Movement of shadows

Lucian waited outside Captain Haws' office pacing. "I'm sorry Lord Lucian, Captain Haws is detained until late tomorrow afternoon. He will see you then." Lucian simply nodded and left. Wondering the streets of Haven, he wondered something is going on. This is not what it seems. The sun had long set and the stars had filled the sky. A wind shook the tree as he passed. He thought something moved behind it. It must have just been the shadow of the tree dancing under the light of the Isle's temple of Light. Just shadows moving in the dark.

-----

Galan unhooked the clasp of his cape. All the generals were awarded capes, a symbol of great honor that he was deeply touched. He hung his symbol of honor and their was a knock on the door. He openned it to see a young page. For the young recruits that washed out of the Paladin training there were two choices, to join the Geneva army and start over there or to be a page on the Isle and the council og Geneva. With communication as critical as it was, they were as needed or more than the soliders though not often as appreciated. Many kids gratitated to that choice because it was more noble not to be recognized.

"AYE GENERAL! I bring a message. There is a man staying at the flying crane in Atlanta. He says that Merideth's death is your fault and you need to come speak with him. Thats the entire offical message but he did laugh with his friends that if you knew what was good for you you would see him immediately. He's from Dragon my Lord General here for the negotiations tomorrow with nearly a dozen of his companions with him." The page announced all in a smooth articulate tone.

Taking a silver from his belt, "Here, this is for keeping an open ear." He grabbed his cape and in a spinning motion snapped it back in place. He had to go speak to Tristan, the meeting was inevitable.

The hour was very late bordering on early when General Galan threw open the doors of the Tavern. Smoke filled the room as in most common rooms at this hour. The Tavern lay mostly empty though and the commotion and smoke all came from the dozen men dressed like they were from Dragon. Galan saw the snake. Tristan who had raped and murdered his own wife, the women Galan loved, a young girl who still saw the world as a story and adventure to be had. She was much like him before the wrinkels. The villan was just before him harrassing a young bar maid.

"Let her go Tristan! YOU WANTED TO TALK TO ME!" Galan declared bringing silence to the bar. The attractive bar maid used the oppertunity to slide back to the kitchen.

Tristan raised his half empty mug of ale, "Welcome General. As I understand they promote criminals with a habit of causing international incidents. They honor murders of other people's wives. AYE GENERAL!" Slamming the rest of his ale his smashed the mug on the table. Less than in full control of his senses he stands throwing the table on the ground. "YOu stole her, took her from me and force your evil on the world. Lets settle this now." Tristan drew his long blade with a smooth motion. His soaked black hair hid eyes corrupted by greed and hatred.

Galan kept his sword in its scabbard and responded, "Then attack. I won't need my sword."

"No, no, no. I do not attack unarmed men who refuse to defend themselves, that is a skill reserved for the honorable ambassodors of Light -- you paladins." He smiles a crooked smile that disfigures an otherwise handsome face. "I have it. You know of what I speak." He replaces his sword with a small folded piece of parchment. "This is the real weapon."

"I don't know what you think you have besides a waiting hangover. Regardless of what letter or what message you may bring you are going to proclaim to the international world that the Isle, the Bastin of Hope and virtue, is the evil aggressor. A bold claim coming from a goverment that everyone knows is ran by a crime organization and rank with corruption. What you say will mean nothing. You are a fool." Galan attempted to cut his words off before they were personal, it would be unbecoming for his anger to show. Anger was niether good nor just.

"You told Meredith that if I got in your way you would cut me down. Well I'm in your way, with the evidence in my hand that you are all exactly what we have been claiming you to be. Self righteous greedy pretenders who seek only their own political and economic gain. Are you going to cut me down?" Reaching for another's mug he spraws ale threw the air.

Galan takes the splash attack with barely a blink and responds, "Whatever you think you have and say in your drunken stuppor, you can not change justice or truth. Justice will find you for all of your actions. Good night."

General Galan left the tavern as Tristan stood fuming, "YOU WILL PAY YOU WILL ALL PAY!" Rang through the night as Galan adjusted his cape reminidng himself of his position and the trust granted him. Justice would be found but not tonight.

-----

Lucian had spent his night in prayer. As the sun rose, he followed the crowds to the Genevan's Palace. A marvel of enginering, it combined the architecture from Crystal Empire and old Human empire concepts. Banners flew waving the flag of the Isle and the Gold Dragon of Geneva at every meter. The gold bricks of the Palace spoke the value of wise leadership that was housed with in. Being the one who had invaded Dragon, he was requested to attend for testimony. Something was wrong up a head. The gates the palace rested wide open but it was crowded with people. On lookers and commoners held back by soliders. Peering through the crowd he saw a man laying in a pool of blood just outside of the gate. The man was dressed in fine clothing in the cut common to Dragon with dark hair hiding hate filled eyes and a crooked smile that broke an otherwise handsome face.