142 Lockdown (1/2)

Vernice finished making the letter by sealing the wax with the seal of Leo's Tear. The letter was addressed to Timothy and the wax used was red.

And then the door creaked open. Vernice first reaction was that of annoyance. It seemed one of his squires entered his room without knocking. But then he realized that none of his squires were like that. Even the talkative one was tamed enough to respect him with a knock. His nerves were shaken by the remaining possibility. And that grim possibility was confirmed by the voice that followed.

”Writing a letter?” the old man asked in a surprised tone ”May I ask to whom are you sending that one?”

Cold sweat trickled from Vernice's forehead. He swallowed and tightened his throat a bit.

”A merchant friend in Ront. I was just asking for prices of grain. You know, trade stuff. A man got to make his living right?”

Vernice let out a small chuckle and hoped the old man would buy his story.

The old man stepped forward, slowly and with a smile. Every step tugged Vernice's heart. Every moment was excruciating. When the old man was just a few steps away from Vernice, he opened his palm.

”May I see?”

Vernice took the sealed letter and gave it to the old man. His palms were sweaty enough that the letter almost fell from his hand.

”What a unique seal. A lion inside a teardrop. I thought the seal of your family is shaped like unharvested wheat?”

”My friend and I have this secret seal” Vernice again let out a brief chuckle ”Childish right?”

The old man stared at him while smiling. The stare lasted for what seemed like eons to Vernice. That smile soon vanished.

”Remember what I told you earlier about what will happen to you if you betray us?”

Vernice nodded.

The old man lowered his head a bit. Vernice saw the moment the old man's lips crurved into a smile.

”And did you betray us?”

”I didn't. No. I am on your side remember? Why do you doubt my loyalty?” Vernice hurriedly said.

”Only fools would trust a man they've known for but a day. I do not want to doubt your loyalty Earl vernice. But I do think you betrayed us. Why else would you write a red-sealed letter to a merchant friend? If your intention is just to ask for grain prices then you should have used a brown wax. Well I may be wrong and a sure do hope so. Because if I'm right...” he looked at Vernice- expressionless as if looking at an insect.

”You will burn”

The old man proceeded to open the letter and started to read. Vernice knew it was over. He clasped the top of his cane, ready to draw the hidden blade.

The old man's eyes widened. It was followed by a grin.

”You did betray us” his cold voice sounded.

Flame then burned from the old man's hand. It was burning. The old man's hand was burning.

Vernice stepped back. The once dimly lit room was illuminated like day. It was hot. The cold sweat turned into perspiration.

And then the old man suddenly turned around. Another man, moving like a shadow in the darkness tried to stab him from behind with a shortsword. It wasn't successful. The old man sidestepped, dodging the stab. He tried to catch the shadowy figure with his burning hands but the shadow was also fast.

But after a few more attempts the old man cornered the shadow. The flame burned hot. The shadow took the form of a man with a hat and black coat. He was leaning back against the corner of the room.

The shadowy figure started to scream in agony. He was not being burned but the heat must have been painful. He was protecting his face with his arms.

Vernice uncapped the top of his cane. He held the blade firm. His rushed towards the back of the old man, almost falling several times.

The old man of course noticed his heavy approach. He looked behind and tried to dodge. But he was facing two enemies now. The shadowy figure, despite still being in pain, again stabbed his sword. The old man was again able to dodge. But it was Vernice's strike that connected. He was able to draw blood from the old man's shoulder.

The old man grimaced in pain. He stepped back and studied his two opponents. The three of them came into a stanstill.

”The two of you will soon burn!” the old man dropped a threat. ”The cull will soon come. You made the wrong choice oh dear Earl. You should have given your loyalty to us rather than your King. That King of yours will be destroyed by us anyway. But first this city will burn. I will show you how we deal with traitors!”