Mon Mar 29, 2004 4:23 am
Altias Bromn rested in his chamber, at the advice of Dr. D'Rael. On his brow were four neat stitches, the end result of a sudden stop aided by a table corner. Those stitches might not heal as well as one might hope if he continued to furrow his brow so.
Bran had done a reasonable job of cleaning up the blood, though Altias could see tiny details that would need to be taken care of when he felt a bit better. Luke had been buried in secret, mostly because Altias did not want him shamed before his family. To the devil with how people might accuse him of Luke's murder, he didn't want the boy's memory clouded by his final act.
The note was clutched in the governor's hand, even now. Perhaps he kept it in the event that charges were brought against him, though such was highly doubtful. Luke had been a troubled boy, and it would be completely logical that he had left on his own. Far more logical than the truth. Far more logical than a boy ready to murder Altias because his love was not returned. But enough of such thoughts.
"
The warrants he had issued seem to be facing some trouble. Proof...they wanted proof. Oh, he had it....just not with him at this moment. It would be better for all of them if he turned himself in to Kilborn. Work this out in a public venue.
"What? Are you crazy? We can't go to the gaol!"
"Don't be silly, of course we can. It is the honorable thing to do."
"Honorable? It is the suicidal thing to do. He's not going to be happy, you know."
"He doesn't have to be, this is my choice. Is it not bad enough that I have to have my friends arrested? At least I should answer for it, aye?"
"They aren't your friends. You know that. He showed you. "
"They were my friends...once."
"You really are daft, do you know that? Do you know what they are going to do to someone like you in prison? Someone with your....tastes?"
"Shut up!"
Altias clutched his head, fingers rubbing madly at his temples. A deep breath taken, violet eyes closed. That was a bad choice. The events of the previous days played out before him again, in vivid detail, driving him back to reality almost immediately.
"I have to go to the Gaol...it is the honorable thing. They may not have the honor to face their charges, but I do."
On shaking legs the govonor rose, dressing himself as best he could. Readying himself for the trip to the Gaol, to speak with Kilborn.
On his desk, a letter from a man he once called his dearest friend. The heartfelt plea of Aloisius Treadwell lay unanswered.