>>5197638The both of you quickly gather the surgeons and return to the cells. They set about Vera's wounds as Alys gathers what she needs from her satchel for the matter you had discussed earlier. It's at this moment that the door to the cells bursts open, and two of the remaining Imperial Guard enter carrying a limp form between them, led by an officer you recognize as Captain Osric. Odd, you were sure all the assassins were here or dead on the floor from the battle. Then you see his face. At first you think him beaten, but it becomes clear he's just unbelievably drunk. You stop Osric, leading the two carrying him to the cells. "Why are you arresting Sir Elpest? Did he have something to do with this? I find the suggestion offensive." The Captain cringes as you get in his face. "It's yet to be cleared up, Lord, but we found him in the hay with the stablemaster's daughter. Again" One of the men carrying the wayward knight sniggers for a moment before a look of pure malice from Osric silences his amusement. "My lord, I figure it just a youthful indiscretion, but the Emperor was wroth. He nearly had us kill him on the spot before Sir Graven advised otherwise." Good man, Graven. You'll have to thank him, and maybe intercede for the young man yourself. He's too valorous a knight to waste such, and you have a feeling Althimura will need every one of those it has and soon. Your mouth closes into a tight frown. "Very well, Captain, I understand. He's probably safer here for now anyway. I'll give him a talk on overconsumption when he's lucid again." Osric is visibly relieved. "Aye, my Lord. I'll tell the gaolers not to molest him." He and his men proceed to deposit Elpest in the furthest cell from the other prisoners, the drunk man's groggy eyes loosely focusing on you as they carry him, though no words come before he is allowed to collapse on the straw cot of his new quarters. With a bow, Osric and his fellows leave, and you return to the night's duty. The surgeons have cleansed the wounds and replaced the bandages, and Alys is looking worriedly towards you, her hands wringing. She approaches. "Will, you were right, what you said earlier. To think, I was more than willing..." Her eyes dart to her tools still arrayed on the nearby stool in the dank cell before she shakes her head free of the dark thoughts. "You have to take this to brother, for the reasons you claimed of course, but I am a trained midwife as well. I could not be party such barbarity." A grave nod is let out. "I gave the girl my word she would not be harmed until justice comes. I keep my word. I hope you know that." She doesn't smile, meeting the gravitas of your demeanor instead for once. "Yes, Lord Campbell, that I do."
