Days without any glimpse of the sun or the night sky, or without any change in the air to note the shift in temperature...lacking these things it was difficult to tell the passage of time. Even the guard outside her cell left his post often, likely to seek reprieve from the stifling stale air and the press of the thick stone walls. The near-total silence and alienation were starting to gnaw at Roen’s mind as well, but whenever the guard left, she took inventory of the small things that Mister North had left her: the vial that she hid in a crack between the stones that she found under her cot, the needle that she had slid into one end of the mattress, and the hairpin-shaped lock pick that was affixed into the base of her ponytail.
But checking and planning for a possible escape when she knew not when it would happen could only occupy her thoughts for so long. Roen's consciousness drifted to the unknown fates and whereabouts of friends, family, and loved ones. Had Gharen turned himself in already? She never did get to answer the letter of good will that he had sent, weeks after their argument. She had thought to speak to Coatleque about his predicament when they met, but that meeting had not gone as planned. She had to have faith that sergeant Melkire could help Gharen, since she at least let him know before all this happened.
And what of Nero? There was only a dying ember of hope that he had decided to stop the bandits as he had promised. But dread and doubt threatened to extinguish that flame quickly. Did Shaelen find Kiht as Roen had asked her to? Had Mister North been successful in relaying her message to Kiht? Would Kiht be able to find Nero and convince him?
Such questions were quickly dismissed when the heavy dungeon door opened, and many armored footsteps entered. Roen guessed perhaps four guards. Or five. She stood up from her bed in anticipation. It could not be a good sign.
“Hello, my dear. I thought I would give you some room to breathe.†Taeros’ voice broke the silence.
When the cell door opened, she saw four men in armor, as well as the familiar figure of the noble, his back turned to her. “I trust you’re decent?†he added.
The paladin paused, looking at the men warily, but took the opportunity offered to stretch her legs. There was not much room to move about in her small cell. She crossed the threshold, straightening her dress. “Aye. In the clothing you provided.â€
Taeros turned and gave her a small smile. He motioned for the guards to exit, to which they all paused, their hesitation obvious, before they complied. Roen noted that their armored footsteps stopped just beyond the dungeon door and well within earshot.
“You're welcome.†His amber eyes regarded her. “How are you doing?â€
"How am I expected to be doing?" She narrowed her eyes, but forced her words to calm. "But…comforts have been provided, more than the last cell."
“Well you are a prisoner. I do not expect any creature comforts would equal a breath of free air.â€
Roen crossed her arms, suspicion clear in her gaze. "What do you want."
The noble smiled. “I merely wanted to talk. To see where your head was, so to speak.†His tone stayed neutral. “Also, a friend of mine perished just recently, so I just returned from planning his funeral.â€
“I see.†The paladin regarded him carefully before she took a few more steps away from her cell. Her eyes went to the walls and the door, but even as she studied the surroundings more thoroughly, her legs welcomed the movement. "And why are you telling me this?â€
“I am simply making conversation, Ms. Deneith.†Jameson shrugged. “An excuse to have you out of your cell. Try not to be so testy.â€
Roen pressed her lips together for a moment, as if to consider his words. She bowed her head slightly as if in acquiescence. She did not want to return to her cell, not just yet.
“Jeulerand was... usually so careful,†Taeros continued, again curling a smile at her that held no warmth. “Alas. His business dealings caught up to him.†When the paladin glanced back at him, she found his amber eyes intently watching her.
"Another noble?" A small frown creased her brows at the mention. News of anyone’s death was not something that she welcomed.
“Yes. Did you know him? Or of him? Jeulerand Rezhenne.â€
It was a few moments before the name came to her. She nodded. "Rezhenne. I have heard of that name." It was another breath or two before she remembered how she came to know it. It was from Gideon. He had told her that name, along with two others as names of houses that held significant wealth and connection to Taeros. She quickly pressed her lips together.
"I see.†Jameson actually looked troubled at this admission. “Were there notes made as to the movements of his family? His wife and young daughter? Schooling schedules and the like?â€
Roen blinked again, this time more quickly. "Mother and daughter..." She frowned. "Do you think I keep tabs on families? Of nobles? Why would I want to know the schedules of people's children?"
The smile that curled the noble’s lips was almost a sneer. "Well not you, surely. That work would be too dirty for you. You would run me through if you could, but would surely balk at putting your blade through my daughter's heart. Had I a daughter, I mean."
The paladin’s expression hardened. "I would rather that you face a fair trial and have proper justice to impart upon you your punishment. Not die at the end of my blade."
“Oh. Well.†The noble said dryly. “Kind of you.†He bowed mockingly. "If only could be said the same of your paramour."
Roen could only answer him with a silent glare. He must have learned about the Yoyorano family from Coatleque, she thought. And she could not muster any defense of that massacre even to someone like Taeros. She only tightened her hold on her arms as he turned his attention to a particular block of granite that made up the thick walls.
"You probably resent Coatleque,†he said softly. “No?â€
"She did what she felt she had to do." Roen answered hoarsely. "She made her choice."
"Yes. As did you.†He lightly traced a finger along the rim of the granite. “And you likely believe yours was the right one, and hers the wrong. And yet before Coatleque and I...ventured forth into this more serious portion of our relation..." He gave the paladin a sidelong glance. “She asked me about children. 'What about children?' was her question. It took me aback. Truly. I had not seen her as the mothering sort.â€
When Roen just stared back at him, somewhat in disbelief, he continued. “I answered her truthfully. I said that I had no wish to procreate at this point in time, but...somewhere down the line…†He shrugged. “A lord needs heirs. Else all that he has built…what becomes of it?" He let out a long exhale. “No one lives forever. As our poor Lord Rezhenne found out."
The paladin carefully studied his expression as he continued, but could not discern anything beyond his serious and calculating facade.
“Coatleque laughed then, nervously I imagine, because I had taken what she meant out of context.†Taeros sounded mildly amused at the memory. “She asked me again. 'What about children, James? Have you ever killed children?' No, I told her. I have not ever, nor have I any plans to do so. Do you know why?†He glanced back at Roen.
She had not realized how shallow her breathing had become. She shook her head for she had no answer.
“Because punishing a child for the sins of his father is a sin unto itself. And I don't mean the sort of sin the septas and priests ramble on about. Sins against this god or that god. No, it is a sin against man. Because that child is being willfully robbed of his, or her, future." The gravity to his voice did not lift. “And yes, I know. Children die every day. That's what they say to try and blunt the sting of atrocities. Children fall, children starve, children are killed in wars.†He turned to face her, his hand leaving the stone wall he had been studying. “But killed in order to prevent wars?â€
Roen could only stand stalk still, her blood running cold. Hearing Taeros of all people condemn such actions was painful to hear.
"No, dear.†Jameson shook his head. “That is neither responsible nor actually proactive."
Roen bowed her head, staring at the floor. "I...know this.†Her fingers dug into her arms, wrinkling the fabric of her sleeve. “I would stopped him, if I could have. If I knew ahead of time."
"Instead of being in here, you mean,†the noble murmured.
"I found out too late--" The paladin paused, looking back at Jameson, puzzled. "I speak of Yoyorano's family." She slowly frowned. "Were there more families?"
Taeros took a step closer towards her. “Tell me, will it be only a matter of time before Lord Rezhenne's wife and daughter's corpses turn up? Or is he holding them for some other purpose? A ransom, perhaps. His wife's father is quite wealthy, or so I've heard.†The noble said those words coldly.
The paladin dropped her arms to her sides, just staring at him looking horrified. "This...this is not Nero." She shook her head. "He would not do this." She hated in admitting what came next, especially to the man who had opposed them at every turn, but she forced herself to say it. “He has given up.â€
"Given up." He echoed her, each word sharply spoken. “How has he given up. You just told me you knew of Rezhenne’s name. So he was on some sort of "list." I imagine my name appears there as well.â€
Roen shook her head. "I knew many names, of Monetarists nobles. Houses. How else could I hope to disrupt things?" She watched the noble began to pace back and forth.
“But he gave you those names.†He scowled at her. “Who else was on the list, Roen?!â€
"He did not give me those names." She stood her ground, staring back at him defiantly. "There is no list! Nero knew of the big names, the wealthy houses. I was the one that was sussing out who was--"
In three quick strides, Jameson’s face was ilms from hers. “So help me, if more innocent blood is on Lazarov's hands, then it's on yours as well!†She could feel his breath as he exhaled sharply. “If it was not Lazarov, then who gave you the names?!â€
Roen clenched her teeth. Taeros could not know it was Gideon. "I do not want any more innocent blood lost!" She raised her voice, letting her indignation rise instead. "I knew of those names! They were Monetarists! Allies of yours and Lolorito’s!"
Taeros curled a lip as he leaned away. "Lolorito. Ah yes. Another fine fellow. I have had cause to speak to him a number of times. He had a statue of himself erected in Vesper Bay. His gall is...significant. He gave me some advice once as well, with regard to the killing of children.†He flicked her another cold glance. “He said that he "disliked" having to kill a man for betraying him, because it usually meant having to kill the man's family as well. I was a bit taken aback with his suggestion, and pressed him. "Why," I asked.†Jameson's voice remained neutral, unsympathetic. “He said they served as a distraction.â€
The paladin stared at him aghast. "A distraction."
Jameson smiled thinly at her response. “He said he did not want to be distracted by the prospect of a son growing to adulthood in fifteen years' time and coming for his head. But you see, Milord has it wrong," he said softly with a tilt of his head. “Those are the words of the paranoid. If you do not believe the killings to be just, you should not do them. And if they are just, well, then it is that lesson which you need to impart on the man's surviving family.†His amber eyes bore into her again. "If they do not believe that your cause is just, then you cannot kill for it."
Roen took a slight step back, closing her hands into a fist to hide the slight trembling there.
He matched her movement, stepping forward. "I have killed, yes. Men who have wronged me. Liars and people who believed I was their fool." He narrowed his eyes. "As have you. But neither of us has ever slaughtered innocents.†He paused. “Have you?â€
"If you are expecting me to justify Nero's killing of the Yoyorano family, I cannot." The paladin hated the shame that laced her words.
"And yet you love him. For all his...adorable little flaws." The noble sneered. “He is the Savior of Ul'dah. Watch as he sails in under the banner of justice and future peace.â€
"I thought he would save the children! The helpless! The poor!" She spat out those words with anger. “I believed that is what he wanted!"
Taeros tilted his head. "Believed?"
Roen took another step back. "I told you, he gave up."
"Gave up, or merely gave up on you?"
The paladin set her jaw, she did not want to show how much those words stung. "Perhaps both."
“Or perhaps just one.†He gestured idly. “You said you helped make the list. Where is this list then? If Lazarov is in sudden retirement, and you're in here…who killed Jeulerand?"
"I do not know." She said those words with conviction. She knew no other that would kill other nobles and families. “I thought if anything, you were the next target. But that is all."
The noble’s face twisted suddenly with anger and with speed that surprised her he grabbed a chair next to her and hurled it against the wall. The metal frame clanged loudly while the oaken back splintered, making Roen flinch. He spun around and took two steps, his face ilms away from hers. “But I was not!†He yelled at her, fury in his eyes. “A friend of mine lies dead, and I do not know where his wife and child are!!â€
Roen felt the ungiving press of the wall behind her; she had backed away from him without knowing. Her hands were curled into fists, her muscles coiled. Guards or no, she would defend herself if the noble attacked her. But before she could respond, the door to the dungeon slammed open and six guards rushed in, steel bared.
"I do not know!" she insisted through gritted teeth even as she eyed them warily. "I am not privy to what happened! Or who is doing this! Or why!"
The noble’s amber gaze was cold and dead as he stared at her. He spoke to his guards without even looking at them. “No visitors. No food for three suns. No water for two.†Taeros looked her up and down. “Remove those gifts from Lady Deneith. She will not be needing them. She can wear whatever's underneath. I want her in irons shackled to the floor.â€
Roen felt herself grow cold, her fists tightening by her side as the noble turned and began to walk out. “And one of you check her every bell on the bell to prod her if she may remember something that may actually save some child’s life,†Taeros said without looking back.
When the dungeon door slammed shut, the paladin’s eyes went to the rest of the armored men standing in front of her with blades in hand.
And as one they looked at her with ominous grins.
But checking and planning for a possible escape when she knew not when it would happen could only occupy her thoughts for so long. Roen's consciousness drifted to the unknown fates and whereabouts of friends, family, and loved ones. Had Gharen turned himself in already? She never did get to answer the letter of good will that he had sent, weeks after their argument. She had thought to speak to Coatleque about his predicament when they met, but that meeting had not gone as planned. She had to have faith that sergeant Melkire could help Gharen, since she at least let him know before all this happened.
And what of Nero? There was only a dying ember of hope that he had decided to stop the bandits as he had promised. But dread and doubt threatened to extinguish that flame quickly. Did Shaelen find Kiht as Roen had asked her to? Had Mister North been successful in relaying her message to Kiht? Would Kiht be able to find Nero and convince him?
Such questions were quickly dismissed when the heavy dungeon door opened, and many armored footsteps entered. Roen guessed perhaps four guards. Or five. She stood up from her bed in anticipation. It could not be a good sign.
“Hello, my dear. I thought I would give you some room to breathe.†Taeros’ voice broke the silence.
When the cell door opened, she saw four men in armor, as well as the familiar figure of the noble, his back turned to her. “I trust you’re decent?†he added.
The paladin paused, looking at the men warily, but took the opportunity offered to stretch her legs. There was not much room to move about in her small cell. She crossed the threshold, straightening her dress. “Aye. In the clothing you provided.â€
Taeros turned and gave her a small smile. He motioned for the guards to exit, to which they all paused, their hesitation obvious, before they complied. Roen noted that their armored footsteps stopped just beyond the dungeon door and well within earshot.
“You're welcome.†His amber eyes regarded her. “How are you doing?â€
"How am I expected to be doing?" She narrowed her eyes, but forced her words to calm. "But…comforts have been provided, more than the last cell."
“Well you are a prisoner. I do not expect any creature comforts would equal a breath of free air.â€
Roen crossed her arms, suspicion clear in her gaze. "What do you want."
The noble smiled. “I merely wanted to talk. To see where your head was, so to speak.†His tone stayed neutral. “Also, a friend of mine perished just recently, so I just returned from planning his funeral.â€
“I see.†The paladin regarded him carefully before she took a few more steps away from her cell. Her eyes went to the walls and the door, but even as she studied the surroundings more thoroughly, her legs welcomed the movement. "And why are you telling me this?â€
“I am simply making conversation, Ms. Deneith.†Jameson shrugged. “An excuse to have you out of your cell. Try not to be so testy.â€
Roen pressed her lips together for a moment, as if to consider his words. She bowed her head slightly as if in acquiescence. She did not want to return to her cell, not just yet.
“Jeulerand was... usually so careful,†Taeros continued, again curling a smile at her that held no warmth. “Alas. His business dealings caught up to him.†When the paladin glanced back at him, she found his amber eyes intently watching her.
"Another noble?" A small frown creased her brows at the mention. News of anyone’s death was not something that she welcomed.
“Yes. Did you know him? Or of him? Jeulerand Rezhenne.â€
It was a few moments before the name came to her. She nodded. "Rezhenne. I have heard of that name." It was another breath or two before she remembered how she came to know it. It was from Gideon. He had told her that name, along with two others as names of houses that held significant wealth and connection to Taeros. She quickly pressed her lips together.
"I see.†Jameson actually looked troubled at this admission. “Were there notes made as to the movements of his family? His wife and young daughter? Schooling schedules and the like?â€
Roen blinked again, this time more quickly. "Mother and daughter..." She frowned. "Do you think I keep tabs on families? Of nobles? Why would I want to know the schedules of people's children?"
The smile that curled the noble’s lips was almost a sneer. "Well not you, surely. That work would be too dirty for you. You would run me through if you could, but would surely balk at putting your blade through my daughter's heart. Had I a daughter, I mean."
The paladin’s expression hardened. "I would rather that you face a fair trial and have proper justice to impart upon you your punishment. Not die at the end of my blade."
“Oh. Well.†The noble said dryly. “Kind of you.†He bowed mockingly. "If only could be said the same of your paramour."
Roen could only answer him with a silent glare. He must have learned about the Yoyorano family from Coatleque, she thought. And she could not muster any defense of that massacre even to someone like Taeros. She only tightened her hold on her arms as he turned his attention to a particular block of granite that made up the thick walls.
"You probably resent Coatleque,†he said softly. “No?â€
"She did what she felt she had to do." Roen answered hoarsely. "She made her choice."
"Yes. As did you.†He lightly traced a finger along the rim of the granite. “And you likely believe yours was the right one, and hers the wrong. And yet before Coatleque and I...ventured forth into this more serious portion of our relation..." He gave the paladin a sidelong glance. “She asked me about children. 'What about children?' was her question. It took me aback. Truly. I had not seen her as the mothering sort.â€
When Roen just stared back at him, somewhat in disbelief, he continued. “I answered her truthfully. I said that I had no wish to procreate at this point in time, but...somewhere down the line…†He shrugged. “A lord needs heirs. Else all that he has built…what becomes of it?" He let out a long exhale. “No one lives forever. As our poor Lord Rezhenne found out."
The paladin carefully studied his expression as he continued, but could not discern anything beyond his serious and calculating facade.
“Coatleque laughed then, nervously I imagine, because I had taken what she meant out of context.†Taeros sounded mildly amused at the memory. “She asked me again. 'What about children, James? Have you ever killed children?' No, I told her. I have not ever, nor have I any plans to do so. Do you know why?†He glanced back at Roen.
She had not realized how shallow her breathing had become. She shook her head for she had no answer.
“Because punishing a child for the sins of his father is a sin unto itself. And I don't mean the sort of sin the septas and priests ramble on about. Sins against this god or that god. No, it is a sin against man. Because that child is being willfully robbed of his, or her, future." The gravity to his voice did not lift. “And yes, I know. Children die every day. That's what they say to try and blunt the sting of atrocities. Children fall, children starve, children are killed in wars.†He turned to face her, his hand leaving the stone wall he had been studying. “But killed in order to prevent wars?â€
Roen could only stand stalk still, her blood running cold. Hearing Taeros of all people condemn such actions was painful to hear.
"No, dear.†Jameson shook his head. “That is neither responsible nor actually proactive."
Roen bowed her head, staring at the floor. "I...know this.†Her fingers dug into her arms, wrinkling the fabric of her sleeve. “I would stopped him, if I could have. If I knew ahead of time."
"Instead of being in here, you mean,†the noble murmured.
"I found out too late--" The paladin paused, looking back at Jameson, puzzled. "I speak of Yoyorano's family." She slowly frowned. "Were there more families?"
Taeros took a step closer towards her. “Tell me, will it be only a matter of time before Lord Rezhenne's wife and daughter's corpses turn up? Or is he holding them for some other purpose? A ransom, perhaps. His wife's father is quite wealthy, or so I've heard.†The noble said those words coldly.
The paladin dropped her arms to her sides, just staring at him looking horrified. "This...this is not Nero." She shook her head. "He would not do this." She hated in admitting what came next, especially to the man who had opposed them at every turn, but she forced herself to say it. “He has given up.â€
"Given up." He echoed her, each word sharply spoken. “How has he given up. You just told me you knew of Rezhenne’s name. So he was on some sort of "list." I imagine my name appears there as well.â€
Roen shook her head. "I knew many names, of Monetarists nobles. Houses. How else could I hope to disrupt things?" She watched the noble began to pace back and forth.
“But he gave you those names.†He scowled at her. “Who else was on the list, Roen?!â€
"He did not give me those names." She stood her ground, staring back at him defiantly. "There is no list! Nero knew of the big names, the wealthy houses. I was the one that was sussing out who was--"
In three quick strides, Jameson’s face was ilms from hers. “So help me, if more innocent blood is on Lazarov's hands, then it's on yours as well!†She could feel his breath as he exhaled sharply. “If it was not Lazarov, then who gave you the names?!â€
Roen clenched her teeth. Taeros could not know it was Gideon. "I do not want any more innocent blood lost!" She raised her voice, letting her indignation rise instead. "I knew of those names! They were Monetarists! Allies of yours and Lolorito’s!"
Taeros curled a lip as he leaned away. "Lolorito. Ah yes. Another fine fellow. I have had cause to speak to him a number of times. He had a statue of himself erected in Vesper Bay. His gall is...significant. He gave me some advice once as well, with regard to the killing of children.†He flicked her another cold glance. “He said that he "disliked" having to kill a man for betraying him, because it usually meant having to kill the man's family as well. I was a bit taken aback with his suggestion, and pressed him. "Why," I asked.†Jameson's voice remained neutral, unsympathetic. “He said they served as a distraction.â€
The paladin stared at him aghast. "A distraction."
Jameson smiled thinly at her response. “He said he did not want to be distracted by the prospect of a son growing to adulthood in fifteen years' time and coming for his head. But you see, Milord has it wrong," he said softly with a tilt of his head. “Those are the words of the paranoid. If you do not believe the killings to be just, you should not do them. And if they are just, well, then it is that lesson which you need to impart on the man's surviving family.†His amber eyes bore into her again. "If they do not believe that your cause is just, then you cannot kill for it."
Roen took a slight step back, closing her hands into a fist to hide the slight trembling there.
He matched her movement, stepping forward. "I have killed, yes. Men who have wronged me. Liars and people who believed I was their fool." He narrowed his eyes. "As have you. But neither of us has ever slaughtered innocents.†He paused. “Have you?â€
"If you are expecting me to justify Nero's killing of the Yoyorano family, I cannot." The paladin hated the shame that laced her words.
"And yet you love him. For all his...adorable little flaws." The noble sneered. “He is the Savior of Ul'dah. Watch as he sails in under the banner of justice and future peace.â€
"I thought he would save the children! The helpless! The poor!" She spat out those words with anger. “I believed that is what he wanted!"
Taeros tilted his head. "Believed?"
Roen took another step back. "I told you, he gave up."
"Gave up, or merely gave up on you?"
The paladin set her jaw, she did not want to show how much those words stung. "Perhaps both."
“Or perhaps just one.†He gestured idly. “You said you helped make the list. Where is this list then? If Lazarov is in sudden retirement, and you're in here…who killed Jeulerand?"
"I do not know." She said those words with conviction. She knew no other that would kill other nobles and families. “I thought if anything, you were the next target. But that is all."
The noble’s face twisted suddenly with anger and with speed that surprised her he grabbed a chair next to her and hurled it against the wall. The metal frame clanged loudly while the oaken back splintered, making Roen flinch. He spun around and took two steps, his face ilms away from hers. “But I was not!†He yelled at her, fury in his eyes. “A friend of mine lies dead, and I do not know where his wife and child are!!â€
Roen felt the ungiving press of the wall behind her; she had backed away from him without knowing. Her hands were curled into fists, her muscles coiled. Guards or no, she would defend herself if the noble attacked her. But before she could respond, the door to the dungeon slammed open and six guards rushed in, steel bared.
"I do not know!" she insisted through gritted teeth even as she eyed them warily. "I am not privy to what happened! Or who is doing this! Or why!"
The noble’s amber gaze was cold and dead as he stared at her. He spoke to his guards without even looking at them. “No visitors. No food for three suns. No water for two.†Taeros looked her up and down. “Remove those gifts from Lady Deneith. She will not be needing them. She can wear whatever's underneath. I want her in irons shackled to the floor.â€
Roen felt herself grow cold, her fists tightening by her side as the noble turned and began to walk out. “And one of you check her every bell on the bell to prod her if she may remember something that may actually save some child’s life,†Taeros said without looking back.
When the dungeon door slammed shut, the paladin’s eyes went to the rest of the armored men standing in front of her with blades in hand.
And as one they looked at her with ominous grins.
