Bookworming...
Bookworming...
Chapter 1.10
Relc and Klbkch subdue Pisces and attempt to execute him. Erin Solstice intervenes, saving his life by successfully claiming her inn is an independent entity entirely outside of Liscor's jurisdiction.
Relc and Klbkch confront Pisces at the inn, leading to a violent clash between the guardsmen and the [Mage]. During the struggle, Pisces demonstrates his magical prowess and reveals that his general [Mage] class is over level twenty. Despite his formidable abilities, Relc and Klbkch ultimately manage to overpower and subdue him.
Once Pisces is physically restrained, Relc prepares to execute him on the spot. Unwilling to let someone be killed in her establishment, Erin Solstice actively intervenes to stop the guardsmen. To protect Pisces from summary execution, Erin boldly asserts that her inn is an independent entity that exists entirely outside the legal jurisdiction of Liscor and its Council.
Faced with this declaration, Klbkch analyzes the situation and concedes to the legal technicality. He acknowledges that the Watch possesses no official authority to carry out an execution within the bounds of Erin's independent inn. Legally blocked from taking lethal action, Relc is forced to stand down, and Pisces's life is spared. This confrontation officially establishes the inn as a neutral sanctuary outside of the city's laws.
Relc and Klbkch fight and successfully overpower Pisces inside the inn.
During the confrontation, Pisces reveals that his general [Mage] class is actually over level twenty.
A young woman from Earth who stumbles into a fantasy world and takes refuge in an abandoned inn.
aka Erin, the traveller +64
A Human mage from Wistram Academy, specialized in Elementalist and Illusionary schools, who admits to necromancy.
aka the mage, Mister Mage +35
A guardsman referenced by a rookie as likely getting punishment duty for breaking windows.
aka Guardsman Relc, Senior Guardsman Relc +13
To stop Relc from executing Pisces, Erin claims her inn is independent from Liscor's legal jurisdiction.
Klbkch agrees with Erin's claim, admitting the Watch has no legal authority to execute Pisces within the independent inn.
An Antinium Senior Guardsman in the city’s watch; arrives at Erin’s door and greets her.
aka Senior Guardsman Klbkch, ant-man +31
A class focused on running inns, hospitality, and tending to guests and establishments.
aka [Innkeeper], Innkeeper (class) +6
A general class for any individual who practices magic.
aka [Mage], [Mages] +3
A branch of magic dealing with the dead, considered dangerous and illegal.
aka [Necromancer], [Necromancers] +4
A class associated with members of the city watch, held by Relc.
aka [Guardsman], [Guards] +4
A class of city guards.
aka Guard, [Guards] +10
A defensive spell that creates a shimmering, powerful wall of wind.
aka [Barrier of Air]
A species of which Erin Solstice is a member.
aka Humans, smooth skin +4
A sapient reptilian species dominant in regions south of Liscor, generally unfriendly to Humans.
aka lizards, giant lizards +3
A species of large, sentient insectoid people; one arrives at Erin’s door with a companion.
aka giant insect, Ants +28
A city adjacent to the Floodplains, culturally aligned with Drakes and not friendly to Humans.
aka City of Liscor, the city +8
A famed academy of magic where Pisces studies.
aka Wistram, the Academy +4
“If I am caught, they will take me to the city. And there I will be judged and killed. This is a certainty, Mistress Erin.”
“I will cease all magic and go with you quietly if you assure my life. I meant no harm to you or your companion. But we are at an impasse until you do.”
“Still don’t care. I don’t need money if I can get rid of a stinking fleshbag like you.”
“I don’t care! You don’t kill people just because they practice stupid magic! And you don’t kill people just because you don’t like them! And you don’t kill people because killing people is wrong!”
“Are you stupid? I don’t want anyone killing anyone! You can’t do it! I forbid it! It’s wrong! It’s illegal.”
“Good job, I guess. But they’re still going to find you. You’re a criminal, and you’ve got nowhere to hide.”
“Antagonizing one of my power is unwise. If you have any sense, you will accede to my request. Or know the consequences.”
“Even if you’re in danger, I’m in danger if I hide you. I’m not doing that. Run away. Just run away now.”
“They will have patrols out around the city. They will scour the grasslands for me. Please, if you were to hide me, I would be sure to survive.”
“Are you serious? One word to our Watch Captain and she’ll send a patrol back to capture this idiot! And if we don’t arrest him, you have a [Necromancer] running around! You want us to let him go knowing his class?”
“I withdraw it. All of it. I was never attacked yesterday. This mage-guy never visited the inn, and I never saw him until today. So there’s no reason for you to arrest him.”
“If I had a knife in my hand, I’d stab you.”
“Money is shiny. But, uh, inedible. And it’s good to have money, but starvation is an issue.”
“Regardless of your affiliation to any academy, you are still under arrest. Please surrender now or I will be forced to employ lethal force.”
“I don’t care! No killing, do you hear me?”
“…I believe I am incorrect. Relc, the Watch has no authority here. This is an independent inn, and the [Innkeeper] is allowed to deny our authority here.”
“However. As Senior Guardsman Klbkch, I will vouch for my partner to take this Human into custody for unlawful practices which include extortion, theft, and intimidation, which we have every right to suspect, with or without your testimony.”
“But he’s still a [Necromancer]! That’s a crime no matter what he does! And he attacked us!”
“You punched his brains out! That’s not enough to kill him over!”
“Nice last words. But remember—your Necromancer died here. Miles from this very spot. The Tidebreaker was his end.”
“I assure you, my life is worth far more than you would ever get for me dead. This can all be solved amicably. I will fully cooperate—”
“I can’t believe this. Are you defending him? Because he’s Human? Or do you not want the blood in here? In that case, I’ll take him out back and—”
“I am a man in desperate straits. You would do well not to underestimate what I am capable of.”
“I—I seek no quarrel with you. I am a graduate of Wistram Academy and a practicing mage. You detain me at your peril.”
“Please, I beg of you. Just one night. Just give me sanctuary, and I swear I will be gone upon the morrow. It is my death without your aid. Would you kill me? I ask you as a fellow Human. Please.”
“That is well. Then, please stand clear. We will be going about our business, and I would not wish you hurt.”
“I have only ever done what I loved. Slay me as well, you thoughtless fools. Just like all of my kind. One day—one of us will follow Az’kerash.”
“Prove. It. Can you? Is there a way to check his, uh, class?”
“Then I’ll arrest him, and he’ll be executed tomorrow. Happy?”
“She is correct. Without her testimony, we cannot submit a report regarding his attempted thefts.”
“…No. Not without an artifact. Klb, you got an [Appraisal] scroll?”
“Why should I? Give me one good reason, Pisces.”
“I was, in fact, upstairs the entire time. Under a bed. It was the simplest solution given the intelligence of those two brutish guardsmen.”
“So, what? If I don’t decide to help you, will you hurt me? Bash my brains in? Or will you just rip my clothes off and try to rape me?”
“That would be inadvisable, Relc. We are off-duty, and Miss Solstice has stated her case. Executing a [Mage] of Wistram might also affect the Academy’s relationship with our city. Which the Council and Watch Captain would not be happy about.”
“In point of fact, I was wondering if I might persuade you to shelter and provide me with my basic necessities while in this moment of dire need. I can provide you with adequate recompense, I assure you—”
“That’s what I think of your spells. I’m a former soldier of the 4th Wing of the Liscorian Army. I’ve killed more [Mages] than you have levels. Now, are you going to die quiet or will I have to pay for painting the walls red with your blood?”
“I believe Senior Guardsman Relc does have just cause, Miss Erin Solstice. It is true that his personal sworn testimony would be called into question if you were to speak against him. [Detect Truth] spells would settle that matter, but Relc’s history of inappropriate conduct on-and-off-duty does not help his case.”
“Where did you come from? I didn’t hear you come in through the door.”
“You want something. What? To stay here? No. Nope. No way in hell.”
“By that? You think a piddly little [Barrier of Air] spell is going to stop me?”
“Stop that! Put the weapons away and get out.”
“Not likely. I’m gutting you like a fish right here.”
“I could still arrest him for attacking me. Yeah. I’ll just do that. Who cares about testimony or whatever?”
“Do not mind him. You are within your rights to enforce law within this establishment as you choose. I apologize for the mess on both our behalves.”
“Males. They eat and eat and eat. And then I have to clean up the dishes. Typical.”
“I can be ransomed. Quite highly! My school will pay ten—thirty gold coins in whichever denomination you like for my return.”
“Aren’t there some more blue fruits around here? Here? No…here? Yep. Nice and wrinkled. Lovely.”
“Klb! Get over here and help! This guy’s slipperier than he looks!”
“I don’t know how I can thank you, good M—Miss Erin. Please, accept my humblest—”
“Ah, but what good innkeeper would deprive herself of such a magnificent guest?”
“You take one step in the city and I’ll—I’ll—you take one step in there and I’ll do something about it. If I so much as see you on my patrol—”
“No, he’s an idiot. But he didn’t do anything wrong enough to die for. All he did was try to scare me.”
“—Allow me to apologize. But if I might say a few words—”
“Please forgive my rudeness. Are you well? We doubled back and lingered, knowing the criminal may have only pretended to flee the area. Are you hurt or in need of assistance?”
“In point of fact, my comrade’s actions are not—”
“Now, now. Let’s not be hasty, good Mistress. I was merely saying—”
“He didn’t want to tell you the truth! But he and I both know what happens to [Necromancers]. We—any mage possessing even a single level in the class—are all killed on sight in this part of the world! There’s no mercy for my kind here. The legacy of the Necromancer of Terandria, Az’kerash, lingers. Especially here, where his armies once sieged Liscor.”
“Please, please, good Mistress, let’s not be hasty!”
“Right, for how long? Days? Weeks? Months? And I get to feed you, make sure no one finds you, and clean up after you? Again: no. I’m barely getting enough food for myself as it is.”
“Move and I will stab you.”
“Of course I wouldn’t do that. I’m no barbarian—”
“Yes, you can. You have no cause whatsoever to arrest Pisces.”
“Wait—what did she just say? Jurisdic—we don’t do that, do we, Klb? Buddy?”
“Oh yeah? Oh yeah? Well, this is outside your jurisdiction! You said it yourself—you don’t patrol my inn! Therefore, it is my inn, and I deny your city’s authority here!”
“I do not believe I am.”
“Oh no. Absolutely not. You’re all wrong, Klbkch.”
“Pantry? Pantry is empty. Food? Food is gone. And money—”
“Please, spare my life. If you have any pity in your soul—”
“What? No! No killing! Do you hear me?”
“You do that—and I’ll tell all the people who vouched for you that Senior Guardsman Relc arrested someone after a fight he started. You have no proof, no testimony, and I’m pretty sure if you arrest him, that’s illegal. There are laws, and you have to follow them. If this isn’t the first time you’ve done something like this, you could get a permanent citation on your record.”
“Innocent? You? You’re nothing more than a thug with a magic wand. Remember how we met? You tried to scare me into giving you food. And now you want protection because you’re getting your just desserts? No. No, when I see Relc again, you’d better be long gone from here. And if you don’t leave now, I’ll kick you out myself.”
“I assure you, you will never see—”
“And I’m out of ingredients.”
“And you’re telling me all this…why?”
“I assure you I would be a quite convivial guest. And I wouldn’t ask for much. In fact, you may be interested to know I am proficient in multiple schools of spellcasting. While necromancy is a—passion of mine, I have extensively studied the elementalist, illusory, and enchanting schools of magic. My level is over twenty in the general [Mage] class. Even amongst my fellow students, you would be hard-pressed to find a spellcaster as widely capable as I am. I can aid in a number of functions that would improve your inn. And I have money.”
“He hit me with lightning!”
“Please, hear me out. Rest assured, I bear you no ill will for reporting my actions to the guard. I fully appreciate the severity of my crimes, however—”
“Would you turn away an innocent—”
“No fighting. Not here. And no killing!”
“Then go. Now.”
“You can’t do that!”
“Klb—help me out here!”
“Are you—what’s—I’m good. Good.”
“What? Then let’s arrest her too!”
“Is useless. Surrender.”
“He’s a criminal.”
“I withdraw my testimony.”
“Relc never said—”
“Last words, [Mage]?”
“No, I can’t.”
“I know.”
“There you are!”
“Stop moving! Hey!”
“Gutting? Hey, that’s—”
“Don’t be hasty!”
“[Barrier of Air]!”
“Please, please reconsider.”
“Desist your actions or—”
“Men.”
“Except here.”
“Good.”
“Miss Solstice.”
“Absolutely.”
“Prove it.”
“Males.”
“Shut up.”
“Out.”
“Out.”
“So it would appear.”
“Well—well too bad.”
“But he’s—”
“So I’m in trouble.”
“Gotcha!”
“Surrender?”
“Cooperate?”
“You what?”
“Can she?”
“Humans!”
“I—”
“You squirming—”
“I—I—”
“Gewil—”
“My magic—”
“No. Go.”
“What?”
“Hey!”
“What?”
“No!”
“No.”
“What?”
“What?”
“No. Out.”
“Hey.”
“No.”