It was a day to impress, or at least try to.  Jural put on his best pants and shirt, and even threw a rather nice (in his opinion) coat on top, despite the heat outside.  It was time to visit his potential client again.  If he managed to land a job with this lordling, then surely he would be on his way to being a top of the line Thief Catcher.  Maybe even land owner, eventually.

 

But first, before his noble aspirations, he needed to impress the 'boss.'  There was a house in the city, in the wealthier section near the Stone, where he had an appointment to meet the man.  Pelory had a job he would only give to a proven thief catcher, and a challenging assignment at that.  Jural wouldn't have it any other way.

 

Arriving at the house, which looked like a small palace, Jural was let in by the staff.

 

"Yes," he explained to the housekeeper, "I have an appointment with Master Pelory, here is his letter."

 

Jural waited while the ancient woman glanced over it.  She grunted, recognizing the seal, and showed Jural into Kivyl's solar.

 

"A mister Jural Mirado to see you, master."

Kivyl had been meeting with people all day. He spoke with Donal who was in charge of is granaries, he spoke with his smith who was working on a suit of armor for him, and now the Thief Catcher. When Nita announced he was here he sent the smith away.

 

"Come in Jural... would you like a drink?" Not waiting for the man to answer he poured some chilled wine into a cold silver goblet, one for each of them. He needed something to steady his nerves for the task at hand. The man was likely burning up in that coat he was wearing anyways. It wasnt normal for a Noble to do even a small courtesy of pouring a drink for a commoner, but Kivyl was no ordinary Noble. He loved people. Common, noble, it didnt matter. He loved getting to know people, to learn their dreams, to dote upon their children. In his lands there were several babes with his name because of his generosity.

 

He took a sip of his wine and let out a deep breath. "My brothers all died in the Game of Houses and in wars. I had no one my own age to socialize with while I was growing up so grudgingly my father allowed me to befriend some kids from a village on our lands. There was where I met my true brother."

 

He took a seat and motioned for Jural to do the same in the seat across from him. When the man was seated he continued. "Joruil showed me what it was like have a friend. He showed me how an open hand could settle more problems than a fist. He is the reason I made sure that no one on my land has want of food or medicine and I may be the only Noble in Tear who can make that claim. Our worlds would remain apart though when we became older. I had to run my house and he... well it would be the boats or a farm for him. I offered to take him as my steward but... he didnt want something that could be given... he wanted only what could be earned."

 

Kivyl refilled his goblet and offered to refill Jural's before he leaned back again. "He wasnt making it and started going to Taverns of questionable repute... dives really. I got him a job as a Defender. He didnt know it was me. He completed his training." Kivyl had to stop to make sure he didnt choke up. He took a swallow of the wine under the pretense that that was what he stopped for the whole time. He cleared his throat to continue. "He was celebrating... saying good bye to some people who saw him through some hard times... he was going to start that morning.. but he never reported for duty."

 

Kivyl thought back to that morning when the Captain came to inquire after Joruil. "They found him two days later in an alley. His body was stripped naked. Rats had been eating his corpse and it was only found because of the smell that came with the heat. He was face down in a pile of human waste." Kivyl set his goblet aside ad walked to his window to gaze outside. Tears were running down his face but his voice did not betray him by letting Jural know. "I want you to find my brother's killer Jural. I want you to find the man who killed Joruil, a man who gave a noble a heart to feed hundreds. Though I want this man to die slowly so he can feel what I do now, that would not honor Joruil's memory. Joruil would want justice. So find this man so we can bring him to trial here for murder."

 

Having regained his composure he wiped the tears away and turned. "Will you take this job?"

Jural passed a heavyset man on his way out, probably a smith by the look of his muscled arms.  I hope I have not interrupted the lordling...

 

"Come in Jural... would you like a drink?"

 

Slightly surprised but not phased by Pelory's offer, Jural accepted with a small bow.  So the rumors are true about the generous lordling?  Small wonder some of the High Lords are openly jealous of his success.

 

"Thank you, master Pelory."  He sipped the wine slowly and was quite pleased with its quality.  Perhaps one day I will be able to enjoy such vintage at leisure.  But those days were a long way away; for now, his task was to listen carefully and offer only the most intelligent and respectful replies.

 

The nobleman was content with beginning with a story, leading into the details of the assignment, Jural guessed beforehand.

 

"My brothers all died in the Game of Houses and in wars. I had no one my own age to socialize with while I was growing up so grudgingly my father allowed me to befriend some kids from a village on our lands. There was where I met my true brother."

 

Pelory motioned for them to be seated, and Jural quickly obliged, adjusting his somewhat stifling coat only slightly.  He sat on the edge of the chair, his back straight, and his entire posture that of someone at attention. 

 

Pelory continued his tale, telling Jural about his friend, Joruil, who seemed almost too good to be true.  Jural certainly had had no such loyal friend to help him to his current position; only two of his associates in the Thief Catching guild could he really call friends, and they were not close ones at that.  Just as Kivyl began describing the gruesome but necessary details of Joruil's death, Jural noticed a tear going down the nobleman's face.  He dared to feel a little sympathy for his wealthy client, whose friend had died in such an undignified manner.  Even a commoner such as himself could understand some of what Pelory felt, though he himself would prefer such a murderer to suffer long before his death.

 

"I want you to find my brother's killer Jural. I want you to find the man who killed Joruil, a man who gave a noble a heart to feed hundreds. Though I want this man to die slowly so he can feel what I do now, that would not honor Joruil's memory. Joruil would want justice. So find this man so we can bring him to trial here for murder.  Will you take this job?""

 

Jural stood, and bowed.

 

"I would be honored to take this assignment.  And I shall do all in my power to make your dream of justice a reality.  If that meets with your pleasure, I do have questions for you to aid my search.  Is finding the killer, and if they are alive, bringing them back here for justice, sufficient for you?  You mentioned that your friend Joruil was found stripped.  Did he possess any valuable belongings that you might be interested in...reclaiming, either for yourself or his family?  Thief Catchers can reclaim stolen belongings just as well as finding elusive persons."

 

Always Up sell! was one of Jural's mottoes.

 

Kivyl was having trouble thinking by this time. Another goblet of wine solved that for him as he gave the question some thought. "He had a few things. He had a iron pendant he never took off. It looks like a coin and has the word "Luck" written in the old tongue. A silver ring with some gold scroll work and blood red garnet... and his sword... that should be a little easier to find. A Tairen Rapier, masterwork, made with Andoran steel. I had the steel brought here myself. There are no other rapiers like it. The Smith whom you saw on your way in leaves his marking on the hilt, so small you cant see it unless you are looking for it." Kivyl pulled a dagger from his belt. Simple in design but sturdy. He pointed the marking out to Jural. "You may keep that one if you look at the color of the blade, the weight, the edge it can hold. The rapier will be much the same."

 

Pouring another goblet of wine and deciding that he would get something harder when Jural left he looked the Thief Catcher in the eyes. "I would like regular reports on your progress if it would not be an inconvenience. He likely sold all the items but I will buy them back as you find them. I do suppose we should discuss your price? Joruil was no fool with a new blade. He knew what he was doing. Will you need swords at your back?"

"He had a few things. He had a iron pendant he never took off. It looks like a coin and has the word "Luck" written in the old tongue. A silver ring with some gold scroll work and blood red garnet... and his sword... that should be a little easier to find. A Tairen Rapier, masterwork, made with Andoran steel. I had the steel brought here myself. There are no other rapiers like it. The Smith whom you saw on your way in leaves his marking on the hilt, so small you cant see it unless you are looking for it."

 

Jural categorized the list in his mind, the pendent, the ring, and the sword.  He studied the dagger Kivyl offered him closely, and indeed there was a small mark on the hilt, though he would never have noticed it if he was not looking for it.  He nodded.  Whether the killer still kept the sword or sold it, it should be easy enough to track down if it was still in Tear.  People noticed good steel like that, especially if it was unlawful for local commoners to carry on their person.

 

"I would like regular reports on your progress if it would not be an inconvenience. He likely sold all the items but I will buy them back as you find them. I do suppose we should discuss your price? Joruil was no fool with a new blade. He knew what he was doing. Will you need swords at your back?"

 

Jural thought carefully before he replied.

"I understand I am to be employed in only finding this killer and the things he stole, yes?  I have no intention of engaging or provoking such a dangerous man by myself.  I am confident enough in my ability to defend myself with this" he pointed briefly at his head, "until I can report to you the need for this." he hefted the dagger he still held in his hand.  Observe and Report was always the first priority of a Thief Catcher, especially if the thief was known to be dangerous, although Jural had already survived some close scrapes before. He continued with shrewdly lining out his asking price.

 

"I will of course report to you every week to tell you of my efforts, and whenever I find a particularly good lead worth your attention I will let you know as soon as I can. Since you ask for three objects and one person, I would ask you for at least two silver marks as a down payment for my efforts starting tomorrow, and I would humbly request a certain sum per week for my full employment if you wish me to refuse requests from other 'lesser' clients and focus only on your case.  If any leads go outside the city of Tear, I would request double that weekly rate.  And depending on additional expenses I may need to spend in search of your man, that will add to the bill, though I would run that by you first of course.  Is this reasonable, master Pelory?" 

The price was cheaper than he had anticipated. "I will certainly pay you to have your services exclusively until this is resolved. I have asked the Defenders to give you access to their reports and findings, they care for one of their own being murdered as much as anyone else."

 

Kivyl reached into his coin pouch to pull out the silver marks and handed them to Jural. "Now if this concludes our business for the day. I would like to be alone with my thoughts for awhile. I wish you luck with this Jural. It has haunted me for two long years."

"I will certainly pay you to have your services exclusively until this is resolved. I have asked the Defenders to give you access to their reports and findings, they care for one of their own being murdered as much as anyone else."

 

Jural nodded with approval, both at the pay offer and the handling with the Defenders of the Stone.  He would have checked with the Defenders first thing anyway, and this certainly spared him the time of asking for the reports and waiting for the files to be found.

 

"Now if this concludes our business for the day. I would like to be alone with my thoughts for awhile. I wish you luck with this Jural. It has haunted me for two long years."

 

Two Years?! Jural's mind raced in alarm.  This happened two years ago?  A bloody lot can happen in such a long time!  He dared not raise a complaint openly, however.  He had already landed the job and any whining on his part could result in him losing it.  He hoped he would not regret this...

 

"Thank you, Master Pelory," he said solemnly with most of his composure returned.  "I'll get to work right away, and I'll report at the end of the week."

 

Thus dismissed, Jural exited the house and went straight for the Stone.

"Two bloody years..." he mumbled under his breath.

 

(at the Stone)

After waiting several hours for the files to be found, Jural finally was able to sit at a desk and open the slim folder of the report.  It didn't say much, other than the condition of the body matched Kivyl Pelory's description.  There were two wounds found that would have killed Joruil, both believed to be knife stabs from a weapon with a blade at least six inches long.  Jural trusted that information; most Defenders had lived in Tear long enough to know what a bad knife wound looked like.  The weapon that caused the wound was not found anywhere near the body, however.  The killer, or possibly killers, must have taken it with him, along with the things he had stolen. 

 

There were several reported witnesses who said they knew what happened, but each report contradicted the other, and they were ultimately dismissed for laypeople looking for an extra copper or two for testifying.  No witnesses, or at least reliable ones, existed.

 

As for where Joruil had been, there had been several witnesses at a tavern where he had last been seen.  However, they denied knowing who killed him.  Jural frowned suspiciously at that.  Two of the witnesses claimed to have seen Joruil leaving the tavern in a rush, shouting "cheater!" or something like that.  But no one came forward as to the identity of the 'cheater', all that was said was that it was a young man, some seventeen or eighteen years of age.

 

Jural sighed with disgust.  He would have to return to this tavern and see if he could find any of the handful of witnesses listed.  Maybe if he could entice some of them with profit rather than the threat of a Defender's steel, they would talk more openly.  That was if they remembered...

 

Agonizingly slow days passed.  Jural spent most of his time at the tavern, trying to ask around discreetly for anyone who might have been there that night.  He did not find any of the witnesses listed on the paper, though.  He did find a woman who had been there, though.  She still served there as a tavern maid, though Jural was certain the woman had not been a maiden for a long time.

 

Offering the maid a few coins and a chance to relax at a table, Jural laid on his best charm and smile, asking about any 'regulars' over two years ago which were young men.  He received quite a few names and vague descriptions in the midst of flirting with the woman.  A couple seemed to match, two young men who gambled at dice frequently.  But the maid, giggling, obviously didn't know their names or where they lived.

 

"If you remember either of them, or can find out where either of them lives, I'll make it more than worth your while, miss."

 

After a couple more drinks, the tavern keep, a stern middle aged woman who had seen better days, finally came around and yelled at the maid to get back to work.  Jural had the audacity to grin at her disapproving frown.

 

Getting up, he asked a word with the inkeeper, and told her who he was working for, slyly slipping a silver coin into the older woman's hand.  After that, the woman seemed to liven up a bit.

 

"I promise I'll be back later." Jural told her, and gave a last wink at the maid.  Once outside, he immediately dropped the act, and marched through the rain and muddy streets to another lead on one of the tavern witnesses.

 

So much for the tavern, he thought, though I might as well pretend to enjoy this.  With any luck, someone will come to me with information once rumor goes around that there's a Thief Catcher who's a little loose with his coin

 

The week passed, Jural gathering information, both concerning the people who last saw Joruil, and if anyone had seen the missing items.

 

At week's end, he finally returned to Master Pelory's house to report.  He was tired, but he had at least spent a pleasant evening to make the lack of sleep worth it.

 

"Good afternoon, Master Pelory.  I've found a little, but no major leads just yet on your killer or the stolen items.  I've read and memorized the report, and talked to Defenders who knew Joruil and some regulars who had been at the tavern he was last seen at.  I still have plenty of places within the city to check out, so it's only a matter of time before I find good leads."

 

Jural, thorough as ever, deposited two parchments on Kivyl's desk.  One was a fairly long list with names and addresses, some of them already crossed out to indicate they had been checked out.  A few were circled: places or people that might need a return visit.  The other was a much smaller slip detailing Jural's 'expenses' trying to loosen people's tongues.

 

"I still need to check...twenty seven locations with people who claim to have information about the sword, thirteen concerning the pendent, and ten the ring.  There's also still six persons from the tavern that I've been trying to find; with any luck I should be able to root one or two of them out by next week.  A few leads, but not names, on suspects but I'd like time to narrow them down one at a time before being sure of committing to any one of them."

 

Jural breathed out, overwhelmed by his own report.  He knew if he was persistent, he would find what he needed to know in time.  But how much time was an important thing to consider.  Nobles tended not to have the same level of patience as he.  The key with a long, slow case like this was to feed some small bit of good news one week at a time if possible. 

Kivyl had been going over finances and cargo when Jural had paid him a visit. He glanced over the list of names, none of which rang any bells to him. He looked at the expenses as well. Still not at bad as he had thought they would be. He sorted out the coin the man needed. "I was about to have lunch. Wont you join me? I remembered something that may help you."

 

The two were served a seafood soup and bread that had been roasted and then covered in butter, salt, and garlic. The bread was actually more rich than the soup was. Kivyl also noticed there was pork, beef, and chicken mixed with the soup which added an odd taste but one he found refreshing. The onions, garlic, and other vegetables added something other than meat. All in all both ate quietly and afterward Kivyl pulled out his pipe to smoke. He offered Jural some tabac. "Two Rivers Tabac."

 

After a few puffs the two relaxed on his balcony which over looked the river. "I do quite a bit of trading. I use the same ships every year. You can almost count on the week they will arrive and the Captains often pride themselves on that. That got me to thinking that if his killer took a boat then you need only wait a week before and after the anniversary of the murder to talk to any Captains that may have been there. You can bet they can account for any coin they earned. So I have arranged a suitable payment for the Dockmaster to open the logs for you to see which Ships were present around the time of the murder as well as the payment being large enough for him to tell you which Ships were there and not on the logs. Speak with those Captains and I am sure you can pay them for information on anyone they took on around that time."

 

Kivyl motioned to the table where a rather large sack of coin was. The Dockmaster he had learned from a fellow Noble was a very corrupt man, but the Nobles would have it no other way. Kivyl didnt doubt that Jural had already likely gone to the docks but the Dockmaster would not open his logs for a few silver, nor did he think Jural would be the type to ask for the hefty amount that would be needed to bribe the man to give the information they both sought.

Jural thanked his new patron and ate slowly and quietly. Nobles did not want to hear you slurp your soup, after all.  After lunch, Jural exhaled smoke contentedly, enjoying the view of the river. He could get used to this, but it was time to return to business.

 

He nodded attentively at Kivyl's plan to inspect the ships.  If their killer had indeed left Tear, which was not yet certain but still a likely possibility, he would need to know which captains were in port that night.  He took the list, and made a new column with "riverboat captains" as the heading.  He stood, remaking the list in his mind.  There was the tavern, and witnesses there, there was the crime, and, quite possibly, the getaway.  But he still did not have a name, and he still did not have solid evidence linking the three of the events.

 

"I thank you, master Pelory.  Being able to look at the logbooks with the Dockmaster's...profitable approval," he smirked, glancing greedily at the large back of coin.  "will be most helpful if the killer has indeed left the city.  I'll look into it and make a list of those ships right away.  But then, I need to focus on the other end.  I still need a name for our suspect, and I still need better witnesses to figure out where he might have gone.  So if you will excuse me, I will attend to the dockmaster tomorrow or whenever you can deliver this to him."

 

Curses! he thought just as he had said that.  You should have offered to take the money to him!  Yet that would be too easy a trap, he thought.  Pelory no doubt knew exactly how much money was in that bag, and if there were any coins missing he would know whom to blame, and it would be Jural's hands to go, if not his head.

 

"For now, I must continue my search.  Can't afford to slack off, even today.  Maybe if I'm lucky I'll find the stolen goods in a few days.  I'll try to get that out of the way first so we can focus on our elusive suspect."  Tucking his much smaller pay and the list back into his pockets, Jural left.

 

---------

 

The ring was first, though Jural didn't honestly expect to find the exact one.  He might be able to find something close enough to pass for it, though.  At the end of three days, he wished he had never seen so many ugly hands bearing rings...

 

On the fourth day, he found what he was looking for.  And then he found Another one.  Two rings that matched the description, and although he had to pay quite a bit for the merchant to part with the first, the other ring he got for free, since he knew that the hand it was on was overdue to be branded for thievery anyway.  He duly reported to Pelory the next day, and presented him with two rings.

 

"One of them a merchant had bought. The other I relieved from a thief, though he claimed he had gotten it from a gang of children, and knows nothing of Joruil's death.  I hope one of these was the one Joruil had?" he began, hoping.  "The pendent will be much harder to find, since it was much less valuable.  I'll be working on the sword next."

 

Jural hurriedly added,

"Oh yes, my review of the dockmaster's logs showed that there may have been a score and two vessels in the harbor that night, but only three departed that very night, and two more the morning after.  Five ships to conveniently escape on in reasonable time.  I believe the Defenders checked all the ships that left thereafter for stowaways and new crew members, and did not find their man. Three of them went south through the Fingers, and two went upriver."

 

Jural checked his lists and notes, which were starting to turn into a large booklet by now.  "Their ports of destination according to later logbooks were...two to Ebou Dar and one to Mayene, and then the two riverboats both went to Aringill.  One of them turned back after stopping there, while the other continued to Tar Valon...The two that stopped at Ebou Dar are due back here in a week, so I'll be able to speak to them then.  I think the other one is in Mayene as we speak, but I'm not sure when it is due to return here.  I've already talked with the riverboat captain that stopped at Aringill, he denied taking any further passengers and I believe him, though you may send your own questioners to be thorough if you wish.  That leaves the one that went to Tar Valon...if it is on schedule then it is somewhere far up the Erinin, probably in Shienar.  Won't be back for at least three weeks, and that's only if they're in a hurry to get back here.  So, what do you think?"

"Tar Valon would be the obvious choice." Kivyl said. He rubbed his eyes as he had not had much sleep since hiring the Jural. It was late so Kivyl motioned Jural to the usual seat across from him and poured them both some hot spiced wine to wind down a bit. "If he left the city Tar Valon is the last place someone from Tear would want to go looking for him in. Let me see those rings."

 

The first one he looked at from the Merchant looked identical... too identical in fact, and brand new. He suspected it had been made specifically for when Jural came around asking about it. He didnt mention this to Jural however. The second ring though was unmistakable. A scratch on the inside confirmed it. "I had forgot about the scratch. It was from when he had it resized after his father passed and gave it to him. This is the ring for sure." He tossed the second to Jural. "Keep it. Garnet is the warriors stone. Said to give a man strength in battle. I will send this one back to his family." Kivyl pocketed the second ring and leaned back.

 

"I was thinking about the sword... assuming he didnt use it for payment to a boat... he may have tried to sell it again. Defenders of the Stone or perhaps even get it melted down to sell the steel. It would fetch a pretty penny in the condition it is in though. Masterwork. A sword like that though plain cannot go unremarked. The steel used comes from a mine in Andor where the iron has... something else in it. Something harder and lighter than normal iron. Extremely costly stuff. Any Smith who has seen it would remember it."

 

A servant came in carrying a tonic with him. "To help you sleep sir." Kivyl nodded and poured the vile substance in his wine. "Nightmares about Joruil. In my dreams he tells me that as punishment for waiting so long to put him to rest I will come join him soon. Keeps me up sometimes."

 

 

(ooc: WARNING! VERY LONG POST!)

His patron immediately seized on Tar Valon.  Jural nodded with approval at his explanation; it certainly made sense.  He also noticed that Kivyl seemed rather tired, but Jural did not say anything.  Tired people could also snap back easily, and he had no wish to anger the man who was paying him.

 

Jural passed the rings to Master Pelory, and was almost surprised that one of them was indeed the one sought for.  He quickly pocketed the other copy.  No need to keep it for myself, I'm sure it'll sell for a few, he thought.  He also learned something important about the late Joruil.  The man had family, something that Kivyl had not mentioned before.  Jural wondered how they were coping with his death.  Probably not much better than his 'brother' here.

 

But there were other matters to focus on rather than a rich man or a family's grief.  The sword.

 

"I was thinking about the sword... assuming he didnt use it for payment to a boat... he may have tried to sell it again. Defenders of the Stone or perhaps even get it melted down to sell the steel. It would fetch a pretty penny in the condition it is in though. Masterwork. A sword like that though plain cannot go unremarked. The steel used comes from a mine in Andor where the iron has... something else in it. Something harder and lighter than normal iron. Extremely costly stuff. Any Smith who has seen it would remember it."

 

"I'll do a thorough search of the shops and the smiths.  If it was sold in Tear, it may still be on display if we're lucky.  If it was melted down, I'm sure I'll find the smith who "remembers" it."  Or I'll make him remember it,

Jural thought darkly to himself.

 

A servant came in giving something extra for Kivyl to drink.  Jural noted the fact that his master had difficulty sleeping but again stayed silent and did his best to keep his face expressionless.

 

"Nightmares about Joruil. In my dreams he tells me that as punishment for waiting so long to put him to rest I will come join him soon. Keeps me up sometimes."

 

This truly was an unusual noble, to show his own apparent vulnerability so casually.  Could it really be that Kivyl trusted Jural?  Or was he simply too tired to care?  Either way, some form of encouragement could not go amiss.

 

"I'm sure we'll find your man and his sword; it's only a matter of time.  And then you'll be able to rest easier once everything is settled."

 

Jural looked at the window, seeing a sliver of moonlight from outside.

 

"Well, the night is young for me, and I still have one more person to see.  I trust they will be a pleasurable experience, even if no useful information comes from her."  Jural grinned.  He would see the tavern maid again tonight after she was off work, since she told him she had remembered something and wanted to see him.

 

"Sleep easy, Master Pelory.  You have nothing to worry about; I am on the case and I think I'm very close to finding the leads we need.  I will take my leave with your permission."  After receiving it, Jural bowed and left the house.

 

------------

 

The next morning, Jural led a tired and sore tavern wench back to her work place.  He kissed her and wished her a good day, but promised nothing.  She was but a tool to please him, and she had certainly done well last night.  He finally had a name.  The young man was a mere apprentice smith two years ago; now, he was an associate smith serving under the great swordsmith that Kivyl Pelory had in his employ.  Right under our noses! What irony! Jural thought. 

 

The thief catcher was exhausted from not sleeping much the past few days, but did his best to shrug it off.  He went first back to his small flat to change into some better looking clothes, and then went straight to the Onyx anvil with all speed.

 

Jural entered, and pretended to admire some of the swords on the wall.  Well, if he had much skill with a blade, he probably would admire them, but he was content with his staff and his dagger, and occasionally a sturdy sword breaker.  An attendent greeted him, all smiles but obviously suspicious. "What can I do for you today, my good man?" he asked.

 

"I wish for a sword," Jural replied, "and I hear this is the best place to go."

The attendent's smile did not crease, but his eyes narrowed slightly.  Not everyone in Tear could simply walk up and ask for a sword, however well dressed.

 

"Might I know the name of your patron or employer?"  Of course the man would want to know his credentials.

 

Jural grinned.  Was this really that easy?  He played up his employment status, knowing that getting into the smith as a potential customer would be the best way to find the information he wanted.

 

"My patron and friend is Lord Kivyl Pelory, and I'm here on his business today.  I believe he is your master's patron is he not?  Do you need that in writing?" he pressed.

 

The man looked surprised.  "Why did you not say so in the first place? Come! Any friend of our Lord Pelory is a friend of Master Onyx!"

 

The attendant led Jural into the next room, a large hallway where more swords and other weapons and armor lined the walls, equally impressive, though many of these did not appear finished yet.  Jural could see a young man, massively muscled as most smiths were, dipping what looked like a sword blade into a quenching trough.  An older man was working the anvil, tapping his hammer precisely onto a bar of steel.  Other smiths or apprentices with aprons on (Jural could not tell the difference) worked at the forge or other anvils.  The whole atmosphere was one of intense heat and loud metallic noise.

 

Master smith Onyx turned out to be the first man at the anvil, and he quietly halted his work to inquire as to Jural's request.

 

"Lord Pelory would like a sword made." Jural continued with all the details he had been given about the sword, including the rarity of the particular Andoran steel used.  Master Onyx burrowed his dark, thick eyebrows, concentrating.

 

"That blade sounds rather familiar.  If I remember correctly, that seems the exact request of a sword Lord Pelory commissioned from me well over two years ago...I'm afraid making an exact replica would be quite difficult, if not impossible.  The slightest difference in the heat tempering, or the slightest variation or flaw in the ore pellets...I cannot guarantee that it can be done...It would most certainly take months, if not a year, to do correctly..."

 

"I'm afraid my Lord Pelory insists.  If the original cannot be found, which I have been hard at work looking for, a replica must be made.  But if you say it cannot be done...I will unfortunately have to tell Lord Pelory of your incompetence."

Master Onyx sputtered, rage building in his eyes.  Careful, Careful! I need to do this just right or I'll be smashed into pulp!

 

"Why, One of your more optimistic junior smiths might be able to help me more than such a defeatist attitude."

 

Jural then turned slightly, noticing that one of the younger smiths, the one that had been quenching blades, had been listening rather intently, and had something else in his eyes other than anger at insulting his master.

 

"How about you? What's your name, smith?"

 

The young man answered gruffly.  "Tis Gior."

 

Struck gold! Jural thought triumphantly.

 

"And can my lord's request be so rudely denied?"

 

Gior turned to Master Onyx, an apologetic look on his face.

 

"I do not have the skill my Master has, but certainly I would try my best to make a sword worthy of Lord Pelory's request."

 

Jural smiled back at Onyx.  "That's the attitude I want!  However, I must first apologize to you, good Master smith.  It was wrong of me to question your skills and your dutiful service to Lord Pelory.  I merely had to test you.  The replica may not be necessary; I believe I have already found the original, but I have not confirmed its authenticity with my Master yet.  I was hoping you could help me with that."

 

The master, recovering, butted in predictably.

"Even my apprentices could tell you my work from the shiny, fragile garbage that foolish High Lords wear at their sides."

 

Jural smiled.  "I believe they could.  In fact, I must apologize again for wasting your time.  I believe Gior will be quite sufficient for confirming the blade's authenticity.  Might I borrow him from you?"

 

"Go right ahead." Master Onyx said, eager to get the irritating representative out of his sight.

 

Once they left the smith, Jural maneuvered Gior to an appropriate location.

 

"This...this is where I used to work as an apprentice." Gior said.  Jural already knew that, but feined surprise.

 

"Really? What a coincidence.  Here is where I found the sword."

 

"You..you did?" asked Gior nervously, skeptically.  Jural stopped them in a secluded alley, half way to the back door of the smithy.  Now it was time.

 

"No.  The sword was stolen.  And you know exactly who did it.  Two years ago.  At Night.  He killed a man, and stole his sword off of his corpse.  And then he ran straight to you, and you helped him get away and escape the law."

 

Jural was not doing much more than guessing at the moment, simply trying to provoke a guilty response.  And what a response!

 

"You...You know about Vizrid?!"  The young man turned back, ready to bolt.  Jural whipped his thin staff up threateningly.  He would not let Gior get away without a fight.

 

"Stop right there!  You run and I will summon the Defenders to hunt you down!  That's if you get past me, and you won't do that without taking quite a beating.  You're not in trouble yet, but depending on what you tell me, you could lose everything.  Your job, your home, even your life.  Unless you tell me the truth."

 

Panicked, Gior backed down from the threat of violence, well built though he was.

 

"Alright...what...what do you want to know?"

 

"Lord Pelory, your patron and employer, had a friend who died two years ago.  I believe that your Vizrid killed him.  First, tell me who is Vizrid, and then tell me how this happened.  Finally, I must know where Vizrid is."

 

It was slow at first, the young smith reluctant to betray his friend, even after all these years.  But Jural would not let down with his threats, and Gior eventually gave in and told him how Vizrid had come to him for help.  What Jural learned was quite interesting.  After depositing a sobbing, defeated Gior back to the smith, Jural told Master Onyx that the sword was a fake, and apologized for wasting his time.  In the meantime, Jural advised that they keep an eye on Gior.

 

The next morning, Jural had slept on it and had finished collecting the information he needed for a breakthrough report.  Jural arrived at Lord Pelory's house just in time for lunch.  After being allowed in, he flashed a triumphant smile.

 

"His name is Vizrid Belar.  He killed Joruil and stole the sword."

 

Jural related Gior's version of the story.  Gior claimed that Vizrid did not murder Joruil, he had killed him out of self defense, or so Vizrid had claimed to him.  But Jural was disdainfully and openly skeptical of this version.  Gior wanted to defend his own actions by believing Vizrid to be innocent of murder, and such a claim would certainly lesson a charge of accomplice to such a horrible crime.  While Gior claimed he did not know exactly where this villainous Vizrid had gone, he did know that Vizrid most likely still had the sword with him when he left. 

 

"Vizrid is most likely no longer in Tear," Jural continued, "but he does have family here, city grain merchants.  I believe they're called Belar and Belar.  A father named Dav, and an older brother named Jorr.  I have not seen them yet.  I wished to tell you of our suspect first.  Perhaps it would please you to visit his surviving family yourself, Master Pelory? I'm sure a Lord's presence would be more persuasive than a nosy Thief Catcher. Or perhaps visit Gior and interrogate him yourself?  He works for your own swordsmith, master Onyx.  Right under our noses the whole time!"

 

Jural trailed off.  Kivyl Pelory, while looking painfully attentive to what he was saying, did not seem as pleased as Jural thought he would be.

 

 

 

It had started a good day. Kivyl had had the granaries checked and saw that he had more than he needed and was doing the numbers to ration out what he didnt need to the people on his land for the winter. Joruil's sister had sent him an invitation to her wedding and he had paid out the gold to give her and her husband a great start on the new life. She would be thrilled with such a surprise.

 

Jural's visit was rather unexpected and his good mood quickly vanished. He should have been elated, relieved, something. Instead he found himself enraged. His own servants were hiding his brothers killer from him. Calmly he set down the quill which had been bent to useless in his hand as he heard Jural's report. Without a word he walked towards the double doors where he always had Nita waiting outside.

 

"Nita... please request Captain Carrigan to pay me a visit today before sun down." Nita nodded and left. Hands on his hips Kivyl walked across the room trying to breathe. It wasnt going to work. Losing control he drew his belt dagger and tossed it across the room burying it in the wall to the hilt. "The Light forsaken fool!" He shouted towards Jural though he wasnt talking about Jural. He strode towards his dagger and wrenched it out and held it up to emphasize his next words "I should have his lying tongue cut out! He took my coin and was hiding Joruil's killer this whole time?! His family has been here and not said a word?! Where is the sense of justice in these bloody people?!" He tossed his dagger to the chair not caring that it caused a slight rip.

 

Hands on his hips he regained some control. He was still loud and intense but the control was there. "Belar and Belar you say? I will bury them. I will take every coin from every Belar in Tear! I will force Vizrid to justice or have his family marched through the streets and whipped every day and one beheaded once a month! I will have their heads put on poles in the town center as a warning to anyone else who wants to hide a murderer!"

 

Feeling suddenly hot he almost ripped his jacket off. "I will have them watched and every business that gives them food or aid shall know poverty! Let them sell their women as whores and then, maybe then, will I stay my hand!"

 

He meant every word and was more than capable of going through with it. He wasnt sure if he wanted to go to Vizrid or have Vizrid lured back here yet though.

Kivyl Pelory's outburst of wrath was terrifying to behold.  Jural did not want to be anywhere in the room, but he did not dare rush to leave.  Quick motions tended to draw the attention, and he did not want to paint himself as a target, however unlikely.  He waited, saying nothing until Pelory had calmed down a little.  Though what he threatened to do seemed a little brutal even to Jural's standards.

 

Nobles! he thought bitterly to himself. For a moment he was almost inclined to believe the more sympathetic version of Vizrid killing Joruil out of fear.  They always think they are right, and that justice and wrath are theirs to rain upon us 'lesser' beings.  Still, Lord Pelory was his employer, and he did not dare voice his opinion out loud, since he depended on lords and ladies such as he to get by.

 

What he could do, though, was attempt to keep a cool-headed, professional attitude to this 'justice' business.

 

'My lord, if I may interject."

 

Pelory's stance seemed to relax a little, and he nodded.  Jural continued carefully.

"We still have information we don't know for certain.  We suspect Vizrid might have fled to Tar Valon but we do not know his fate, or even if he went there, for certain.  The riverboat captain is not due back to Tear for another two weeks at the least, and we need to talk to him first before having a solid lead to that location.  We don't know if Vizrid is still in Tar Valon, either.  A lot can happen in two years, and if I was a man with any sense in Vizrid's position, changing my name and appearance would be the least insurance against people following me.  If he changed his identity, we may be able to milk the family and that boat captain for what they're worth to know as much as we can about him.  And it is my humble opinion that we cannot do that by rushing in with death threats." Jural paused slightly for effect.

 

"If I may be so bold, I suggest another strategy.  By all means, ruin his family and use them to bait Vizrid if we can find him, but I advise you to do it slowly and discreetly.  Offer to help them even though that is not your intention; put them into a position to come begging to you, and they might tell you what we need to know before you harm a hair.  And once they tell us what they know, I think they should be kept alive.  They're no use to drawing Vizrid out of hiding if they're already dead.  In the meantime, thoroughness would be best on my part.  I need to follow up all my other potential leads, to be sure we are not missing any crucial piece of information.  Who knows, I might even find the pendent you seek in two weeks' time if I'm lucky.  We need to be thorough so that this Vizrid does not slip through your nets.  Am I being reasonable, Lord Pelory?"

Kivyl Pelory's outburst of wrath was terrifying to behold.  Jural did not want to be anywhere in the room, but he did not dare rush to leave.  Quick motions tended to draw the attention, and he did not want to paint himself as a target, however unlikely.  He waited, saying nothing until Pelory had calmed down a little.  Though what he threatened to do seemed a little brutal even to Jural's standards.

 

Nobles! he thought bitterly to himself. For a moment he was almost inclined to believe the more sympathetic version of Vizrid killing Joruil out of fear.  They always think they are right, and that justice and wrath are theirs to rain upon us 'lesser' beings.  Still, Lord Pelory was his employer, and he did not dare voice his opinion out loud, since he depended on lords and ladies such as he to get by.

 

What he could do, though, was attempt to keep a cool-headed, professional attitude to this 'justice' business.

 

'My lord, if I may interject."

 

Pelory's stance seemed to relax a little, and he nodded.  Jural continued carefully.

"We still have information we don't know for certain.  We suspect Vizrid might have fled to Tar Valon but we do not know his fate, or even if he went there, for certain.  The riverboat captain is not due back to Tear for another two weeks at the least, and we need to talk to him first before having a solid lead to that location.  We don't know if Vizrid is still in Tar Valon, either.  A lot can happen in two years, and if I was a man with any sense in Vizrid's position, changing my name and appearance would be the least insurance against people following me.  If he changed his identity, we may be able to milk the family and that boat captain for what they're worth to know as much as we can about him.  And it is my humble opinion that we cannot do that by rushing in with death threats." Jural paused slightly for effect.

 

"If I may be so bold, I suggest another strategy.  By all means, ruin his family and use them to bait Vizrid if we can find him, but I advise you to do it slowly and discreetly.  Offer to help them even though that is not your intention; put them into a position to come begging to you, and they might tell you what we need to know before you harm a hair.  And once they tell us what they know, I think they should be kept alive.  They're no use to drawing Vizrid out of hiding if they're already dead.  In the meantime, thoroughness would be best on my part.  I need to follow up all my other potential leads, to be sure we are not missing any crucial piece of information.  Who knows, I might even find the pendent you seek in two weeks' time if I'm lucky.  We need to be thorough so that this Vizrid does not slip through your nets.  Am I being reasonable, Lord Pelory?"

Kivyl calmed. The man had sense yes but surely he knew Kivyl would have come to his own senses. He nodded at the suggestions more eager to just get Jural to shut up long enough for him to formulate his plans more than anything.

 

"Do what you must. I will make the preparations. Once we know for sure... then I will make his family come to me."

 

He sat in his chair not caring much anymore about the tasks he had planned to finish today. He didnt even hear Jural leave.

"Do what you must. I will make the preparations. Once we know for sure... then I will make his family come to me."

 

Thankful that his employer had finally calmed down, Jural left at what he took for dismissal, sure to be quick and quiet to leave the house.  Once outside he breathed easily once again in the humid air.

 

He needed a little relief from this case.  A short break might be enough to clear his mind and be able to think.  All the clues that came so far seemed to be coming together well.  Kivyl would ensnare the killer's family and make them confess.  Gior they already had, do do whatever they wanted with.  That left the captain for final confirmation. It all seemed a matter of time before they would find this Vizrid and bring him to justice.  Though it seemed that Kivyl's justice would be harsh.  The nobles were always harsh, imposing their iron fist on people they did not choose to understand.

 

Jural frowned and shook his head.  It would not do trying to second guess himself now.  Vizrid had killed someone important, whether he murdered him or defended himself was not Jural's concern.  All that mattered was this pay check.  Then, in time, things would be better for him, and he could make a difference in this world.  Or so he hoped.

 

A place to relax.  Right.  Jural decided to take a walk through the streets.  He did not put a destination in his mind.  He simply wandered, turning down this alley or back onto that avenue, occasionally leaning on his bamboo staff to take in the sights that he thought he had seen a thousand times before.  After about an hour, he found himself back in the Maule, where he had been born.  Slowly ambling, he did not even flinch and turn indoors when the afternoon rains came pouring down and turned the Maule into a mudpit.  The droplets were almost warm, and he felt like he didn't have a care in the world.  They lasted for half an hour, and then they died down, the sun coming back out. The children came back out with it, oblivious to the stains the mud would make on their poorly made clothing.

 

Children.  Unaware of the cruel system that controlled their lives.  Not caring about the meager past or the terrifying future, but just finding something fun out of something as mundane as mud.  Jural didn't know whether to shout at them or laugh at them.  Children.

 

A scrawny boy in rags ran past him, a huge grin on his face, as a taller girl chased, pretending to be upset at something.  Jural blinked, and turned.  Something about the boy had caught his eye.  He strode towards the pair, cautiously at first, then gaining speed.  The girl caught the boy, and they both tumbled down, laughing.  When they came up, Jural saw it.  The boy had a gray pendent around his neck with something scrawled on it.

 

They had noticed Jural by now, and stood together facing him, hand in hand, the boy slightly in front of the girl.  They felt threatened by him, Jural realized.  He smiled, trying to put them at ease.

 

"That's a nice pendent you have there.  I know a man who would pay a lot for that.  What does it say?"

 

"This?" the boy held up the pendent, both proud of it and afraid that Jural might try to take it.  "It old tongue.  My da' say it means luck!  I'm lucky!" he said, giving his girl friend the most sincere smile Jural had ever seen.

 

Jural smiled.  He must have the Dark One's own luck for finding this.

"And how much might you sell it for?" he asked.

 

"Nuh uh." the boy shook his head and tucked the pendent back into his wet, muddy shirt.  "Not for all the treasure in the Stone!"

 

Jural's smile faltered, but it returned, a small grin.

"Well then, I hope your luck holds." he said, waving them back to their play.  It seemed the pendent was doing someone some good at least.  Jural didn't think it would help Kivyl any.  He chuckled as he went back up to his usual tavern, wringing his sleeves as best he could.  Not for all the treasure in the stone.  Children. 

 

--------------------------------

Two and a half arduous weeks passed by.  Jural was sick and tired of questioning people and walking all over the bloody city thousands of times.  The other leads did not end up giving him much information.  He had learned, however, that a Vizrid Belar once served the channel dredges for almost three years.  For thievery.  It seemed their killer was not new to crime after all.

 

He passed the office for Belar and Belar.  The sign was being taken down.  It seemed that Kivyl's strategy was working perfectly.  It wouldn't be long till they were begging at the lord's feet.

 

But first, the captain.  A Captain Atkameyer of the Sturgeon had just docked.  Jural was there only an hour after.  After asking around for the captain, he finally gained an audience.  At first, the man did not give any useful information pertaining to Vizrid, despite being offered quite a hefty sum for such information.  There had never been a Vizrid Belar on his ship, he claimed, and there was nothing in his posture that might indicate he was lying.  Jural then asked him for his logbooks.  The captain immediately tensed, and declined gruffly, saying that Jural would have to go through the dockmaster.

 

Since the dockmaster was already Kivyl's to use, it did not take much more silver to bribe the dockmaster to come down.  Jural smiled triumphantly when he finally held the logbooks, taken forcibly from the Captain's cabin.

 

He found the one he was looking for, and leafed through it slowly.  Passengers...No results with the dates he was looking for.  That meant that Vizrid had either been a stowaway or...

Jural's eyes glanced over a name, and immediately turned back to it.  A Visar Falmaien had been a temporary crew member for only a few weeks, and then had transferred at Tar Valon.  Visar...Vizrid?  Jural irreverently dog eared that page, and took the logbook back to the Captain.

 

Since the man had been defensive before, Jural thought that the captain should know the position he was in.  Either he would reveal something, or his business in Tear would be shut down for charges of harboring a murderer.  He had the dockmaster and a minor lord backing him.

 

It did not take long to get the Captain to confess.  A Visar Falmaien was indeed Vizrid Belar, and the Captain added that the young man had a sword with him matching Kivyl's descriptions exactly, wrapped in a cloak.  And the icing on the tart followed: this 'Visar' had not transferred to another ship, but had been dropped off in Tar Valon, and was seen going straight into the city.  Jural had all he needed to know to report back to Kivyl.  He had two dock guardsmen take the Captain with them.  No doubt Kivyl would want to speak with him personally.

 

-----------------------------

 

When he was finally allowed near the door of Pelory's study, Jural could distinctly hear a young man shouting desperately in protest.  Outside the room, a woman glanced up to see Jural with the Captain in tow, and then buried her face back in her hands, sobbing hysterically.  She was pregnant.  Jural informed the guard that he had arrived with important news and a prisoner, and that Kivyl could see him at his leisure.  It seemed he had already started on the Belars.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It had been costly lately to do a take over and taking this small grain business would not pay for itself for a generation after Kivyl did the numbers. He came down like a hammer on the customers of the Belars and undersold them. He used the grain he had once planned to just give out to his people. They would have one rough winter. Oh well, he would make it up to them next year.

 

He was content to let the younger of the Belars scream and beg at him. The older man saved a bit more face and stood there silently. Its not every day you hear that your son is a murderer. Every time the younger begged though Kivyl could not help but wonder of Joruil begged for his life as Visar stabbed him over and over again.

 

"I would love to help. I hear its going to be a cold winter. The fact is that all of Tear knows that the Belar's hid the murderer of a Defender of the Stone. I just need to know where he is and we can clear up this entire mess."

Time passed slowly as Jural waited for the audience to end.  The woman sobbed hysterically for most of the time, especially at hearing one man's shouts inside.  Probably Jorr, and she was probably his wife, Jural suspected.  After a while she seemed to finally run out of tears and calmed down.  The guards were visibly relieved, and Jural could not blame them.  Kivyl seems to be taking his time enjoying this...

 

Finally, after what seemed like hours, the door opened, and two men, father and son, were led out.  The son's shoulders were slumped, and he looked up only once to notice the boatman.

 

"Captain Atkameyer?!  Blood and bloody Ashes, they've arrested you too?  We are doomed!  All because we did not know what Viz had done!" he began to shout.

 

"Quiet, son." his father said sharply and wearily.  Unlike Jorr, his back was straight and his chin was lifted proudly.  Jural thought he could see a defiant fire in his eyes.  He whispered something to his son, and the younger man went to his wife, sitting next to her and holding her.  The guard near her started slightly, as if to separate them, but held back.  He would do a cruel thing only if his master ordered him to directly.

 

"Master Pelory is ready to see you now, Thief Catcher." the other guard at the door said.

 

Jural took two deep breaths, and walked in the room, the captive captain right behind him.

 

"Tar Valon." Jural said, confirming the question of where.  "Vizrid was dropped off there, and was seen entering the city, heading straight for its center."

 

Jural paused and shuddered, wondering who in their right mind would go straight there.

 

"He changed his name on the journey, as I suspected he might.  Captain Atkameyer here will attest to that if you so wish to interrogate him yourself.  Vizrid goes by the lofty name of Visar Falmaien now."

 

There, his report essentially done, Jural waited for his client to pass judgement on his findings.  He wasn't sure he wanted to know what would happen to the captain, or to Vizrid's family.  They had not committed murder themselves, but they had knowingly or unknowingly aided in letting the killer escape, and Jural didn't think that Kivyl would let them off lightly for that.

Kivyl was easier on the Captain who was fully cooperative at he was told what was at stake... his own freedom and his ship... There wasnt much to tell and it only served as a confirmation. Kivyl spent the next few days having his scribes pen out letters to the Tower, the city watches, The Tower Guard, even local taverns. It was important for him to get Visar's new name out in Tar Valon and connect it with that of a killer. It would better serve to keep eyes on Visar. He didnt want to go through the Tower, no sane man of Tear would. So he increased the existing bounty for Joruil's killer and put a name and location to it, one heavy increase by his estimations. One Thousand Gold Marks, payable on delivery of Visar alive. Five hundred dead. If he was still in Tar Valon, he was not going to be very happy.

 

Now it was all a matter of waiting on a reply from the Tower.