“Execution of the Law is just as important as knowledge of the Law.” —Dwarven saying

  —Outside Weston, Cryptonia, Ground Plane

  Jasper and his companions drew nearer to the town and passed by several farms as they approached the outer limits of Weston. The young man saw many sheep, goats, and chickens in pens and ranging over the grass. It was beautiful country, and not terribly crowded.

  “This looks well-tended,” Jasper said to Titus.

  “The small towns are largely self-sufficient,” said the knight. “Our greatest concern is keeping them safe from threats more significant than a few bandits.”

  “Is there a local policing force?”

  “Yes. Weston, Southton, and The Vill have their own constabularies, but Ka’Din to the northeast of the Tower has a large dwarven community. The tree-dweller’s land being so close means that a lot of the forest folk police the place themselves.”

  “I’m glad the dwarves have things so well in hand,” said Jasper. “I know we can count on them to keep things orderly and within the law.” Titus grinned.

  “That we can. The other towns though, can be a little more unruly. Especially The Vill.”

  “Why is that?” Titus shrugged and shook his head.

  “I believe it has to do with being a larger population, but there are other contributing factors, Lord. It has been a troubled town for some time. Sue and Calian have known for sometime that there is a branch of the Thieves’ Guild based there.” Jasper’s eyebrows shot up with interest.

  “Really? I’ve not read or been told about them yet.”

  “They tend to keep a low profile for the most part,” Calian spoke up from behind them. “It seems their presence has brought along other unsavory characters.”

  “Flies to rot,” Jasper grumbled.

  “Indeed, ser,” said Calian. Titus nodded in agreement. “As I said at the fort, there is some mischief afoot, and I have already begun mounting an investigation into the Guild and their operations in the region. Unfortunately, with things as tight as they have been, other matters took precedence.”

  “I understand,” said Jasper. “I’d probably have done the same in that situation. Once the banks have been placated, we’ll look into any infestation. I expect Sue will be quite an asset dealing with that particular issue.”

  “She has already been tasked with uncovering whatever she can.” said Calian. “Though she is a bit loose with the rules, Sue is invaluable. While I can manipulate people to an extent, she could fool a child’s mother into believing without a doubt that she was theirs, and string them along to do as she wishes.” Jasper’s mouth fell open.

  “Good grief.”

  “She does not usually target young mothers,” Calian said seriously. “And a mother’s sense of their spawn is a unique and difficult thing to fool.”

  “We’ll have to address the Guild problem,” Jasper said, trying to avoid the thought of Sue donning the disguise of a predatory child. “If we have her, I am sure there are other talented individuals working for them.”

  “Of course, Lord,” nodded the steward.

  The road they traveled was growing more and more densely housed. They had passed several common folk who gawked at the Tower uniforms and the finery of Calian’s riding garb. Children ran alongside the lane and laughed excitedly, waving at the mounted soldiers. Jasper waved back and smiled at them, feeling for all the world like a character in one of his favorite movies or television series. It was a surreal experience, even after the time he had spent in the new world.

  The party drew near the center of town. There were fewer farmhouses with thatched roofs so close in, but there were stone and plaster buildings, most of which were only one or two stories tall, arranged roughly in the shape of city blocks. Stylized signs swung freely in the breeze advertising products and services. Dogs barked and geese honked in the street, and somewhere Jasper could hear sheep bleating incessantly. The place looked well-worn, but not at all run-down.

  The adults that were about looked at Jasper and his escort with mixed enthusiasm. Some appeared surprised, wary, and even fearful. To these, Jasper smiled and raised a hand in greeting. A few returned his gesture, but many ducked their heads and hurried on their way.

  “Do they seem a bit nervous to you?” He asked Titus quietly.

  “They’ve rarely been visited by anyone of note in at least ten years—and it was usually bad news when they were.” The knight sighed regretfully. “The children don’t really know better, but those old enough to remember are scared that you will be like the others.”

  “Well, let’s see what I can do to fix that.” Jasper pulled Notch to a halt at an intersection and swung down out of the saddle. Nima and Jonno halted the first squad, wheeling around and coming to a stop a few paces away. Titus dismounted as well and took Notch’s lead. Aesil, Vek, and Calian remained in a loose triangle behind their lord with the second squad. The small crowd of children ground to a stop and looked up at him, unsure what to expect. “Hello little ones.” He smiled broadly and held up his empty hands to show he meant no harm. The pre-adolescents gaped at his armor and uniform, a few of the boys pointing to his sword and whispering excitedly to one another. Jasper could see what he assumed were parents and elder siblings watching him from doorways and the street.

  “I am Jasper,” he said kindly, crouching down to put himself on a level with one of the girls in front. “I’m the new Lord at the castle. What is your name? How old are you?”

  “I’m Sia, and I be six winters, ser,” she said shyly. Sia’s face was flushed, and she looked as if she had been rolling on the ground with her brothers and friends. Her nose was running profusely and Jasper smiled. He reached into his belt pouch and pulled out a handkerchief. He held it out, and the girl hesitated, then took it to wipe her face. “Thank you, ser.”

  “You are very welcome, Lady Sia.” Jasper smiled and stood to address the adults within earshot. “Lerontis and his iron fist are no more. I will not allow bullies and fear mongers to maintain power in this land, and I intend to defend all of you with my own life, if need be.” He turned slowly as he spoke and rested a hand on the pommel of his sword. “I am going to meet the headman presently. If you have urgent matters you believe warrant informing me, please join us and do so. I want to work with the people of this region to rebuild what you have lost over the years. I may be new to Cryptonia, but I have seen some of your history and the beautiful things that have been. Do not hesitate to request aid from myself or those of the Tower should you require it.” He stepped back to his horse and mounted as gracefully as he was able. Once he was seated, Jasper smiled at the surrounding people.

  “Good day, my friends, and may the gods favor you all.” He raised a hand in farewell and nudged Notch with his heels, urging him forward. The group reformed, and they continued on. Little Sia was waving her new handkerchief and smiling as they left. Titus was grinning broadly and Calian had an expression that was difficult to read. “What is it?”

  “I am just pleased, Lord,” Titus laughed. “Such an innocent and simple thing, that speech you gave. Talking to that girl.” He shook his helmeted head. “It reinforces the feeling that the Land chose the right man for the job.”

  “Well, thank you, Titus. I will certainly strive to be.”

  They rode on for a few blocks before reaching the Town Hall, where a flustered-looking man stood wringing his hands, waiting. He was a portly fellow, pink cheeked and sweating, despite the cool weather of the afternoon. He wore green and purple robes that were belted tight around his waist. Jasper pulled up, and Titus dismounted to take Notch’s lead again, allowing the Lord to hop down. The headman bowed several times.

  “My Lord Jasper, it is such an honor to have you visit us so soon!”

  “Headman Gerrida,” Jasper smiled, holding up his hands in a calming gesture. “Thank you for your enthusiasm, but there is no need to be worried. I am not here to chastise or punish.” Gerrida Thimus, for that was the man’s name, seemed to sag with relief.

  “Lord, forgive me,” he said, shaking his head. “It has been a frightful mess for decades. We hardly know what an honest governor would be like anymore.”

  “I intend to solidify the image of freedom from fear and oppression in our people’s minds.” Jasper reached out and took one of Gerrida’s hands in his own and clasped it reassuringly. “Let’s go inside, and we can talk.”

  ???

  After an extended discussion with Gerrida in the simple, but comfortable Town Hall council room, Jasper had learned a great deal about what plagued Weston. Evidently, the current Constable of the town had been appointed by Lerontis. Unsurprisingly, he had turned out to be quite the bully and opportunist himself and had brought a number of bad eggs with him.

  “I try to manage things as best I can without involving him or the Watch, but…” Gerrida sighed and leaned his elbows against the table. “It’s not a big place, Lord. And some of the people report to him as well.”

  “Hmm.” Jasper sat back and crossed his foot over his knee. “How much trouble do you think he’ll give us if I tell him he is being relieved of his position? Are there any in the Watch you trust? I do not want to fight for the town if we can help it, but if I need to come back with a cohort or two of veterans to clean house, I will.”

  Titus gave his Lord a quick glance. Those present from the Tower knew full well there were not two full cohorts of experienced soldiers at their disposal. But the Headman did not, nor did the Constable. Calian’s dark eyes twinkled with amusement as he poured more wine for the small gathering. Most of Jasper’s escort had waited in the antechamber outside and was being fed by Gerrida’s staff while the others tended to the horses.

  “I would not trust most of them to watch my pig, ser,” said the Headman wearily. “They are scum for the most part. A few make decent gate guards, but many stand watch drunk, or chase women, or just cause mischief.”

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  “Any true fighters?” This from Titus, who was making notes while Calian served. Gerrida shrugged.

  “I would not know, Ser Knight. We’ve little need for it—and for that, I am honestly grateful.”

  “On that we are agreed,” said Jasper. He sat forward and put his hands on the table, leaning towards the Headman. “Very well, here is what we will do: summon the Constable here. He likely already knows of our presence, so there is no need for secrecy. Let Titus, Jonno, and Nima meet him and whoever he brings at the doors. Bring him in where we can contain the situation. Aesil and Vek will be in place here with me, and you, Headman Gerrida. Let the remainder of my guard be hidden in an anteroom to stand by if need be.”

  “A good plan,” Titus nodded. “He will be on the defensive, and we’ll not allow many to come in with him.”

  “Exactly,” Jasper tapped the table with his forefinger for emphasis. “Hard to mount any serious attack when you don’t know who is waiting for you, and you cannot call for aid.”

  “I do not know.” Gerrida scratched his chubby chin, looking worried.

  “We will protect you. Even without Calian, I doubt it would be much trouble,” Jasper chair. “With him, I doubt there will be any at all.” The vampire smiled and inclined his head just the slightest bit.

  “Very well,” Gerrida sighed, nodding. “I will send a boy to find him, though he may be on his way already.” Jasper turned to his steward.

  “Calian, tell the others our plan.” The immortal bowed and slipped out the door to speak with the four guards. Vek and his female partner came back with Calian and took up positions on either side of the door. The steward stood behind Jasper’s left shoulder. The young man unclipped his sword from his belt and laid it on the table to the side, hilt pointed towards him.

  “I don’t want to fight if we can get by without it,” he said to the room. “But, should the need arise, I have confidence in all of you.” The guards grinned and donned their helmets. They rolled their shoulders to loosen up, settling their chainmail and flexing their gloved fingers. Gerrida returned in a few moments and sat to Jasper’s right.

  “He comes, Lord. A dozen of his men with him as well, all armed.” Jasper nodded silently. He braced his hands on the table in front of him, elbows locked, his eyes on the door. There were voices outside. Someone was complaining, and Titus’ firm commanding voice cut through the din which quieted down briefly. There was more muttering before boots began moving across the Town Hall’s plank floors. The door swung open, and Titus entered followed by three others. Jonno and Nima came in last. Aesil and Vek remained flanking the door with hands rested on their belts—not touching their swords, but close enough.

  “Lord Jasper, may I present Constable Hezek Tallan,” Titus said formally, gesturing to the large man who trailed close behind him. The knight moved to Jasper’s right and stood opposite Calian. Hezek was big but not muscled like Titus. He, like Lerontis, bore the marks of good food and high living while the other denizens of Weston did not. There were frown lines on his face, and the skin between his brows was creased from much squinting and sneering. His head was balding, with a sad excuse for a combover of black hair that fluttered away from his head when he turned too quickly.

  He wore ill-fitting chainmail that looked like it had not been properly cared for. Over the armor he wore a stained tabard with a stylized “W” over the left breast. The two men with him were similarly dressed. They looked hard, faces leathery from too long in the sun. All three of their jaws were set, though they wavered when they realized they were outnumbered.

  “Greetings, Constable,” Jasper smiled easily, standing up. His congenial attitude seemed to catch Hezek off guard. The man hesitated, then crossed thick arms over his broad chest.

  “‘Lord’ Jasper? Of where, exactly?” He asked gruffly. Jasper’s lips twitched a bit. He had expected belligerence, but he had hoped the man would at least pretend to be polite at their first meeting.

  “The Tower, and its surrounding region,” said Calian icily. “Your Lord.”

  “Our Lord is Lerontis,” piped up one of the Constable’s men in a mocking tone.

  “Lerontis is dead.” Jasper spoke evenly, despite the chill in his belly. Discussing his first true fight so openly did not sit well with him, no matter how much he learned that the man deserved far worse than he had gotten. The two guards gaped, but Hezek kept his reaction mostly in check. A twitch in his left cheek was the only sign of surprise. His eyes narrowed at Jasper.

  “How?”

  “A duel was issued. He accepted. He lost.”

  “You talk very bluntly for a noble,” Hezek observed.

  “I am not an ordinary Lord.” Jasper grinned with a shrug and gestured to the chair opposite him. “Which is why I am speaking to you now.” Hezek shook his head.

  “I’ll stand.”

  “As you wish.” Jasper took his seat and meshed his fingers on the edge of the table. “We have a bit of a problem, Hezek. I do not approve of the way my predecessor was managing this land, and I am making quite a few changes.” The big man’s eyes narrowed further, and Jasper saw his jaw twitch. “I understand he appointed you as Weston’s constable some time ago?”

  “Yes. I have been loyal to the Tower since I started as a guard,” said Hezek, proudly puffing out his chest.

  “That is good as may be,” nodded Jasper. “But as I said, I am making changes. From the reports I have read and the things I’ve heard, Weston has been in sore need of attention.” Jasper spread his hands flat on the table. “Since you appreciated my bluntness, I will continue to be so. I must ask you for your resignation.”

  “What?” Hezek’s eyes blazed, and his lip curled. “On what grounds?”

  “In the spirit of continued honesty, the grounds are that you are an abusive tyrant,” said Jasper. Though his manner was still polite, his tone had taken on a hard edge. “The eyes of the Tower are not blind, Hezek.”

  “Do you want them to be?” One of the Constable’s guards actually had the audacity to reach for a dagger. Nima’s short sword hissed from its sheath and was pressed under the man’s ear. Vek was not far behind, with his weapon coming to rest on the other guard’s shoulder. It rang quietly as Vek moved forward, allowing the steel to slide across the chainmail as he approached to disarm the man. In the time it took for Hezek to turn around, Titus' weapon was drawn and pointed squarely at his heart.

  “Wait.” Jasper held up a hand and everyone froze, though the three troublemakers were breathing heavily and sweat beaded on their brows. “I will not have them just cut down. That is not how we will do things.”

  “My Lord,” Jonno growled, his gaze flicking from Jasper and the man he held at the edge of his blade. “If they will draw steel against you here, they will do it anywhere.”

  “Let me speak my piece, and we will see what they decide.” Jasper locked eyes with Hezek again, who was flushed and chewing his lip anxiously. “Ser, I will tell you about myself, as you do not know me. I do not like to make snap decisions about people. I want to give some benefit of the doubt. Unfortunately, you have a history here, and that creates an issue.”

  “Hmph.” Hezek huffed noncommittally, and Jasper continued.

  “My conscience will not allow me to simply have you executed. I will not rule this land with an iron fist, even against those who have done wrong. Therefore, you and those loyal to you will be banished. I will give you exactly this one chance to depart peacefully. You may go south to H?llthar, east over the sea to Miridian, or west into orc lands and the wilds beyond, but you may not remain here. But you,” He pointed a finger at the man Nima held motionless. “What is your name?” The man gulped and forced his quivering lips to form the syllables.

  “Laban.”

  “Laban. You will have to pay for attempting to attack me. Calian, what is the punishment for attempted assault and battery of a noble’s person?”

  “Flogging,” said Calian calmly. “Cat of nine tails. Strikes to be numbered according to the severity of injury done to the Lord.”

  “Hmm.” Jasper turned to face the guard, who had begun to sweat considerably more than he had been already. “And for blinding someone?”

  “A hot iron rod to burn the eyes from his own head.” Jasper could not help but wince at this proclamation. He would rather have avoided the whole situation, but wishing did not change anything.

  “I’ve always been intrigued by medieval punishment and enforcement of law.” The others in the room looked confused by Jasper’s comment, but his brain had latched onto a subject he knew a great deal about. He cocked his head at the panicking man and thought for a moment. ‘I really wish you’d just have played nice, Laban,’ he thought with a mental sigh. ‘Things would have been a lot easier and less messy.’

  “Blinding would be too severe. And he did not actually land a blow, after all, so flogging would not be fitting either.” Jasper glanced at the prisoner’s hands, and a thought occurred to him. It was a simple way to address the issue, but it was definitely not a pleasant one for either of them, but certainly more so for the guard. “You are right-handed. I would not unhand you entirely, but perhaps another lasting lesson instead. Calian, place his hand on the table and hold him.”

  “Lord.” The vampire appeared behind the man before anyone could blink and suddenly the guard’s hand was pinned to the wooden surface under Calian’s iron grip, a few inches from his face, which had also miraculously been slammed down before Jasper. He struggled, but Calian’s speed and power had shocked him into submission. He could only sputter into the tabletop in terror.

  Jasper stood and reached across to pull Laban’s own dagger from his belt and the man’s eyes bugged. Jasper nodded at Calian and the steward clamped Laban’s hand to the surface. Jasper took a steadying breath before wordlessly using the point of his borrowed dagger to pierce the webbing of Laban’s hand between thumb and forefinger. He stopped when he felt the table on the other side. The man screamed and it turned into a shriek when Jasper flicked his wrist to whip the blade out through the soft flesh. When Jasper leaned back, Calian released the sobbing captive. Laban sank to the floor, clutching his ruined hand to his body. Jasper looked at the other deputy.

  “Bind his hand.” The man nodded vigorously and knelt to assist his comrade. The pair departed through the door they had entered by, followed by Nima and Jonno. Jasper faced Hezek again, who now stood alone and had gone white and a sheet.

  “W-why did you do that?” He asked, his lower lip trembling slightly. All pretense of power and control had evaporated. Jasper set the dagger down on the bloody table and exhaled slowly before sitting down again.

  “Now he cannot hold a weapon.” He shrugged. “He will not threaten innocents again—for some time at least. It is difficult to grip a sword when your thumb and fingers aren’t connected.” Hezek looked absolutely horrified.

  “You’re worse than Lerontis.”

  “No.” Jasper shook his head. “I did not do this unprovoked. He was punished. Lerontis regularly abused his power to get what he wanted. I could have just had all three of you hung or run through right here and now.” The steel was back in his voice, and his blue eyes seemed to pierce Hezek’s very soul. “But that is not the kind of man I am, and I would hate to make the Headman’s floors dirty.” He glanced down at the puddle Laban had left. “Um. Dirtier.” Hezek shook his head, hands raised in surrender.

  “I will leave. I have no quarrel with you and merely wish to go my own way.”

  “Smart choice. You have one day. If you are here tomorrow at high sun, you will be forcibly driven out. You and any of those who followed you and claim to be your men. Remove your uniforms and give them to one of my escort.” Hezek nodded, defeated.

  “You’ll not hear from me again.” Jasper dismissed him with a wave. Hezek left, and Titus glanced at Jasper. His sword was still in his hand and there was a concerned expression on his face.

  “Do you think this wise, Lord?”

  “I think that Hezek and the other man will spread word about how I dealt with them, and I will be respected by the law-abiding people for dealing with them. Additionally, any other scum will believe me to be the baddest bastard on the continent.” Titus’ eyebrows went up, and Vek actually snorted in amusement.

  “Clever,” Calian grinned.

  “When did you figure out what I was going to do?” Calian shrugged nonchalantly.

  “When you did not have them killed immediately. You would have been well within your rights to.”

  “Hmm. I don’t want needless violence.” He shuddered a bit, remembering the feel of Laban’s hand under his knife and that gut-wrenching scream. Jasper looked up to Headman Gerrida, who was rooted to his seat with eyes so wide the young lord feared they might pop out. “Breathe easy, my friend.”

  “You—” Gerrida’s voice cracked. “That is not what I was expecting.”

  “There’s been a lot of that lately,” Jasper scoffed quietly. Jasper looked to Calian and Titus. “We need to set up some kind of small garrison to maintain order here. What would you two recommend?”

  “We do not have the resources to start a town watch from scratch at the moment,” said Titus. “However, I expect we could send a squad of veterans to act as guards for a short time until we can evaluate the local talent and have some trained up for the watch.”

  “One squad is not much for a whole town,” Jasper said thoughtfully, cupping his chin.

  “Alas, no,” agreed Calian. “However, I believe there may be options by the time we return to the Tower. I expect that some of the recruits will have passed Armsmaster Benn’s tests. Well enough for guard duty, at least.”

  “That is a good idea,” Jasper nodded. He turned to Aesil and nodded towards the door. “Bring in the next group of guards. We’ll get this over with at once to speed things along.”

  “Yes ser,” Aesil sheathed her weapon and departed.

  Upon dismissing the rest of the Weston Watch, Jasper ate dinner with Gerrida; they continued to speak at length regarding changes to the law, taxes, and other matters to do with the running of the town. Calian stood by, dutifully taking notes and answering any questions of specifics. After they had completed the evening’s business, Jasper and his escorts were given rooms at the nicest inn. Jasper was given a suite and was quite comfortable in the large bed.