The silence is absolute as Fadyr takes up the blade, except for the distant ticking of some unseen clock. Tick, Fadyr grasps the blade. Tick, he places his other hand on it. Tick, he brings it up in front of him.

Tick…

… Tick

Fadyr steps forward and carefully presses the blade against the chest of the assassin, and pushes in. Blood.

Jonas waits as Fadyr positions the knife for something to happen. When Fadyr quite suddenly thrusts the blade into the assassin's chest, he exclaims. "Fadyr!"

Steinhardt, as surprised as the bear, stares wide-eyed at the other Landsknecht, unsure just what to feel or how to react; this should not have happened, even though mercy was, perhaps, better served in this manner. Still, why… ?

The bear steps forward, and then pauses, unsure of what to do.

Fadyr bows his head as he draws the dagger back, a tear running down his cheek.

Just at that moment, the door clicks open and several guardsmen of Ruthven's colors step into the room, followed by a Korv in chitin breastplate and an elderly Cervani. "That's odd," Gergesene comments. "I would have expected them to have left the prisoner for – Sir Rainscroft!"

The panther lies lifeless, his blood slowly penetrating his shirt and spreading out beneath him.

Gergesene stares completely shocked. What could have possessed Fadyr to do such an insane thing?

Jonas kneels by the corpse, looking at it. A killing blow, straight through the heart. He looks up at Fadyr, and demands, "What did you see?!"

Fadyr shivers, looking down at the bloodied knife in his hand, eyes on the pommel and the symbol there. "See?" he whispers. "What had to be done."

…

Jonas stares at Fadyr briefly. "What had to be done?" he repeats. "I think ye better do some explaining." He looks down at the Khatta again, seeing that the poor soul has gotten the release he so desperately wanted.

The crow snaps his beak together. "Sir Rainscroft, you have intruded on the privilege of our host to deal with his prisoners as he sees fit. I think that you should answer for your conduct to Lord Ruthven." The Korv knight looks rather distressed at this turn of events.

The guards stare in shock from behind the Korv. The elderly healer kneels beside the slain assassin. His efforts merely to ensure the obvious. He nods solemnly to Gergesene and the others, then steps back.

Jonas brushes his fingers against the eyes of the dead Khatta, closing them. "Mother's Peace on ye, Child o' Felis. May she be kinder to ye in the next life."

Fadyr sighs deeply, nodding. "Aye… aye, Sir Gergesene, you shall have to bring me before the Lord," he says in quiet resignation. "It is difficult to explain." He looks to the Korv. "You believe in your visions, well I had to follow this one."

The Korv kaws! "A vision from a knife out of Bosch?!"

The head guard looks nervous, stepping forward, then hesitating. For anyone else what he should do would be clear. He looks amongst the knights, "Sirs… he is a Landsknecht, I am not sure I can arrest him."

Fadyr holds his hand open, carefully setting the dagger in it so the flat of the still-bloodied blade rests on his wrist. He holds his hand up to display the symbol on the pommel to Gergesene. "Been to Bosch, aye, but not of that place."

The Cervani bows his head. "I cannot say I fully understand the knife," he whispers, "but it showed me the touch of Bosch that was eating at him. It was the only way to keep him from being consumed by it." There is a touch of doubt in his voice, if only because he knows his legal standing is anything but good right now.

Steinhardt stares at the Gear on the pommel, and asks dubiously, "Saving him by killing him? What has this blade given or asked of you?"

The head guard stares at the knife, and the Landsknecht holding it, "To take a life… even of one so obviously guilty, without a trail. How can that be honourable sir?"

Jonas stands and looks at Fadyr. "And what, Fadyr, if the taint came from the knife itself?" he asks quietly.

"Even Bosch can quote the Principia Mechanica," the Korv says darkly. "But we know Bosch by its works."

Fadyr looks to Steinhardt, then to Jonas. He shakes his head. "I truly do not know. I have trouble believing the knife itself is tainted, but what proof could I offer? Where Salvatori here, he may have a feel for such things, I do not. I showed me what it showed me, I cannot explain that. I do not trust magic, but… I can only swear I did as I thought I must." He takes a deep breath and looks to Gergesene and the guards. "Sir Gergesene, I have nothing to support my actions. How does one make others understand a vision? You will likely need to take me into custody under the circumstances. I understand that duty, for I would have to as well."

Jonas shakes his head. This is one that would give the Watch Commanders fits. Too many unknowns, too much confusion. Bad, bad, bad. "Jonas, me bucko," he mutters, "ye really stepped in it this time."

The palace guard looks at Gergesene, "Sir, I will follow whatever you decide in this circumstance."

The Korv reaches up to touch Fadyr's shoulder comfortingly, though he must use his wingtip to reach it. "There may be an answer," he says. "An' Lord Ruthven believe it suitable penance, Sir Rainscroft, you should go to the Cathedral of Precision and serve out a night's vigil there. Your heart will be purified, cleansed of the loathsome visions of Bosch, and you will gain greater understanding. Of this I am sure." He signs the Star.

Gergesene kaws, "If the knife is of Bosch, then the unholy influence it has cast upon you will be burned away as smoke before the flame. And if it is pure, well, your faith will be strengthened."

"Shall I arrange for the body to be removed?" The guard asks, after listening to the Korv's decision.

Steinhardt nods slowly, still watching the other Cervani, "If such be done, know that I will stand vigil with thee, Sir Fadyr." He reaches out to clasp Fadyr's shoulder briefly.

Fadyr almost smiles, both at Gergesene's familiar nature and an option he hadn't seen. "Aye, that may indeed be best." He replaces the knife in the box that it was carried to the room in and unbuckles his swordbelt. The Landsknecht glances at Steinhardt at his offer, and does smile a little. "Thank you."

Jonas nods to the Landsknechts. "I'll keep an eye on yer squire, Fadyr. I've been meaning to look at that library of yers."

Gergesene waves a wing-hand. "A common assassin deserves no great burial. You should do as you will with it."

Jonas looks at the guards. "If I might make a suggestion, ye might burn it. _After_ ye find out who this poor soul was. And how he got in."

Fadyr nods to Jonas. "Aye, that would be much appreciated. I told him I would try to get him to see his mother," he says, deciding that is a safe enough statement. "Perhaps Sir Gergesene would help with that."

Gergesene nods to the others. "I will see you on the morrow then, my friends. We still have another villain who needs be braced. And yes, I should be glad to help young Jael." Looking darker-eyed for this turn in events, the Korv hops out of the cell.

The palace guard says a few brief words to the ones with him, they leave and soon reappear with some blankets. They lift the body on, "We'll take it to the morgue sir… some examinations may wish to be made, for clues as the citizen suggests." He nods in Jonas' direction.

The elderly Cervani healer looks at the remaining knights and Jonas. "Lord Ruthven is weak from his ordeal, but I feel it would be safe of you to bring this matter before him. Do you wish to do so now?"

Steinhardt looks to Fadyr, "'twould likely be best."

Jonas says, "Aye."

Fadyr looks after the dead feline, then turns to Steinhardt and offers both his belt and the box. "Aye, it would, and you should hold my weapons, though… as there may be some question about the knife… " he shrugs, willing to carry it or not.

Steinhardt pauses, then accepts the weaponsbelt and box, "I know not what we should do with the knife, but I find little merit in giving it on another visit to Lord Ruthven."

The healer nods solemnly, stepping out of the way as the guards remove the assassin's body. "This way sirs." He leads the knights, and the highlander upstairs, then up another level. After a long walk through an ornate hallway he stops outside two large doors, and knocks. "Sir! A small matter of some importance, if you have the time."

A voice replies strongly from inside, "Yes Dolais, what is it? Come in." The healer nods, opening the door. As he enters, he glances at the box Steinhardt carries, before stepping into the room. "Lord Ruthven… something has happened… " Both Cervani look at the knights in the doorway, waiting for an explanation.

Ruthven sits up in the bed. He wears a heavy nightshirt, and has the pillows piled behind him. His expression is one of curious puzzlement as he gazes at the knights.

Jonas hangs back, standing outside the room. The fewer people crowding Ruthven, the better.

Fadyr glances at Sir Steinhardt before looking to Lord Ruthven. "My Lord, I have slain the would-be assassin. As I can find little to justify this action beyond a vision, I beg your forgiveness and indulgence. On a suggestion by Sir Gergesene, I would stand vigil tonight in the Cathedral of Precision, with your permission. I feel what I did was right, freeing a soul from the grip of Bosch, but I would feel far better reflecting on the matter in the light of the Star and the Great Machine."

"Slain? Bosch?" Ruthven starts to rise and the healer rushes forward. He lies back, waving a calming hand at the old Cervani, "Yes yes, I'll rest. Bosch… the Kaizer's death was accompanied by some suspicious events that suggested a link with Bosch… that may be worth investigating further… " The stag's voice trails off as he rubs his chin pensively.

"I'll have to think about this further, but yes… a vigil in the Cathedral is in order. I am not sure how the magistrate will view your actions, Sir Rainscroft. I will speak on your behalf when I bring up the matter regarding Jonas." Ruthven lies back against the pillows, "It may take a few days, until I recover. Until then, please do not leave the Keep once you have completed your vigil."

Fadyr nods. "Aye, Lord Ruthven. Thank you, I shall do so. With your permission then, we shall leave you to your rest."

Ruthven nods looking away. The healer makes a few waving gestures, indicating the interview is over and approaching the door. He closes it behind him once the knights are out of his way. "You'll have to forgive his rudeness, the trauma you understand. I can show you to the front door, should you desire it."

Nodding to the healer, Fadyr starts, "I believe we kn-" The Landsknecht stops himself, though, and looks to Sir Steinhardt in deference. After all, it hardly seems appropriate for him to lead just now.

Steinhardt glances at Fadyr, then turns to the healer, shifting the weaponsbelt across his shoulder, "Thank you, healer, but we shall be able to find our own way and not interrupt you in your duties here."

Dolais nods, "I fear my duties have not been in great demand today. Still, I should get back to them. Good even sirs." The old deer nods and leaves down the hallway.

Jonas says, "A moment, healer. Please send word if ye should find something less than … healthy about Sir Ruthven to Sir Gergesene. Bosch may have less obvious weapons in its arsenal, if ye take my meaning."

The old deer pauses, a strange look crossing his face, then it vanishes. "Oh, a poison on the blade. Yes, of course. I'll send word should any complications develop in his treatment."

Jonas nods. Poison, close enough. "Thankee."

The healer bows once again, and continues on his way.

Steinhardt watches after Dolais for a moment, then turns to his fellow knight, "Have courage, Sir Fadyr; truth and order will prevail."

Fadyr says, "Aye, Sir Steinhardt, I have yet to lose faith in that."

Fadyr strides through the halls, leading the others back outside. At the fresh air, he takes a deep breath. He turns to Jonas and bows. "Please assure Devon all will work out, I appreciate your watching over him. Good eve to you, Jonas." With that, he makes his way to the Cathedral.

Jonas nods. "Mother's Blessing, Fadyr.

A parting nod to Jonas, and Steinhardt sets off with Fadyr, still carrying the box, but purposefully returning the swordbelt to its owner.

Fadyr looks to his side and nods gratefully, taking his belt back. He does not put it back on, however, carrying it instead.

As Fadyr goes to reconcile himself in the Cathedral of Precision, Gergesene and Jonas return to the Keep of the Landsknechts. For the rest of the day, they keep an eye on young Devon Rainscroft, aka Jael. Jonas joins the young Cervani in the library and spends a few hours undisturbed with the boy, discussing Chronotopia's military history as fellow students, with Gergesene as a willing instructor.

As the two Cervani continue towards the cathedral, Steinhardt cannot help but glance occasionally at Fadyr. Despite his faith in his fellow Landsknecht, he is troubled, and is grateful when they finally reach their destination.

The is no service ongoing at this moment in the cathedral. Still, like the machine it represents, there is an ever present motion of acolytes inside the complex mechanism. They light candles, oil gears, and say prayers as part of their daily obligations.

Fadyr slows in the cathedral, though still striding with purpose. The Cervani's eyes search amongst the acolytes for a priest of greater experience and rank to ask about the dagger.

One priest seems of more standing than the others circulating around. He notices the Landsknecht's attention and proceeds over. Giving a small bow to the knights, he makes the sign of the star and says, "Greetings Sirs, may the motions of the machine bring you to your proper place. Is there any way I can assist you?"

With a deep bow, Fadyr replies, "Aye, I believe so. There is something we would like you to look at." He turns to Steinhardt and the box, balancing his swordbelt over a shoulder and giving the other knight a look, silently asking for permission to retrieve the knife.

The Cervani priest leans forward, looking at the box held by the other night. "Indeed?"

Steinhardt nods to the priest and lowers the box slightly, opening it. He glances to Fadyr, face worried, but nods ever so slightly. He tenses slightly, praying nothing ill will come of this decision…

"Ah." The priest says, reaching into the box and withdrawing the knife.

Nothing happens, the priest doesn't faint, his eyes don't glaze over, his mind does not snap, and he exhibits no strange behaviour such as stabbing someone through the chest. The Cervani turns the blade over, examines the pommel and looks at the Landsknechts. "It's a simple knife. Expensive, consecrated here, what else do you need to know about it?"

Fadyr hesitantly offers to the priest, "That blade… was used in an attempted assassination. It seems as a knife that may have been fashioned here, yet it has been to Bosch. It know the way and it showed me things. I… we hoped that we may find answers as to its nature by bringing it here."

The stag raises an eyebrow, "Indeed?" He looks more carefully at the knife. "I don't recall seeing one like this recently… and it appears quite worn in some aspects. It is metal, and that resists the influence of Bosch the best. I would have to look for the number, and check our records. That might take some time. It is very important you know more about this I gather?"

Giving a nod, Fadyr says, "Aye, it could be very important."

"Very well good Knights, I will seek the information for you." The Cervani bows, "Is that all you need?"

Fadyr bows his head. "I… we wish to stand vigil this night, to dwell on matters. What I have seen holding that knife has left me more than a bit unsettled, I wish to be certain of my way."

The priest nods, "This way, small gear. There is a place in the machine for that sort of prayer." He leads Fadyr, and Steinhardt off to a private chapel. He bows once more, closing the door as he leaves with the knife and giving a parting blessing. "Let the Star's light drive the mechanisms of your mind."

Steinhardt stares at the closed door for a short time, then, shaking his head, turns to place the box in an out-of-the way corner. "It seems you lead a charmed existence, friend Fadyr."

Fadyr kneels, unsheathing his swords. He places the shorter one on the floor, then rests the tip of the longer blade just by it. Gripping the handle in both hands, he nods, sounding genuinely surprised, "Aye, it would seem. Thank you, Sir Steinhardt, for standing by me." He closes his eyes, trying to sort out the visions he has seen and the death of the Khatta, Ruthven's suspicious behavior still working its way into his mind. He passes the night there silently with his fellow Landsknecht.

Steinhardt also finds much to think on this night. Why did the knife not affect the priest as it had Fadyr? Pure chance, or design? And if design, then what next? Quiet contemplation and silent resolve…

The night is long, and many questions circulate in Fadyr's mind, and few answers. He does find peace, in that no way he looks at the incident with the assassin reveals any other choice he could have made. By morning, his mind is clear, only the memory of the vision into Bosch remains, and that also, is sharp.

As the morning sun shines over the horizon outside, Fadyr finds himself standing up and replacing his blades. He straightens his tabard and refastens his belt, only the tiny flecks of dried blood on his hands marring a proper appearance. The Cervani nods to his fellow, filled with resolve to find the answers, filled with certainty of his decision, and filled with more faith in a fair future than he has held since the death of the Kaizer. "Let us be certain the priest knows where to find us and be off to the Keep, my friend," he says, leading the way out of the small chapel.