Myths of Power

With some effort, Catherine walks with Richard to the Southern Gate.

"I'm having some trouble with this, father." The word came out cold, unfeeling and forced.

"Good, Catherine, it will make it all the more believable. And, perhaps you should just call me William. 'Father' just doesn't work for you." Richard slows his shambling down so Catherine can catch up.

Two guards, who were quietly passing the time, stood and lowered their weapons to point at them.

"HOLD THERE! Who are you and why are you here?"

Richard holds his hands outward in a surrendering gesture. "I am ...William...This is my.... daughter...Catherine." Richard's speech is laboured and throaty. He pulls Catherine lightly forward. She lowers her head in embarrassment. "Greetings kind sirs."

"What do an old leper and lame girl want in the great city?" Most of the city guard were known to call Haladan 'The Great City'. This gives Richard some confidence as the formal military who normally guard the gates would be more exacting in their questioning and searches.

Richard shambles forward but the guard steps forward himself, his weapon becomes even closer to Richards head. "Just stay there and answer the question, peasant!"

Richard places his palms together in prayer. "Yes, yes. I am sorry." He takes a step back. "We are here... for the services.... of the physician. Does he.... still reside in... mighty Haladan?"

The man raises his weapon. "Of course fool. Were else would he be allowed to ply his 'trade'?"

Richard raises an eyebrow under his bandages and thinks to himself. 'Hmmm. This boy knows something about the monk. This may be advantageous for us.'

"Of course, of course. This... cursed malady often plays tricks.... with my senses. It is ...only... due to my daughter here ....that I don't wonder aimlessly to my ....death."

The second guard mumbles to himself. "death would be better than being cursed you vermin."

The first fires a look back at him that causes him to go back into the guardhouse. Seconds later he comes back with a scroll.

"Can either of you make your mark?"

Richard laughs and pushes Catherine forward. "My... hands are not what they used.... to be, but Catherine.... here can."

"Come this way then..." The guard ushers them toward the gate and a small table. He brushes some wastes of lunch off the table and hands a mug to his companion. He unrolls the scroll which has some almost illegible writing on it. He then supplies a pen and inkwell to Catherine and points at the bottom of the scroll.

"Sign here girl, both of your names."

Catherine leans over the scroll, writes her name and then begins to write 'Richard'. Richard notices and grabs her hand. "No no you ...stupid girl... MY name... your brother ...couldn't make the trip...remember?!"

Catherine starts to panic, but manages to continue. "Oh...yes...sorry father..." Richard looks at the guard and begins to worry. 'damn it, this isn't going well...'

"...I do miss him so, father. Do you think he will be fine without us?" Catherine leans over again and writes 'William of Balantine'

"Yes, daughter, he will be.... fine." 'just finish up will you girl!'

The guard takes the paper and hands it to a small boy in the guardhouse. "Do your job...quickly now!" and in short order the boy comes back with two bracelets.

"Hold out your left hands." They do as ordered and he tightens the bracelets around their wrists.
"These will tell any guard in the city when you came in, and from where. You will stay in the South Quarter at ALL times. You will present these to any city or military guard when asked without delay. By the Regents order, you may stay in the city of Haladan for no more than one week. Failure to follow ANY of these rules WILL result in your death."

Richard looks at the bracelets. 'this may change things a bit...' He looks up at the guard. "Go on your way...Long Live The Regent!"

The second Guard repeats the call. "LONG LIVE THE REGENT!!"

Richard looks at Catherine who gives a half-hearted "long live the regent."

They both turn and walk into the Southern Quarter. A squalid section of the city, were most of the areas poor and unwanted end up. The streets are littered with filth and dog muck.

"What do we do now Rich... umm William?"

"I think we need to find a place to sleep and eat, don't you?" She smiles at him and nods "Nice recovery back there with your 'brother'"

Catherine looks around, fearful of everything "Thanks...it just popped into my head and I decided to use it."

Richard stops for a second and lets Catherine move ahead. 'really?...I must remember that...'
"Come on, 'daughter'.. I see a perfect place just up ahead." He points down the street to a run down inn at the end of a row, 'The Sickle & Scythe'