Atlantic Roleplay Community Boards

[Thrax]

---

His hands in manacles with his back to the cold, damp, stone wall, seated in a pile of unrecognizable filth on the floor of the torchlit dungeon, Eric of Papua considered his chances of escape worse than remote. One glance into the far corner at the dead eyes of the twin death adders was enough for him to stifle any real hope. If that were not enough, the solitary door, made entirely of admantite, magically sealed, barred any progress even if he could have freed himself of the chains and, by some miracle, slain both reptile guardians. Dismissing such futilities, he pondered the events that led him into this hopeless circumstance.

He had thought his plan of disappearing into the background had worked. For months he had lived below a tavern in Britain, earning his living and paying for his quarters by killing rats in the sewers for the health service of that city. Oddly enough, he was enjoying it. He had even lost that feeling that he was being followed, that his steps were being dogged by some malignant person or persons unknown to him. He had even saved up a considerable amount of gold, until that fateful day when he met a pair of individuals who accosted him while at work in the sewers deep below the city.

Both appeared suddenly out of the shadows as his kryss sliced up yet another rat. "Well, well," said the most evil-looking of the two, "Eric has given up begging, has he? I suppose that's why it took so long for us to find you. We expected to see you trundling around the banks looking for a hand out," he mocked. "Instead we find you here, right on time, earning a real living. See, brother," he said, turning to his companion, "the leopard can change his spots after all."

Eric lowered the kryss to show he did not mean to defend himself. Though neither of the men held weapons, he knew such people did not need to carry them in hand to deal quick and merciless death to nearly anyone who threatened them. "Who are you?" he asked, sheathing the weapon. He knew even running was foolish at this point, and no one, nothing, except the rats would hear him cry out for help.

The sinister one shrugged. "What matter is that? Let's just say we can all be good friends if you comply with our wishes. If not, well, you might find us a bit difficult to deal with. What do you say? Come with us, young Eric, and let us introduce you to someone who can make your life better than having to wander the sewers to scrape for every coin."

Even though he was not remotely tempted by the offer, being sure it was a ruse, there was little else to do. They took him to a small fortress-like tower and without further ado or explanation, put him in chains in its dungeon where he had waited all day before someone, an orcish looking fellow who did not speak to him at all, brought him some food and water and fed him.

The door of his prison suddenly opened wide and in stepped a man wearing a blood-red robe and jet-black cape. His chiseled facial features: a short nose, sunken eyes, and a prominent jawbone rimmed with a thin, fire-red beard and mustache, gave him the appearance of someone who might be strong and hardened enough, once his mind was set, to come to his rescue. Instead, he looked upon the face of his captor.

The man stopped in front of him, placing his hands on his hips, looking down. "You have been a very naughty fellow, Eric. Do you realize what you've done... why you're here?"

Eric's mind reeled with questions but he could only react defensively. "I don't know what you're talking about! I haven't done anything! Why am I here and who are you?!"

"My name is Thrax. I am presently Archon of Papua. You are from Papua, correct?"

For some reason Eric thought a lie would not be wise. "I am. Anybody can tell that. What does it matter?"

Thrax reached into a deep pocket of his robe and procured a scroll. He unrolled it, appeared to read over it glancing occasionally at Eric. "Well, this is an affidavit that says you are the one who poisoned the drinking water of Papua recently," he replied, releasing the bottom part of the scroll he held, allowing it to roll up. "What do you say about that?" Thrax glared at him, unblinking.

Fear seized Eric. It was quite palpable. "I, I didn't *know* what would happen, I swear it! He... this man gave me something to put into the water. I did, but he wouldn't tell me what it was!"

Thrax folded his arms across his chest. "Oh, so he just *gave* you something to put into the water. You didn't ask what it was, you just did it... what, as a favor to him, or did you have greater incentive?"

Eric thought fast. "No, no... he, he threatened me! Yes! He told me to do it or else! Please, I swear I'm telling the truth!!"

Thrax waved the scroll in his face. "This speaks to the contrary! It says he saw you take money from a man to do it. Did you take gold for the job, Eric? Please be honest. I try hard to be a kind man, but liars do so bring out the very worst in me. Were you paid to do it?"

Reluctantly Eric nodded. "The gods forgive me, I did!" he said bowing his head in resignation and honest remorse. He looked up at Thrax. "I was a fool needing money. I had no idea what would happen, but yes, yes, I am guilty of the crime." Then, with a pitiable expression, he added. "What is to be my fate, lord?"

"That will depend upon you, young man," Thrax replied, turning away, looking toward the serpents. One raised its head in anticipation. It was not to be disappointed. Thrax cast a simple spell and a large piece of ham appeared before the creature, which gobbled it up before the other could wake up and join in. "All you have to do is jot down a simple confession and sign it," he said, turning back to look at Eric.

"I cannot write, sire," Eric answered.

"You lie. We found your journal. You openly confess to the crime within it. But there is no need to write a confession. I have already done it for you. All you need do is sign it," Thrax said, reaching into another pocket and revealing another scroll. He opened it and showed it to Eric, who read it aloud:

"I Eric, a citizen of Papua, do hereby confess to the crime of poisoning the drinking waters of Papua. I did this at the behest of another person, unknown to me, except that I will state without reservation that it was a dark elf, a drow. I did this for money. May the gods of Light forgive me and may the mercy of the court be upon me."

"There will be a trial then?"

Thrax nodded. "But with this confession, and the promise of my protection, I guarantee you will get a fair one, and all the mercy I can possibly procure from the judges. This I swear to you."

Eric nodded, and Thrax freed one of his hands so he could sign the document.

* * * * *

The crows flocked to the corpse swaying in the light breeze at the end of a rope dangling from the tallest palm tree in the middle of Papua. They gorged upon the decaying flesh, ignoring a parchment pinned to the body which read: "Behold the fate of all traitors and enemies of Papua, of whom I, Eric, was one."