3. Yana at the Docks

Yana at the Docks


  • It was approaching nightfall, and Yana’s shift patrolling the docks was ending. The schedule of week on nights, week on days that Captain Fortescue had assigned had allowed her become familiar with all manner of folks in this district, but it made havoc of her sleep schedule. Despite her primarily elvish heritage, the human side of her demanded sleep.

    She was headed back to the Mermaid from the northern end of the docks, when the clouds burst, drenching her in an instant with a cold rain. Squealing in surprise and anger, she ran to the nearest tavern.

    Upon opening the door, Yana was assailed with smoke and the cacophony of voices. The tavern was full this evening, and it gave Yana pause to smile. Despite the recent war that raged between Peltarch and N’Jast, the city was prospering. The docks were as busy as ever. Ships came and went, and sailors wandered the streets. However, there was more trouble recently now that martial law had ended. Many of the sailors, used to seeing soldiers on the streets, kept their behavior in check. Now the guards were spread thin, and the harsh punishments the soldiers enacted in the name of martial law would be replaced by standard city protocol.

    Yana snaked her way through the throng of people up to the bar. Yana wouldn’t drink alcohol, her vows forbid it, but the night bar tender kept a supply of cider, and he’d sell some to Yana before it all turned to applejack. Yana waved to him as she approached, and he looked up with a nod and a small smile at her arrival. When she passed one of the tables though, her left arm was grabbed roughly.

    “More meade!”, bellowed the man, a dock worker Yana guessed by his clothing. There were three others at the table. All were laughing and seemed to be having a good time.

    Yana wrinkled her nose. “I’m sorry”, Yana smiled and apologized, “But I don’t work here. I’m sure one of the serving women could help you.” Yana went to move away, but the man continued to hold her arm with his strong hands. His smile changed a bit, and his eyes swept up her frame and fixed on her hair.

    “Elvish, eh?”, his smile broadened as he yanked Yana back, forcing her on his lap, “I like Elves!”

    Yana sighed with annoyance, “Sir, if you don’t let go of me I’m going to have you arrested”

    “Guard eh? Don’t look like no guard! I let ye go when ye give me a kiss!”, he leered, and yanked her chin around.

    Yana was startled, but had had enough. She coiled her legs up, and putting her feet on the edge of the table, she pushed. The chair tipped over backward, and with a startled cry the man let go of her and hit the floor. Yana tumbled and rolled to her feet smoothly.

    Yana brushed herself off amidst the laughter of the man’s friends and the few snickers around the room. As he stood up clumsily to his feet, Yana walked past. “Now if you’ll excuse me”, she said, “I have…”

    “You wench!”, he bellowed, “Come here!”

    “Awww Brick leave her alone…”, one of his friends started to say, but was too late. Brick had already tried to grab Yana from behind. As Brick grabbed her, Yana brought her foot down hard on his instep, and whirled, her elbow hitting his mouth. Yana stepped back out of reach as the man staggered a bit from the impact.

    “Sir, you are under arrest”, Yana tried to say with authority

    Yana became conscious that the ambient noise of the tavern had died considerably, and was replaced with hushed whispers. She watched the man shake his head and hold his mouth, which dripped blood. He was slightly heavyset and about six inches taller. His hair was thick and black, and though he kept himself clean shaven it was obvious his face hadn’t seen a razor in several days. He reeked of alcohol.

    The man looked little Yana up and down, and smirked. “Arrest me bitch? I think not”, and swung the nearby chair at her. Yana leaned back, the chair whistling in front of her, and laced a high kick to his head. Brick fell backwards, unmoving.

    The tavern was silent now, and the men at the table weren’t laughing any more. One of them got up and knelt beside Brick. “Gods lady, what the fuck did you do to him? Look at his face!” The other two stood up. One was a spitting image of Brick, the other was tall and lean.

    Yana knew the eyes of the dock were on her. She desperately wanted to brush the incident off, and temper what she knew was coming, but knew also that what authority she possessed would be lost if she backed down. People had already retreated to the edge of the tavern, expecting the confrontation. With resignation, Yana walked forward and looked at the two of them.

    “Sirs, this man is under arrest. I think it’s best that you take your lea….”

    “Woman, that’s my brother lying on the floor. Nobody messes with family”

    “Balin…don’t…”, said the man kneeling next to Brick on the floor. The words were lost however, as Balin’s hand made a quick motion, and Yana spied the glint of steel.

    There were many times in Yana’s training that reaction replaced thought. Yana spun away from the anticipated blow, hitting his arm and spoiling the attack. The tall fellow tried to grab her, but as Yana spun, a kick to his stomach doubled him over. She quickly grabbed the back of his head and brought her knee up to his face, and he fell back unmoving onto the floor.

    Balin swung clumsily, but Yana paid little attention to it. She was fighting the goblins that slew the parents she never knew. She was fighting the Gnolls that butchered the innocent merchants. Her blood sang for reasons she could not fathom.

    Her hands a blur, Yana struck a series of rapid blows. A fist to the stomach, a knife-hand to the throat, followed by a round-house kick that landed with such force that it sent him six feet impacting one of the support beams. Balin slumped down, limp and still.

    Yana stood there in a martial crouch…her muscles taught, her breathing practiced and even. She knew that she had almost killed him, and had to force her body to relax. The tavern was eerily quiet.

    Eventually, two large guards in chain mail showed up, and the men escorted to the prison. Quietly, Yana made her way back to the Mermaid through the rain.

    She never did get her apple cider.


  • The room is large, and lit with a series of magical lanterns. Moonlight tiptoes through the open windows. The sounds of the gulls and Icelace are recognizable but distant.

    The man that stands before me staring blindly ahead is slightly tall, unkempt and not much to look at. His frame carries strength from years of servitude and a warrior’s training. He shifts nervously as I walk around him.

    His name is Matthew, but Salin and I just call him Mat.

    His blindness was voluntary, granted as divine penance for breaking an oath to Salin who stands beside me. Of the many things mom taught me, the value of an oath ranks highly. “A person’s word”, she told me, “Should be true and have honor”. This man broke broke an oath and asked for penance.

    I respect that.

    If I have made any recent friends it’s these two. I don’t know why or how, it just more or less happened. I tended to the wounds of both. We’ve chatted over inconsequential things, and traveled together. I find myself drawn to Salin over his handsome features and friendly smile. I know appearances are superficial, but the man is blessed with a degree of charisma. Mat just seems to tag along quietly in the background like Salin’s shadow.

    But what Mat did tugged at my sense of honor, so for the time being I’ve offered to train him twice a week, and teach him that sight can be over rated.

    My footsteps are soft on the straw floor as I walk around him. I’ve tied some of that straw to the end of a pole, so that it swishes when I move it. I teach him to pay attention, much as I taught Shallyah. I had hoped that I would see the spark of intuition in Mat that I couldn’t find in Shallyah, but the absence of it was very apparent. I could only teach him the basics. It would have to be enough.

    “Notice the pitch change as the staff moves toward you”, I say, moving the staff quickly past his ear. He flinches, but not until the staff is past. “If you’re going to react to the staff”, I tell him with a smile, “It’s better to do before it hits you, and not after”.

    I bop him lightly in the nose and he blinks reflexively. I do it again and he looks frustrated. I do it a third time and he puts his hand up in anticipation. I smile a bit, but say nothing.

    “Listen to my footsteps Mat. When I swing, there is a pause. Most people need to pause in order to shift their balance to strike with a slash. With a thrust, the lead foot may come down a little harder. Sometimes your opponent will scream. People scream a lot when they fight. They’re scared, angry or both. They will breathe heavily. Moving quickly in armor is tiring.”

    “All these things are clues”, I continued, “But you have to pay attention. You have to divorce your mind from contemplating your next move and just do it”

    I shifted my stance in exaggerated fashion, and swung at him, pulling the stick way back so he would have time to hear it. He rewarded me by stepping panic-stricken away from it, but that was good.

    “That’s great!”, I said encouragingly, laughing a bit. “Not the most graceful of moves, but at least it was in the right direction!”

    He regained his balance and rewarded me with a smile

    We continued like that for the next thirty minutes. There were a few successes alongside the many failures, but I was pleased with the results. The man was eager to learn, and that helps considerably.

    I had promised Salin that I would help him to learn to simple sword play, but time got away from me like it always does. The next class had arrived and these were guardsmen, my primary responsibility. I felt terrible, and looked over at Salin apologetically.

    “Salin? Would you mind waiting another half hour while I tend to these two? There’s bread, cheese and water in the back. If you look hard enough you might find some honeyed corn bread. I’ll get to you after these two, I promise”

    Salin just gave me back that quiet, eyes-twinkling, moustached smile he had and said, “Sure. I’m hungry anyway and I’m sure Mat is too. Take your time”

    As I watched him head to the back room a lot of thoughts went through my head. I remembered another set of friends just like these. In time they left this land, and I wondered to myself as I turned back to the guards, how long it would be before these two left as well.


  • It is early morning on the docks of Peltarch. The fishermen get ready in the predawn light, rolling their nets and winding their lines. A few gulls hover around the boats, looking for scraps. The water laps against the docks rhythmically.

    I am at the end of a pier performing the first katas of the Open Flame. The balance required for these moves is difficult, and I make a point of challenging myself with them once each week. To an outside observer, the moves appear random but fluid, hence the name.

    The katas are difficult, but have become second nature through repetition. I perform each move, focusing on the world around me. It’s this focus that I’ve found difficult to teach others. Shallyah was a great student, and her extensive combat experience has allowed her to surpass me in some ways, but even she was unable to grasp it. A part of me feels responsible for passing on these teachings. I tell myself I have time, but often time is something that gets away from me.

    So, in my time away from the duties of being a city guard, I’ve decided to focus on friendships.

    Friendships are not something I easily form, nor take lightly. To most, I must come across as distant or unobtainable. It’s the way I’ve lived my life, and it saddens me that so many years have gone by, and how few friends I have to show for it. To this end, I have been making a point of letting myself “Adventure” again.

    I ran across a gentlemen the other day by the name of Salin. He was coming out of the sewers in the docks surrounded with other hardy souls, and was injured. It’s rare that I feel drawn to someone at first glance, and his injuries bothered me. I took him to the Mermaid, and we chatted while I bound his wounds. It was an odd, intimate little moment. He sat there in front of the hearth letting me apply poultices, while I wrapped each one with a sturdy gauze. After he rested, we chatted for a while again in the common room.

    I’ve run into him again a few times on my travels. Unlike many of those I’m drawn to, he’s nice. I laugh at myself for that, for so often the men that strike my fancy are the rogues and other colorful sorts that grace the city streets. Salin is simply a reserved and charismatic gentlemen, a would-be wizard or sorcerer come to find his mark in this land.

    However, we are worlds apart. I have nothing in common with a young man of 23 summers. I’ve made no overtures and he’s expressed little interest as well. Soon time will get away from me as it always does. He will find someone more appropriate to spend his life with, and I will move on with mine. Still it’s nice to think about. Inappropriate dalliances often are.


  • The rain came down in sheets and torrents. I usually don’t mind the rain, but the skies had decided to indulge themselves and poured their contents with wild abandon over Peltarch. As further proof, a thick bolt of lightning snaked its way from the sky to a nearby hill. The thunder that followed rattled windows.

    I stood under the eaves of the Mermaid and watched it all. While I habitually scanned the shadows and watched the few that shuttled quickly between buildings in a vain attempt to stay dry, I was blissfully off duty. Perhaps even bored.

    I had asked Fortescue for time off. I had prepared for a long protracted argument from my captain, but he just looked up at me casually from his paperwork and said, “Need a month? Need two?” It took all the wind out of my sails. I didn’t say anything but, “Yeah”, and he had me fill out a log book.

    …and that was that. Now I’m standing here under the eaves of the Mermaid avoiding getting wet and contemplating my future.

    I have been attending the hearings of a would-be magistrate named Sirion. Sirion has the reputation of a Lich-kissing Necromancer, but honestly, I believe little of it. He carries an unsettling looking staff. That he’s a powerful wizard I have no doubt. However, though undeserved I think he enjoys the power and solitude his reputation gives him. Other than seasoned adventurers, people avoid him out of disgust or fear. I’ve had brief conversations with him. The man is no fool. Personally, I think he would make a great magistrate. The fact he seems to care so little about what people think only bolsters my opinion of him.

    I have to admit that most of my thoughts on this are based on intuition. I’m sure that when the Senate makes its choice, it won’t be done on anything other than facts and truths. But I’m so certain of my assessment of him that I volunteered to be his Inquisitor should he be appointed.

    I was inquisitor to Lady Borodin previously, but resigned the position when she had me do absolutely nothing. It was a paper position, and I knew little of her. She kept me around for show and little else. I suspect that were I to work for Sirion, that it would be different. It would be a position that meant something.


  • Written with permission and approval of Andrew Brightdawn's player

    The seasons come and go. Fortescue has ignored my requests for promotion, and appears quite content with keeping me at my station. A lieutenancy would mean that I would be off the street, and we’re short-handed enough on the docks that I know he can’t spare me for more paperwork oriented duties.

    This brings me to the latest “recruit”. I use the term recruit loosely, as his term as a guard was assigned as punishment by one of the magistrates. I immediately wrote a letter of protest which of course, was dutifully ignored. We don’t need guards in the docks who resent their position. We need volunteers and people of dedication, not conscripts. Let the conscripts join the defenders.

    I had requested that this new guardsman, who goes by the name of “Andrew”, be assigned to me. Fortescue had seemed a little surprised at my request, but I explained that if we’re going to get someone who’s been forced into this position, that perhaps he might need someone with a strong hand to guide him. Rumor has it that Andrew is quite the expert swordsman, but the city guard needs keepers of peace, not people in pieces. Fortescue commented that he wanted me to test his patience, and that perhaps a tour of the Pissing Goat during the seedier hours was in order.

    I met with Andrew last month to get my first impressions of him. It took that long for the paperwork to go through and for his assignment to me to be approved. My first impressions were not good, but not terrible either. At a hair over six feet, he’s just tall enough to be intimidating. It’s been my experience that intimidation is far more useful than swordplay at keeping the peace.

    He was at first glace, well disciplined. His armor was immaculate, and the items on his person all had their place. In many ways, he bore the mark of the dedicated swordsman he was rumored to be. However, my brief conversation with him showed that he’s not very focused. His facial hair was unkempt, and his mind seemed to wander constantly. He was nervous around me, and prone to lapses in conversation. Here is a man, I told myself, who is only focused on one thing. Everything but his skill as a warrior with a sword has been relegated to secondary importance.

    I sighed inwardly. The first time I brought him to the Pissing Goat was likely to end in bloodshed.

    The evening I first took him out was cool and misty. The sky was overcast, and the Ice Lace was quiet, almost still. He walked beside me with confidence, his attention anywhere but the present.

    “We make our rounds by the apartments and shops every few hours”, I said, “But never take the same streets twice. Vary your times and routes. It’s important not to be predictable.”

    He just nodded, but I could tell he was only half listening.

    “Andrew”, I stopped in front of him, “Please take this seriously”

    “I..I am”, he stammered.

    “Then please pay attention”, I replied. “Look around you, and tell me what you see”

    He looked puzzled for a moment. “I see buildings, people, ships….It’s the docks. It’s night. There’s not much to see”

    I took a deep breath and stood beside him, directing his attention. “The ship to your right is the Black Jack. The gang plank is down so most of the crew is off ship. It a large three decker, so there’s another hundred or so people in the Pissing Goat. The ship is well equipped, so the officers are well off, and probably at the Ferret, not overseeing their crew. There’s going to be a lot of fights and arguing tonight”

    “Over there”, I continued pointing to the three men against the wall, “These people are waiting for someone”

    Andrew looked at me, “How do you know that?”

    “Do you see how they keep looking towards the Pissing Goat? They’ve taken a position where they can see the side entrance. It’s likely they’re waiting for someone to come out.”

    “So? Is that illegal?”

    “Well no, but the only people who some out the side entrances of buildings are owners, or people who don’t want to be seen. Let’s go ask them to move along”

    “But why? They’ve done nothing wrong”

    “Not yet”, I smiled slightly, “But they’re planning on it. Make sure you wear your badge so they can see it”. I adjusted it on his belt, and we walked towards them. We got within twenty feet though, and they looked at us and started walking toward the piers, nervous glances over their shoulders.

    “There”, I said. “Another crime averted. You didn’t even have to draw your sword”

    He gave me a sideways glance that held both nervousness and disappointment, but said nothing.

    “Let’s go in to the Pissing Goat”, I sighed. “Have you ever been there?”

    “N…no, I haven’t”

    “The Pissing Goat is very, very large. It can hold perhaps half the population of the docks at any one time. There are twenty to thirty barmaids on duty, along with your fair share of cooks and prostitutes. Most of the regular ships’ crews come here. The wealthy go to the Ferret. If there’s going to be trouble, it often starts or ends here. The head cook makes outstanding baked and stuffed fish, but he doesn’t do that for regular….”

    “Prostitutes?”, he interrupted, looking aghast.

    “Oh, it’s all perfectly legal. Some of them make a pretty good wage too. Lacy keeps them in line and well cared for.”

    Andrew muttered something I couldn’t quite understand as we approached the main entrance of the Pissing Goat. The sounds grew louder and wafted out into the street. Three of the regulars, Clarice, Karla, and Emily sat on the railing. Emily was plying a prospective client, a dark swarthy man dressed in Thayish fineries. A poor merchant perhaps, rather far from home. Clarice spotted me and grinned.

    “Hey Yana-girl! Who’s yer new stud! Showin’ ‘im th’ ropes? Ain’ seen’ ‘im round ‘ere ‘fore!”

    Clarice hopped off the railing and headed straight for Andrew. She was short and feisty, with strawberry blonde hair full of curls and ribbons. Her skirt was far too short, and the top cut at inappropriate places. Andrew towered over her diminutive form.

    “Aww, yer a cutie! Got a name stud?”

    Andrew froze as if pinned by a giant spear. His eyes went wide as saucers. Even in the dim light, I could see his face turning red.

    “Aww stud, cat got’cher tongue? Name’s Clarice, an’ I’ll be ‘appy t’show you a good time when yer off duty, if’n y’fancy”

    I watched Andrew curiously, and not without worry. He seemed almost ready to bolt, but didn’t dare. He just stood there unable to say anything until I stepped in.

    “Clarice, this is Andrew. Andrew and I have duties to attend inside. Please excuse us”. I said quickly. With some force I grabbed Andrew’s arm and shoved him inside.

    “Yana-girl, ain’t somethin’ right wi’ yer stud there! He takin’ religious vows ‘r somthin’ cause….”

    Once we stepped inside, Clarice’s voice was lost in the cacophony of the Pissing Goat. I quickly turned him around and looked up at him.

    “Being a guard means dealing with all sorts of people, including people you’re uncomfortable with. You can’t freeze in front of a lady who you probably outweigh by a hundred pounds. You’ll lose respect, and your ability to your job. The name of the game here is confidence. Understand?”

    Andrew looked down at me. I could see helpless frustration in his eyes, along with a certain degree of shame. “I .. I um…I understand”, he stammered out.

    “Good”, I sighed. “Now then. Pay attention, and I mean it. Pay attention, look around, and tell me what you see”

    Andrew paused and looked around. He knew what I wanted, and took his time. He may be socially dysfunctional, but he learned quickly.

    “Th-the men at the table over there. They’re all wearing the same uniform”

    “Good” I smiled. “Keep going”

    “The m-men at the other table are wearing all the same uniform but different”

    “Alright, and what about the table with the men playing dice?”, I pointed.

    “Both uniforms” he said.

    “And what does that mean?”

    Andrew just stood there. After a long moment he said, “D-different crews from different ships?”

    “Yes” I smiled proud of him. “That also means that before the night is out, there will be a fight. Probably a big one.”

    “Um, OK”, he said quietly, “But how do you know?”

    I couldn’t help but laugh, “Because I know. You mix different crews with alcohol, prostitutes and gambling, and I guarantee there will be trouble.

    I spent the next thirty minutes or so showing him around the Goat. I showed him the location of the back rooms, introduced him to the head bar tender, and even a few of the serving girls. To his credit he didn’t freeze, but simply said “No thank you”. I showed him the exits, pointed out many of the regulars and people I rely on for information. Afterwards, we seated ourselves within sight of the table with the two crews and waited.

    I had expected some degree of conversation, but he didn’t speak unless I asked him a question. Even then, the answer was usually short and to the point. The evening dragged out and we fell into mutual silence. I instructed him on how to file reports, routines, due process, and responsibilities. His eyes glazed over at some of it, but I would have expected that of anyone.

    “Uh oh”, I commented.

    “What?”

    “You see that man with the long hair and the moustache in the red uniform? Look at the table in front of him”

    “It’s…it’s full of coins. Rings and stuff too”, he said, peering through the smoky haze of the tavern.

    “Yes”, I sighed. “Winning large hands like that is never good for peaceful relations between crews”

    The argument started right away. The man with the long hair, moustache and the red shirt was not only grinning ear to ear, but he made sure to fuel the argument by announcing that he was done for the night, and began pulling the coins, jewelry and knick-knacks into to a large leather pouch.

    I stood up.

    The table with the two crews upended.

    “You cheatin’ cocksucker!!!” a large balding man in a blue uniform bellowed and reached across the table. With curses and shouts, the men at the table fell about each other pushing, clawing, and punching with wild abandon. What worried me is that the men on the two other tables stood up as well, eying each other with bravado and hatred.

    That’s when I blew the whistle.

    It’s a cute little magical toy from Hemrod that sends out such a sound as to deafen folks temporarily, and even drive the unprepared and ill-disciplined to the ground. The lot of them covered their ears. Some of them hit the floor. Barmaids dropped their trays. Some glasses shattered.

    Pity it was its last charge. I loved that little whistle.

    The room fell to an eerie silence as the sound reverberated off the walls. Suddenly, I had everyone’s attention. I turned to see Andrew about to draw his sword, but with a surreptitious shake of my head, he reluctantly took his hands off of it.

    I approached the table with a grim smile. No weapons had been drawn. Just some bloody noses, scrapes, and a missing tooth someone was holding sadly in his hand.

    “That’s quite enough”, I said quietly but clearly. “You can either go back to your game peacefully, or go back to your ship. Your choice”, I shrugged.

    The large balding man in the blue shirt rubbed his fingers in his ears and leaned closer, “Who the fuck are you bitch?”

    I could feel Andrew bristle behind me. He had smartly followed me to the table and stood slightly to my left.

    “Peltarch City Guard”, I replied, pointing to my badge.

    He sneered and looked around the table. “There’s like thirty o’ us against one bitch an’ a rube. How the … “

    I hit him. It was a clean, controlled knife hand to the throat, and he dropped gurgling and gasping for breath. With the sharp intake of breath, I could tell that Andrew was startled.

    “Now there’s like, twenty-nine”, I said coldly. Fortescue had taught me that in a potential fight where you’re outnumbered, always drop the loud-mouth first. It was often effective at curbing the mob mentality.

    The rest stood hesitant. “Now play nice”, I commented, stepping away from the table. “I don’t want to have to arrest anyone tonight. I hate paperwork.” I waited a moment, watching their scowls, and then headed back to the table.

    It was the echo in my perception that warned me. The years of training under a master. I leaned to the left, and beer stein whistled past my right ear. I turned casually to face my assailant, but Andrew hadn’t followed me to the table. He grabbed the bedraggled man in the blue shirt, and hauled all two hundred pounds of him off of his feet pinning him to the wall. The display of strength startled me.

    “Can I um….arrest him?”

    “Absolutely”, I smiled.


  • The sand is cold. The waves of Ice Lace wash upon the shore giving small stinging kisses to my feet. The water is very cold this time of year.

    There is a place just a little ways northwest of the Peltarch walls. It’s a narrow cove surrounded by high cliffs. Older children come here, though they are advised not to. There have been things down here in the past that would have been happy to feast on the young and unwary. At 6am though, the only person down here is me.

    I walk along the beach carrying my footgear, leaving small impressions in the wet sand. It’s a good place for quiet reflection. I have trained here, sparred here, and even made love here once when the water was much warmer. I wish desperately I had someone to talk to and share intimacies with, but that kind of relationship has eluded me since the early days of being with Jay.

    I have never felt so alone since my return.

    Chen is ready to retire and move on to something less dangerous. While I was up north he married Jenny, and now they’re expecting their first child. The old gang I adventured with is nowhere to be seen.

    I ran into Corwin the other day, and shared some pleasantries. He’s been made a professor at Spellweaver and for a moment I felt proud of him. He was like a little brother to me for a few years, and I am glad of his accomplishments. But when he made some comments regarding me and Luke, and then suggested I turn again so Luke could look at my legs I wanted to hit him. I left quickly, lest my temper get the better of me.

    On the way back I spoke with Luke. He was with Sabre, who quietly excused herself after seeing the look on my face. I spoke with him at length about my frustrations, about life in general. He knows how I feel so that awkwardness is ever present in our conversations, and at one point I excused myself and suggested he go find Sabre again.

    Really, I didn’t need for him to see me cry.


  • The sweat runs off of me in rivulets. I’ve long ago ditched my silks, and stand here in very little. That’s well and good because the guards training room is dimly lit, and I’m all alone.

    The punching back is about the size of a person. Filled with sand, it sways back and forth from chains in the ceiling, taunting me with its resistance to harm. One again I lay into it, going through my full force katas at a furious pace. My heart is pounding in my chest, my breathing deep, regular and quick. Like running, it becomes hypnotic after a time.

    I spied Luke in the commons after taking a break from my rounds. I wanted to make things better. I wanted to apologize for telling him at all. Instead … somehow … I’ve made things worse. I just never know what to say. Why does it have to be so complicated?

    The real problem is not Luke. The real problem is me. I’m angry at myself for squandering an opportunity for happiness, even if it was destined to be brief. It eats at me that I’ll never know because once again, I didn’t seize an opportunity when I had it.

    I finish my training with a series of hard, short range strikes. I’ve reached the edge of my control, and my breathing has become forced and labored. My heart feels ready to burst from my chest.

    I steady the bag and lean my forehead against it for support. Sweat drips down onto the floor steadily from my nose. I close my eyes and focus, waiting there until I have control of my breathing again.

    It would have been easy to imagine Sabre in place of the punching bag, but the last thing I need is jealousy on top of this. No … I’m better than that …

    …aren’t I?


  • The shops and apartments in the docks district whisk by in the predawn light. The sounds of my footsteps echo quietly in the streets and alleys. My pony tail swishes noiselessly across my back in unison with my steps.

    I missed my morning run in the streets, a ritual broken in the last few years by the icy hills and frozen wastes my mom calls home. Running in the hills required care and attention. The streets of Peltarch allow for thought and meditation. I run past the Pissing Goat, and reflect on yesterday.

    The first person I ran into after my arrival from the docks was of all people, Luke. My thoughts often turned to him when lying quietly under the northern night sky. I wondered where he was, what he was doing, and hoped he was safe.

    We chatted under the tree in the commons, and I almost forgot how self conscious he makes me. I have fancied him for a long time, and his flattery left me somewhat disarmed. The smell of his clothing brought back so many memories of my youth … A little blonde waif with a crush.

    I found myself hoping that perhaps his playful banter and flattery would yield a mutual interest, and when he said he traveled north to look for me after I ventured to be with mom, my heart leapt at the possibilities. But those feelings of hope came crashing down again, after he announced he had taken Sabre back in his life.

    I have considerable self-control, but I’m no actress, nor do I pretend to be. Mom often advised me to be up front with my feelings … that deception and lies of the heart are cowardly, and very un-Tempus like. My emotional state was plain for him to see.

    “I’m sorry”, he said. I could see he felt guilty, but it certainly wasn’t his fault. I swallowed my pride and openly let him know how I felt. Any other course of action would have dishonored the friendship we both shared. I left him with a smile tinged with regret.

    What saddens me though is that the playful banter will be gone. There will be an undercurrent of discomfort between us now, which will color our friendship forever.


  • Time has passed. So much so, that I’ve entirely lost track of it.

    It was years ago that I received the letter from mom, asking me to come north. She had it in her mind to unite the northern tribes. She didn’t explain whether this was to be under the banner of Tempus, her quest to be “Queen of the North”, or both….but she wanted me at her side as an advisor.

    I put off responding to her. I had duties and responsibilities here in the city, and I wasn’t about to abandon them. However, after being denied the promotion I had requested, and being disgruntled with the inability of a reduced senate to get anything accomplished, I took a leave of absence. Time away from the city would do me good I told myself.

    In the seasons that followed, I advised the best I could. Political maneuverings do not suit her. She has a good heart, but if it can’t be resolved with her ax or her charming smile, she’s often left puzzled and prone to rash action and bloodshed. Much to my bewilderment however, in the time I was there she managed to unite almost half of the tribes under one banner. It never fails to astonish me how people respond to her. She can turn a meeting hall around with her presence, an ability that I have always been jealous of. When I left she was known as “Illes o’na Morsa Vox”, which roughly translates to “Celestial Mother of Battle”. Even though she’s been only partially successful, the number of northern warriors at her beckoning … worries me. I must never forget that mom is Tempus’ chosen.

    The letter from Fortescue arrived stained and barely legible. It had found its way to me over ship, pack animal and at one point carrier bird. There’s a new senate, and voice has been given to the people. Peltarch is changing, and people will be needed to guide it to a new and prosperous future. It was time I went home.

    Now I’m on a ship, and the cold spray of the Ice Lace washes over the bow covering my face with a fine mist. I can see the city I love in the distance, the tops of the buildings barely visible over the towers and walls.

    Soon, I will be home again.


  • The wind blows quietly down the streets. Leaves swirl in little eddies in the corners, rustling like little mice feet on the cobblestones. The sun hangs low in the sky as I walk around my beat. I find myself humming, almost playfully.

    Peltarch is quiet these days. There is little of the political unrest, thievery and violence that plagued the city just a few short years ago. It’s a good feeling, like the quiet sunny afternoon the day after a storm.

    I walked into the Ferret earlier this evening, and a familiar figure was there, his long well worn leather coat shifting with his movements. I saw the back of his tawny head as he spoke with Sabre and Rasuil. When he turned to face me and said “Hi” with that lopsided grin of his, I knew it was Luke.

    There was tension in the air, a cold uncertain feeling between Sabre, Rasuil and Luke. My presence interrupted the conversation, and soon Luke excused himself with a sigh, and invited me to the Mermaid for drink and conversation.

    I walked with him quietly, saying little. He had left Narfell years ago. He and Sabre had been inseparable then, but he left, and Sabre had moved on. I’m sure Luke expected it, but the disappointment was plain on his face.

    We chatted for quite some time at a table in the Mermaid. We complimented each other needlessly, and both moped about lost loves. He made playful, risqué innuendoes. I blushed at least once. I’m not the same person anymore, and the crush I had on him years ago has been swept under the pile of detritus, fallen hopes and crushed dreams.

    … or has it?

    I sat there and felt remarkably self conscious. I smiled helplessly at times. He always had a way of making me feel beautiful, even when I convinced myself I wasn’t.

    My shift came far too early. Soon I excused myself, and he hugged my tightly with a playful grin and tussle on the head.

    I left the Mermaid with a smile.


  • The crowd was permeated with low whispers and quiet conversation. There was no cheering. They watched curiously as the man lay on the floor unmoving, wondering whether he was dead.

    There are times when being six and a half feet of muscle would be an advantage in diplomacy. The man had pulled a blade when I asked him to leave the Pissing Goat. “Make me”, he said with a disrespectful sneer.

    He remained standing for less than three seconds following that remark.

    Two of the doormen from outside dragged him out on the street. I gave his blade to the bartender. It wasn’t even worth the time to arrest him. Had I been six and half feet of muscle, he would have left peacefully, and that would have been that.

    Despite the incident, I left the Pissing Goat in a good mood, though somewhat soured by recent reflection.

    When I first met the new guardsman Cecil, I was delighted to meet someone from mom’s heritage who spoke Uthgardt, a dialect of Illuskan. He was tall and well mannered with a kind heart. Flights of imagination led my thoughts to dinners, deep conversations and intimacy. The problem is that I move on “Elf time” and not “Human time”. I dwell on things for months, as if I had all the time in the world make things happen.

    One day, casual conversation with Cecil at the south gate in Norwick revealed his affection for one of the knights of the order. I found myself jealous, but not surprised. I quickly realized I had met this man months ago in Peltarch, and then went idly on my way thinking about it rather than doing anything to advance a relationship.

    An opportunity lost and a lesson learned I suppose.


  • There is a cacophony of noise in the adjacent room. One of the senior sergeants Jake has turned 40. The smell of stale beer wafts into the training room, accompanied by their raucous shouts and a woman’s giggling. A couple of the women from the Pissing Goat have found their way over here, knowing the coin will be flowing freely along with the liquor and good spirits.

    I congratulated Jake on his milestone, ate some of the cheese and the rum soaked cake, laughed over stories of misdeeds and poor timing, and then excused myself to the next room. Shallyah sat in a corner of the room sitting on her heels, face contorted in concentration on the candle in front of her.

    I don’t know quite what to make of her. She reminds me of me in a remarkable number of ways, not all of them good. She’s stoic and withdrawn, something I could tell started at an early age. Mine was brought about by exposure to life on the docks, and the authority granted to me to keep the peace. I had to withdraw myself to maintain perspective. She’s done it because someone told her to.

    “Yana, I can’t focus with all the noise in the next room. Can we please move to somewhere quieter?”

    She spoke quietly in deferential tones. I could hear the restraint in her voice. She controlled herself very carefully, which ironically I was trying to undo.

    “Shallyah, I brought you here because of the party in the next room”, I said. She saw the amusement on my face and I could see the frown starting to form, but it melted away as soon as it came. Always the self control.

    “Shallyah, some people will teach you to focus on your opponent in combat. That you must tune out everything around you and pay absolute attention to what your opponent is doing. Anticipate his movements, watch his eyes, and follow his weapon. You may very well get good by doing this, but you’ll miss much.”

    She looked at me curiously as I continued, “I want you to close your eyes for moment and tell me what you hear”

    “The party. All I hear is the party in the next room”, she said. “It’s very loud…oh, and you. I hear you.”

    “What else?”

    Shallyah furrowed her brows for a bit, “I hear the gulls on the water”

    “Good. Now what I’d like you to do is keep your eyes closed, and focus on the individual sounds. Pick out individual voices in the party. Focus on what they say. Pick out the gulls. Listen to their movements. Then find new sounds to focus on, and listen to them too. There’s a lot going around you Shallyah”

    She paused for a moment, but looked puzzled. “Yana, how will this help me focus my Ki?”

    “Because Shallyah, I never believed that learning to focus required you to tune things out. Learning to focus requires you to pay attention.”

    I left her like that, with a thoughtful expression as I wandered back to the party. I don’t know if I can teach her what she needs to know, or whether it will do any good. I don’t know what she’ll get from my lessons. It might not be much, but if it helps her come back alive to her friends, it’s enough.


  • The rain is cold. Its gentle touch wets my silks and soaks me to the skin. My hair is matted, and my pony tail hangs limply on my back. The Legion Tower stands behind me, laughing in silent mockery to my misery.

    It’s been years since Jay died. Jay died somewhere here, but the passage of battle has been erased by the forces of nature and the relentless march of time. I’m sure he died violently, with anger and hatred in his heart. I like to imagine that his end brought a measure of peace, but I’ll never be certain. All I know is that he was the only man that ever loved me.

    I come here every year about the same time. Sometimes I look for tell tale pieces of jewelry or clothing. More often, I come to tell him that I cared, even though the words are empty and lost in the wind.

    He’s simply gone.

    I walk the wall of stones, balancing effortlessly. He would like to see me this way I think, even in my bedraggled state. Rather than wielding a weapon, I’ve become one. I know deep in my heart, that he would be proud of me.

    I tell myself each year that it will be my last. My heart has turned a little colder and moved on, but each year I find myself here again, walking the wall.


  • The scenery slides by in relative silence as the riverboat glides towards Peltarch. Most of the crew is resting in the sun, and keeping a watchful eye on the water ahead of us. A few animals graze in the fields, and watch us as we pass by. What little wind there is ruffles the stray strands of hair that have escaped my ponytail, tickling my face. I am lost in thought, and absently brush it aside.

    I thought to do something unusual, and compete in the festival in the Lucky Ferret. There was a staff fight on a greased log, where I over extended and ended up on the floor, laughing at myself. There was an unarmed fight in a greased pit, which I won handily. There was also an exhibition of presentation and athleticism, combined with a good dose of humor and fun. This involved a rope, and a greased pole. Contestants could climb either and slide down the other. Bonus points awarded for actually going up the pole and down the rope, rather than vice versa.

    I was the only one to make it up the greased pole. I grabbed the rope, and then gently slid down upside down using my legs. The men were staring, and for the first time in a very long time I felt sexually empowered. Amidst the cheers of onlookers I hit the floor with my hands and tumbled to my feet.

    I blushed at the attention. People congratulated me, and I felt beautiful, a feeling I haven’t had since … Jay. I didn’t know what to say or do other than bask in the attention. So when Thorn came up to me afterwards and invited me to visit him down south, I read far too much into his proposal. I dared to hope that someone familiar and nice would see me past the weapon I’ve become.

    I made it south the following week for fight night. However, it was plainly obvious that Thorn and Fadia are involved, and his invitation was simply one of friendship.

    Sometimes, I can be such an idiot.

    I’m not bitter or angry, except perhaps at myself for expecting something more. The moment where people stared was fleeting, but I’ll remember it forever. Sometimes it’s nice to feel beautiful even when you’re not.


  • I lean on the railing of the balcony of the Grapevine Inn. The wind blows through the valley from the north, bringing with it the smell of freshly turned earth and cut wood. It’s the smell I grew used to growing up in Norwick, but now seems so foreign to me. The clouds move quickly overhead, casting running shadows on the fields. I watch below me as contestants in the games fight each other to test their skill.

    There were times in my life where I ached to grow up and compete. When I returned to this land, one of the first things I did was participate in the games to practice and prove myself. I wanted mom to be proud. I wanted to live up to my name as the daughter of one of the great warriors in this land.

    I have, I think. I have bested reputable metal clad warriors armed with sword and shield, with nothing but silks and what I was born with. Now, except for the occasional demonstration of skill, the games no longer hold much interest to me.

    However, I have learned that there is a price for this level of competence, particularly for a woman.

    Loneliness.

    I watched it happen with mom. Men would look up to mom with respect, admiration, and sometimes fear. Rarely however, would they look upon her with love or desire. Those that did hid it, fearful I suppose that she would find out.

    I noticed it with myself. When I came back from Damara, my youthful exuberance and lack of confidence brought men to me. They cared for my well being. There were offers of protection and affection. Now I am kept at a respectable distance.

    Perhaps it’s me. The experiences required to obtain this level of training come with a price. Despite my elven longevity, the woman who stares back in the mirror is different than the one that did ten years ago. Her eyes have seen too much, and they look back at me cold and uncaring.


  • The air in the Pissing Goat is filled with the smoke of hearth and pipe. The scents of cooked meat and fish mingles with the odors of old ale, straw and sweat, creating an atmosphere unique to this establishment.

    I sit in the corner of the large room. Dressed in my ODS blue and yellows, I am as innocuous as I can be. Yet as always I sit alone, my small table vacant save for me and the remains of my evening meal. The darkness won’t be put aside today, or buried in that little corner of my heart. Jenny served me dinner and saw the look on my face, and then left.

    The sounds of the room are a cacophony of laughing, swearing, and clinking of mugs and dinner ware. This is punctuated by the chime of coins at another, and the low voices surrounding me. It’s a constant drone that tells me all is well.

    Until suddenly, the tone changes

    It gets quieter. The change in pitch is as alarming as a shout in my ear, and I glance up at the large table full of coins. A man is standing. He is slender but tall, with thick black hair covering his face and arms. A Damaran pig-sticker rests easily in his right hand, the point of it at the throat of another who remains sitting.

    I know most everyone here, but not the men at this table. A new ship perhaps, or group from a caravan from Damara.

    I get up and make my way over. He notices me about ten feet before I get there, but dismisses me at a glance. The man seated is frightened, and has leaned back in his chair. The point of the knife has drawn blood.

    “…nobody draws cards like that, nay e’en blessed b’Tymora” he spits out.

    He looks at me again. This time I’m holding up a badge.

    “You can kill him for cheating”, I say, “But then I’ll have to arrest you for murder. You’ll go to jail, be tried, and then hang. I hope it’s worth it”

    Except for a low murmur, the room is very quiet now. He looks around at his companions for support. No one moves. He glances around the room to gauge the situation. Several of the regulars shake their heads, advising him with glances and looks. His mouth twitches some, and I notice the muscles in his arm relax. With a flourish he sheathes the knife, and sits with a contemptuous expression.

    I turn and walk back to the table. The noise of the Pissing Goat rises again to its familiar, comforting level.

    I sit at the table again, alone with the remains of my dinner.


  • Jealousy

    I wandered from the Dancing Mermaid out into the commons. Rico is talking to this red head, the one that’s been seen around Mariston and his squires. She looks the part of the performer, her face smooth and comely. She is beautiful in ways I could never be. Their eyes are locked and she smiles demurely, playing with her hair.

    It swells inside me, the monster nibbling at my pride. I tell myself I can’t compete with the likes of her and walk away.

    Bitterness

    I walked away from the defeat of the shadows. Others did not, and gave their lives for the good of many. It was my duty to defend the common good. I have sworn to do so, and ask little in return. I have what I need to survive, and many of the finer things beyond what I truly need. Others were not so lucky, and did not survive.

    Yet, my bank account grows depleted. I have little to show for any of the adventures I have been on. Mom used to have a wall where things were hung, and a shelf below it. They were full of trinkets of her conquests and travels. Reminders of great deeds accomplished, and adventures had.

    Save for the silks I wear I have nothing, save what I have purchased or traded. I question what I truly need, but discover it boils down to what I truly want.

    Resentment

    It is said that the great among us aspire to serve others. To give of one’s self so that others can live their lives and be safe. I have done so in the service of this city for many years. I have watched friends die to keep this city and its people from harm.

    But so few care of these lives lost, or buried in the mire of tedium and fear needed to protect them. Many resent us, and now with sadness I have begun to resent them in return. I resent the ungrateful people I protect, and the ungrateful people that order me to do so. Yet I continue as a good person must.

    These dark emotions and thoughts follow me through the docks. Many see the darkness in my demeanor and avoid me. No longer the little blonde waif, people fear what I can do. No longer the friendly face, but simply the law.

    My journey through the docks takes me to the end of a pier. I fold into a sitting position and rest quietly in meditation, pushing the darkness aside. I have a little trunk in the corner of my heart where I keep these feelings, and lock them in there where they won’t do any harm.

    I worry though that someday the trunk will be too full to close, or that someone will steal the key. That will be the day I will do something I truly regret.


  • It’s raining outside in Norwick. It’s a cold driving rain that soaks through clothes in seconds. A few people run from house to house, occasionally slipping in the muddy streets. I just stare out the window from my room at the Grapevine Inn. I’m having a hard time focusing my feelings and thoughts.

    Three friends of mine paid the price of arrogance. They died because we didn’t value life, and underestimated our foe.

    We had searched in vain for Rico. When we didn’t find him, the kobolds had asked for tribute. They said we should leave it for their chieftain to ensure safe passage out of the warrens. I was in the middle of bargaining when Rith decided that tribute would be in the form of a summoned earth elemental, which appeared behind their barricade and slaughtered all who didn’t escape.

    The trip out soon became a nightmare of epic proportions. Kobolds and their lizardmen allies swarmed out from the underground pools and streams, blocking our entrance. What started as an organized melee became a flight for survival. Rico, Saria, and Corwin all fell.

    I was standing outside Peltarch’s gates, simply thankful to be alive. Fadia and Tindra were there, all of us dazed, wounded and exhausted. One of them mentioned that Rith should be bopped on the head. I was too upset to laugh at the time.

    When their spirits were returned, Rico had a look of guilt. Saria was bewildered and confused. Corwin stood proud and stoic, and walked himself out the room. I had expected less of him, and couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. I still remembered him as the boy next door, and not the man he’s become. I’ve seen many a seasoned adventurer with far less dignity.

    My thoughts turn back to the present. A wagon goes by my window, spraying two children with mud and water. They squeal in delight, and continue to run about in the rain, sliding in puddles. I watch them and smile. I was one of them a lifetime ago.


  • I have just come back from the Festival of the Seldarine. With deliberate care I undo my pony tail, and place my uniform on my dresser. I sit on my bed and close my eyes. In my mind I see the others in the festival, laughing and dancing.

    A band is playing downstairs in the Mermaid. The music filters up through the floorboards of my room and fills my senses. It is a mixture of dulcimer, a heavier stringed instrument, and drums. The music is slow and rhythmic, but begins to pick up pace.

    They’re playing my song.

    Many years ago, Glorion had me put some of my katas to music. It was an exercise in rhythm of movement, and a way of expanding my thinking on what unarmed combat was truly about.

    The song I chose was a classic. “Warrior’s Demise” by Chipolte. It’s a sad song, with soaring sequences that lift my heart above my daily cares.

    Downstairs, I hear them practice. Soon they start again.

    I stand from the bed. My hands come up in fluid movements, arms outstretched to the rising notes of the dulcimer. My leg rises to near vertical, as the heavier stringed instrument begins its solo. Soon, the two instruments begin a slow interlocking duel, my arms and legs sweeping the air in time with the music below me.

    The pace quickens, and I begin to sweat as my arms, legs, and body sweep the room quickly in circular interlocking motions. Time passes. I am lost in the sound and rhythm. My worries and cares forgotten.

    Eventually, the music slows along with my movements. In the song, the warrior is dying, and I honor the music by lowering my stance and finally, collapsing to the floor.

    The music stops.

    I hear clapping downstairs, as the waitresses and few patrons show their appreciation for their fine performance. I get off the floor, and blow out the flame in the lantern.

    Like the warrior in the song, my world turns dark.

    I wonder if he too, danced alone.


  • The morning sky is cold and gray. The waves crash noisily on the piers, the last gasp of a passing storm. The vendors are just beginning to open their windows and carts. People peek out of doorways and look up. An hour from now, the docks will be busy again.

    I accepted Ael’Que’s request to teach him some of the finer points of unarmed combat. Though he follows me on my rounds sometimes, and asks questions, I can’t help but think there are other motives behind this request.

    Every morning before shift, I teach the guards the little tricks needed to throw someone off balance, and to throw a punch or an elbow properly. I teach the guards as a method of keeping the peace. Unarmed conflict is far less deadly, and if a situation can be resolved before weapons are drawn, so much the better. However, I don’t think Ael’Que wants to learn unarmed combat to keep the peace. Although he hasn’t said it outright, I believe he wants to learn so he can win in the Norwick games.

    Ael’Que is strong and quick. He is a disciplined warrior. I can teach him the right and wrong ways of fighting unarmed. Given the time and training, I could make him very good.

    But is it the right thing to do?

    I can never share the fullness of Glorion’s teachings with him. He’s too set in his ways, and lacks the necessary insight. I could see that, in the first few lessons. Being strong and quick does not make up for that.

    The Tempus warrior in me tells me to arm a person who wishes to fight. Lathander loves athletic contests. I teach him because my faith tells me it’s the right thing to do.

    But something inside me tells me it’s wrong, and puts the seeds of doubt in my heart.


  • It started with the neighbors complaining about the noise. A routine investigation leading to a dark alley and a sturdy door.

    I stood in the narrow spaces between the buildings unmoving, staring at the door. The wall behind me obscured the twilight from the western sky, and the alley was filled with misshapen shadows. The dark corners of my mind whispered for me to get another guard.

    But I didn’t.

    I knocked, and I was surprised when the door opened a crack. An emotionless eye peeked out.

    “City guard”, I said. “May I come in?”

    A long pause. A long look behind him.

    “Sure thing”, he said, unlocking a chain inside the door.

    He smiled. It bothered me.

    I stepped in, wary of my surroundings. It was neat and tidy. Somehow, I had expected different.

    “How can I help you?” he said, smiling again. He was tall, and thin. His black hair was was well groomed. He had shaved recently. His eyes were light gray.

    The smile and the eyes were disconnected. Incongruous. One betrayed the other. It was then I began to notice the smell.

    “The neighbors have been complaining about noises coming from your apartment”, I said looking around carefully.

    “What kind of noises”, he asked. The smile was innocence pasted on a face of full wariness. His eyes flicked to an interior door.

    I wandered around, gently and casually turning over various knickknacks, all the while watching him. It was a trick I learned from a retired lieutenant. People betrayed themselves so easily.

    “Nothing specific”, I lied.

    I brushed my hand on the handle of the door, and he stiffened. The smile never faded.

    “What’s in the next room?” I asked innocently.

    “Just my pantry” he said.

    I went to open it, but it was locked. A faint noise came from the other side of the door.

    “Please open it” I replied

    “Do you have a warrant miss?” He challenged.

    “You invited me in”

    The smile faded, but never left. “Now I’m asking you to leave”

    My kick shattered the door jam. The dim light from an oil lamp revealed in grisly detail what lay around the small room. Something, or someone moaned. Someone that couldn’t possibly still be alive, but was.

    I threw up.

    Then I was hit.

    The blow caught me off guard, and drove me to the floor. My vision exploded with little white lights. He raised the long metal bar to hit me again, but I could see it all coming, an echo in my perception. When he swung again, I simply wasn’t there, having rolled aside and kipped to a crouch. The bar hit the floor with a solid thunk and a clang.

    As my vision continued to swim, he swung again. I leaned back and was content to let it miss. Knickknacks and shelving shattered on the wall.

    He was still smiling when he raised the bar over his head, and I hit him so fast he never finished the swing. He staggered back against the wall, a look of stunned shock on his face, still pasted over with that eerie smile.

    In the back of my mind was a choice. I could see the choice played out. I would arrest him. He would go to prison. There would be a trial, and he would be executed.

    I killed him before that choice was made.