audio; un: hopscotch

[clavesregni]

I know who killed Vataz and the others. It's--

[Her voice is strained. She sounds as though she's in pain and out of breath.]

It's complicated. We need to be cautious not to worsen the situation any further. Someone else was killed. A woman. Her death is what started it all. There's someone else I need to question; I'll be able to share more once I have.

[There's the soft thud of someone's back hitting a wall.]

For now, young men should stay out of the Wards and the Keep, if at all possible. The killer can't distinguish between its true target and other men who appear similar. And don't go down into the glacial lakes. It isn't safe.

[Another pause, followed by a wince.]

If any medical personnel are able to spare supplies, I could do with a bandage.

Comments

audio; private

[blackscales]

How do you plan to keep him imprisoned, when we won't remain here, and Deimar has been protecting him? How, for that matter, do you intend to see him stripped of titles when his brother protects him and is king? His word is law.

audio; private

[clavesregni]

And what do you suggest?

audio; private

[blackscales]

I'd suggest leaving it to his own people to protect him or not protect him. Make sure the jatharin don't find the wrong people, that nobody else uninvolved comes to harm. There's no reason to also protect Haiva.

audio; private

[clavesregni]

But that would just be an abdication of responsibility.

audio; private

[blackscales]

Are you a judge in this city? A law maker? Is deciding the fate of criminals here your responsibility?

audio; private

[clavesregni]

W-- No, I. I have a responsibility to help people. I can't just look the other way.

audio; private

[blackscales]

Then prioritise helping the innocent caught in this web, not protecting those who cause harm.

audio; private

[clavesregni]

I can do both. And preventing Haiva's murder now will protect everyone in the long run.

audio; private

[blackscales]

You're sure of that?

audio; private

[clavesregni]

Yes.