4.4 KiB
| title | availability | access |
|---|---|---|
| The Final Bill | private | private |
In rural civilization, justice is a more fluid concept that frequently becomes personal. --- An Exhaustive Review of Justice Systems in the Known World
Karin groaned and leaned against the rough stone bricks. The cold seeped into the bruises along the side of her face, giving her some relief from the morning's beating. As the stone warmed up, she rolled to a cooler section until the throbbing subsided.
With a sigh of relief, she sat back into her seat. Other parts of her hurt but it was nothing compared to being kicked in the chest by that howling horse with claws or when the leeches were burrowing in her gut.
The men Tristoh had bribed to beat her weren't seriously injuring her. That meant that he probably dropped crowns to ensure the judge would convict her with something serious. She suspected she would be looking at a murder or a treason charge. Fortunately, San Graif wasn't large enough for dedicated justice so she had a few more days of beatings.
She thought about Lilian's voice and the memories that washed over her every time she sang a song. Leaning back against the wall, she smiled to herself. Her lips worked silently as she sang one of the song that Lilian had taught her to love and just let the pain ease away.
Even with her fears, Karin didn't regret a single moment. She didn't find a lover but she saved a songbird. She rubbed her split lip and just leaned back to enjoy the glow.
The door to the cells rattled loudly. She heard keys jingling on the other side.
Curious, she sat up.
The door swung open and a guard came in. It was one of the ones that Tristoh had hired to beat her. She started to steel herself for another round of abuse but then she noticed he was covered in blood with thick bandages over one eye and a makeshift sling holding his arm. "She's in here, Mother," the guard said sullenly.
Sindil followed after him, her knitting bag hoisted over her shoulder and a pair of needles in her hand. The yarn was stained and torn. The knife hung out of a scorched opening. She shuffled forward as she peered around until she spotted Karin and then came over.
Behind both of them, Roal came in with a grin on his face and his hands in his pockets. He had blood splattered across his chest. Karin noticed that he was carrying his ax in his hand and it looked recently used.
Karin stood up, winching a little from the discomfort.
Sindil peered at Karin for a moment. Then she turned to the guard. "Well, what are you waiting for? Let her out now."
The guard looked nervously at Karin as he unlocked the door.
Karin stared directly at him. She didn't think telling Sindil that he had been beating Karin for days would help anyone at the moment. Maybe later.
Roal came up to pull it open and handed Karin her sword. "Tristoh left the city a surprise gift when he stormed away. A herd of bulls with thick armored plates and able to set fires with their feet. I need my sharpener. You up to it?"
Karin took a deep breath and took the weapon. Her thoughts slid away from Lilian with a rush as she started preparing for a fight. Energy danced along the blade as she sharpened it with a thought.
He gestured toward the door before heading toward it. "Come on, Rat Hunter. We have people to save."
Karin gave the guard a long hard look before she followed after.
The old woman caught her arm to walk with her. She was spry for her age but Karin suspected that she had fought off one of the creatures with knitting needles.
Karin smiled at the image and rested her palm over the old woman's. "Thank you."
"I'm sorry it took so long to get you free. Jon was being stubborn and the sheriff is still pissed at me for refusing to serve his wife when she was the tax collector. A lot of bad blood for this old lady. At least her granddaughter is safe."
"She was worth it."
"She is," said the old woman. "Though, things were better when I was running the bakery. Twenty years ago, we didn't have my granddaughter's lovely voice but peach pies was always on the menu."
Karin made it two steps before the words registered. She inhaled sharply and looked over.
The old woman grinned and squeezed Karin's arm. "Maybe after you save our city, I could make you one? The recipe is on the old side, but I'd bet you'd like a slice."
Karin stared in shock.
The old woman hefted her bloody knitting needles, gave a wink, and headed after Roal.