl said gruffly. "Tell me, who pays for your bottles?"
"My source is as true with me and my fellows as can be." said Barg as he took another swig from his ale cup. "Nothing under the table there. Simple business arrangement. Of course the whole matter is not viewed as such by the guards, but it's an honorable trade amidst ourselves. Islington foots the bill. (hic) He's a right gent, if a bit too much fop in the britches. Want me to set you up with a job?"
"Sure. Vhat is it that you actually do?" asked Sir Karl.
"Pirating, of course. Oh, the others'll be all quiet about it, but (hic) but I'm right proud." proclaimed barg." Keeps them merchants on their toes, hehe.Of course that Islington is into other things too, but me and the boys don't go in for slavery and such. Me, I've never talked to that slaver contact Dirth. Hey, what do you suppose they pay to get the guard to look the other way? Well, I don't...Must be thousands to overlook it. Wow, that's a lot. Anyway, I've never even talked to no Dirth (Hic) even though I spend hours in the tavern. Ain't even far from here. Wanna drink?"
"You should zink tvice about your vocation." replied Sir Karl. "I'd hate to haf to kill you for it."
"Don't (hic) go getting mad and all. Never harmed a soul in my life. Relieved a few of their purses, but never harmed 'em. Nope not ol' Barg." Barg said shortly before drifting off unconsciously.
"Move along now. I'm waiting for someone and I don't need them scared off." grunted a man dressed in armor.
"You are Dirth yes? I vanted to speak viz you. We haf a mutual friend." said Sir Karl.
"I doubt this is so. Who is it that you claim you know?" asked the man.
"Islington Roenal. Certainly you know him." replied Sir Karl.
"Well, indeed I do know Islington Roenal." said Dirth. "I know him well enough that he would never tell our dealings to another person! Who are you! Some trussed-up guard trying to trick me? Trying to con yourself a slaver? Probably have the place surrounded, don't you! Well, I won't let this come to pass, not without a fight, and by the goddesses your going to get one!"
"L'il alurl! For Lloth!" Baeithra cried as she swung her newly acquired flail around her head.
Its multiple heads struck Dirth's face and upper chest with such force they broke several ribs and knocked him over onto his back.
"Now how about you use what little breath you have left to tell us where this Islington live, like a good boy." Baeithra said standing over him.
"I won't tell you anything" Dirth cried out.
"I said tell me where he lives!" Baeitha said as she drove the point of her blade through dirth's shoulder.
"AARRGGGHH" Dirth wailed. "I won't talk! ARGHH"
"I will not ask again maggot! Where does he live!" Baeithra yelled as she turned the blade in the wound.
"Alright I'll talk." Dirth groaned. "He has a hide out in the market place."
"Thank you maggot." Baeithra said with a smile. "Now that I have what I want, it seems you have outlived your usefulness."
Sir Elric averted his gaze as the Drow crushed the man's skull with he flail.
"You didn't haf to kill ze man, he gave you the information we needed." said Sir Karl.
"HMPH. I do not know who you have lived as long as you have with an attitude like that. He is worthless, he is not even worthy of being my slave. And neither would you be with an attitude that like that, should I leave him alive so he can try and kill me later? Surface dwellers can be so stupid."
"You could haf gotten more information of him." said Sir Karl. "Is ze place guarded? how many men are in zere?"
"Bah." scoffed Baeithra. "I do not care how many are in there, they will no doubt try to attack us regardless."
They made their way to the resident's of the man who had arrested the princess.
"I have been watching you for a time as we travel." Baeithra said to Heinrich as the walked. "You have a pleasing look about you, I think. The sort of musculature that does make a woman swoon with desire."
"How can you be so transparently lascivious? Do they not have any sense of pride or decency where you come from?" Eldroth said with disgust.
"Where I come from, women are free to speak their minds, especially about what pleases or displeases them." replied Baeithra. "And we have no tolerance for tiresome prudes who interrupt when their betters are talking."
"And the men?" asked Eldroth. "How are they treated?"
That, waela, is for me to know and for Heinrich to find out." Baeithra said smirkly. "Mmmmm. Yes. There is definite potential here."
"Truly?.. You find me desireable. do you?" Heinrich said barely managed to avoid blushing.
"Perhaps. And what do you think of Baeithra, hmm? Does her ebony glow spur lustful thoughts? Does her sharp beauty give you singular twinges of desire?"
You know of your beauty vell enough, Baeithra." answered Heinrich."I'll not add to your descriptions."
"You are coy, yet you stare from the corner of your eyes." laughed Baeithra. "You are a salivating dog...but I'll be sure to offer a pleasing view for you now and then, hmm?"
((OOC: waela means fool in Drow))
"Hmmm. This document contains a register of slaves recently sold to this outpost of Slavers located in hovel behind the temple." Eldroth said as he unravelled a binded scroll that had it's seal broken. "It also bears a signature in wax, pressed by a signet ring. It appears to be the greater crest of the family Roenall. Keep looking."
"Nozing over here." Heinrich said
"Aaah. What have we here?" queried Eldroth. as he continued to search through drawers and shelves. "A ledger of income for the last season, it marks major purchases and trades within Islington's household. It details a number of gem and jewel transactions, though not from any local dealer that I am familiar with. On inspection, the importation prices are far below market value, and while I am no accountant, it would seem that an effort has been made to get around local tariffs. This could be documented smuggling, or it could just be sloppy clerical work."
"Hmm zis is damning evidence, ve should take zis up viz his commander. Perhaps he can find somevay to release ze Princess."
"Yes I believe he works in the townhall." replied Eldroth.
"Ve are looking for Corgeig? Do you know vhere he is?" asked Sir Karl.
"The desk behind you." said the door guard. "He should be done with those execution papers soon."
Is there a reason you are here? You should make an appointment to request an audience, or speak directly with officer Roenal. He serves well as liaison to the nobility." replied Corgeig as he peered over the mountain of paperwork that covered his desk.
"You should stop und examine him a bit closer. He is not as he seems!" replied Sir Karl.
So you are suggesting that one of my officers has behaved inappropriately? What is your evidence of this? What are your claims?" quered Corgeig.
"He imprisoned Zelda Hyrule to force her submission to an arranged marriage." piped up Heinrich.
"Serious charges indeed. However, I am familiar with the young woman in question, and she is hardly to be considered innocent by default." replied Corgeig. "I also have it on authority of Islington Roenall that Zelda was distraught after the death of her father, and that he has placed her under his care as a protective measure. I am afraid it is his word against yours, and no matter what you think Zelda has said of her motivations, Islington is the more credible claimant. I thank you for the concern you have shown, but in this instance it is misguided. Have you anything else I can help you with?"
"Perhaps. I still think Islington should be looked into closely." continued Sir Karl.
"If you have no other claims, I suggest you leave, I am a very busy man." replied Corgeig gruffly.
"Islington Roenal deals in slaves. His insignia vas used on slave documents." said Sir Karl as he handed over the document.
"Any number of factors could place his insignia there and not directly involve him." Corgeig said as he examined the seal." Alone it is not worth the risk of defaming an innocent man. Have you other charges?"
"Islington has possession of smuggled gems, a fact proven by his own records." Eldroth said handing over the ledger.
"This may have been a clerical error. The two charges are damaging, but still not enough to slander Islington. Have you other charges that remove all doubt?" said Corgeig as he scimmed through the ledger.
"Islington finances pirates. I have a witness to these events; a man named Barg." replied Sir Karl.
"Barg is a scoundrel; his testimony is questionable." bark Corgeig."His name is long over due for the list of scum to be executed. Still, all of this together is disturbing. There is enough here to warrant an investigation, despite the risks to Islington's name. It will take some time to fully investigate, but we should know tomorrow if an inquiry is warranted. I suggest you return then. If the allegations you have made are true we owe you a debt. Such bad apples are a very destructive influence on our effectiveness. If your allegations are false, however, you may find yourself indebted to Islington. I will have Islington summoned here and we will see what course must be taken. Return on the morrow, but until then leave me to my work."
"Vell zat vent vell." Heinrich said with a slight hint of sarcasm. "Now vhat do ve do?"
"Ve have no choice but to vait until ze morrow." replied Sir Karl. "I could use a drink. I'm going to ze tavern."
" I have reviewed this matter extensively." Corgeig said as he once again reviewed the paperwork Sir Karl and the others had presented him with.
" The indignity! I demand satisfaction!" cried Islington.
" You have not been wronged here, Islington." Corgeig said sternly. "There has been no slander if the allegations are true."
" You believe the lies this ditch rat is spewing?!" Islington called out. "Need I remind you how respected I am? I am Islington Roenal."
" And if it turns out to be true that you have done what this person says, I will have you stripped of your rank, regardless of how 'respected' you may be." replied Corgeig.
" This is preposterous!" yelled Islington.
" The matter is closed until further investigated!" Corgeig said closing the documents into a thickly bound leather book. "Zelda, you are free to go. Islington, you are not to leave Hyrule."
" An outrage!" proclaimed Islington.
" Don't whine, Islington." said Corgeig. "It makes you seem even less of a man."
" This is not over by any means!" Islington cried as he stormed off into the back of the town hall.
" First the keep, then my father’s funeral, now Islington’s detestable plotting... I thought I was supposed to be helping people, but it appears I constantly need you to come to my aid." Zelda said.
" My pleasure." Sir Karl said with a bow. "I can never resist a damsel in distress."
" Well, I would hope to be a little more self-sufficient than that." said Zelda. "It is not as though I waved a lace handkerchief out a window to summon you. Although I am relieved you got the message, regardless. It was all rather unusual, being Islington's prisoner. I thought he would be there to gloat, or perhaps arrive with some drunken priest to force a marriage, but he seemed preoccupied and was rarely around. Whether that was to see to his reprehensible business dealings or to try to cover them up once he heard you were looking into them, I cannot say. That was certainly no military stockade he had me locked up in. It was probably one of his safe houses, which was why they hooded me to keep me from seeing where I was being taken. Quaint, if rather dingy. I was locked in a small room, with precious few clues as to where I might be. Somewhere in the city, since it did not take overlong to reach you once you turned the tables. They--Islington and his social-climbing goons--kept me well away from my spellbook, of course, so blasting my way out was simply out of the question. I think Islington set me up for a laugh, however. The first room they kept me in had an insultingly weak lock on it, but once I picked that it let me out to a small hallway with a guarded and barred door. And the guards were not good company. There was another man who came by occasionally, a mage, but I never got a good look at him. Now that I think of it, I do not think Islington spoke more than a few words to me once he made that great show of incarcerating me for my own protection. He just asked me if I was comfortable and "begged" me to reconsider my refusal to have anything to do with him. My answer was always the same. Listening to the conversations through the door, I heard a little in the way of detail about the seedier parts of Islington's dealings, but probably nothing you do not already know for yourself. But that's behind us, and Islington is probably quaking in his boots over his impending tribunal. Perhaps we should attend? I'm sure he will make quite the scene."
" I vill be ze first to call for his head!" Sir Karl said loudly.
" He has certainly found ways to drain even my charitable spirit. But here we are talking about Islington, when that's the last thing he deserves. I will feel much better when we can forget all about his desperate grasping." Zelda said. "Now let us leave, there is much I need to do around here."
"You there! Foreign Moor!" cried Islington as he ran up to Sir Karl and the Princess.
"By the Goddesses!" Zelda moaned. "Will this never end."
"I can't compete with you physically, and you're no match for my brains." Islington proclaimed boldy.
"You're zat smart?" asked Sir Karl.
"Let me put it this way. Have you ever heard of Volo, Elminster, Abd Al-Hazir?"
"Yes, Yes I haf." replied Sir Karl.
"They are morons compared to me." Islington cackled.
"Zen I challenge you to a battle of wits." Sir Karl said.
"For the Princess?" asked Islington.
Sir Karl nodded in agreement.
"To the death?" Islington asked.
Sir Karl nodded in agreement again.
"I accept!" said Islington, with a smile on his face.
Sir Karl looked around and noticed a barrel which he made into a make shift table. He then reached into his pouch and retreived two small goblets and a small bag of powder, he then proceeded to put the powder into one of ther goblets but not allowing Islington to see which one.
"All right. vhere is ze poison?" asked Sir Karl. "Ze battle of vits has begun. It ends vhen you decide und ve boz drink, und find out who is right... and who is dead."
"But it's so simple. All I have to do is divine from what I know of you: are you the sort of man who would put the poison into his own goblet or his enemy's?" mused Islington. "Now, a clever man would put the poison into his own goblet, because he would know that only a great fool would reach for what he was given. I am not a great fool, so I can clearly not choose the wine in front of you. But you must have known I was not a great fool, you would have counted on it, so I can clearly not choose the wine in front of me."
"You've made your decision zen?" asked Sir Karl.
"Not remotely." scoffed Islington. "Because iocane comes from the Merchant Coast, as everyone knows, and the Merchant Coast is entirely peopled with criminals and pirates, and criminals and pirates are used to having people not trust them, as you are not trusted by me, so I can clearly not choose the wine in front of you."
"Truly, you haf a dizzying intellect." Sir Karl said with a slightly mocking tone.
"Wait til I get going!" Islington shouted. Now, where was I?"
"Ze Merchant Coast." Sir Karl said.
"Yes, the Merchant Coast." Islington said settingly down again. "And you must have suspected I would have known the powder's origin, so I can clearly not choose the wine in front of me."
"You're just stalling now." Sir Karl said with a slight hint of impatience in his tone.
"You'd like to think that, wouldn't you?" Islington said in an argivated tone. "You are a renowned warrior, which means you're exceptionally strong, despite your age, so you could've put the poison in your own goblet, trusting on your strength to save you, so I can clearly not choose the wine in front of you. But, you've also bested my father's army, which means you must have studied, and in studying you must have learned that man is mortal, so you would have put the poison as far from yourself as possible, so I can clearly not choose the wine in front of me."
"You're trying to trick me into giving avay somezing. It von't vork." Sir Karl said.
"IT HAS WORKED! YOU'VE GIVEN EVERYTHING AWAY! I KNOW WHERE THE POISON IS!" Islington shouted.
"Zen make your choice." Sir Karl said gruffly.
"I will, and I choose - What in the world can that be?"
"Vhat? Vhere? I don't see anyzing." Sir Karl said as he looked around while Islington quickly switched the goblets around.
"Well, I- I could have sworn I saw something. No matter." Islington said. "First, let's drink. Me from my glass, and you from yours."
"You guessed wrong." said Sir Karl.
"You only think I guessed wrong!" That's what's so funny! I switched glasses when your back was turned! Ha ha! You fool! You fell victim to one of the classic blunders! The most famous is never get involved in a land war in Hyrule, but only slightly less well-known is this: never go in against a Roenall when death is on the line! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha... UUURGGGGHHHHHH" croaked Islington as he fell over to the right dead.
"And to think, all that time it was your cup that was poisoned." Zelda said.
"Zey vere both poisoned. I spent ze last few years building up an immunity to ze powder."
"Thank you for everything. Islington... Islington would have had his way, with my family land, with my name... and quite likely would have tried to have his way with me. Thank you, again, for all you have done. Sir Karl, I--I do not think there is anything more I can say. With Islington gone, perhaps the people of our lands can rest a little easier. I only wish there was some other way to punish him for what he has done, for the devastation he has brought to so many lives! To make him feel the same suffering and hopelessness! And... and despair! And violation! And to... to..."
"Calm down. At least you know vizout a doubt zat you von't haf to marry him."
"It gives me chills just thinking about it. Even the remote possibility...Perhaps I am allowing myself too much luxury, to selfishly think of how he wronged me when he was making paupers of the privileged and slaves of the paupers. But I cannot forget my father, lying on the crypt floor... I... Come, Sir Karl. We still have much to do. I will try to think no more about Islington, now that he is where he belongs."