Trik - Betrayal in Rule
Chapter 14

Trik was led, with his hands shackled behind his back, to a room in the tallest tower of the palace. There, he was brought before Duke Mortimer. The Duke was dressed in his finest red robes, and he held Trik’s sword in his right hand. Two of the guards remained in the room with Trik and Mortimer, but the others returned to the gate. The Duke approached Trik, holding his sword. “This is a fine blade,” he said. “It’s a pity that it once belonged to a thief.” He placed the sword on a small table in the center of the room. “Where is your friend, the boy my men arrested?”

“There is no criminal greater than a traitor,” said Trik. “You are a villainous spider.”

Mortimer smiled as he stepped before Trik. His tan skin was glistening with oil. He might have been beautiful, if it were not for his nose. “A spider is foolish,” he said, his voice tinged with a soft grace. “When a spider weaves its web, the spider knows nothing. I, on the other hand, know exactly what I do.”

“You commit treason,” said Trik, glaring at the Duke.

Mortimer made no expression. “I am the Emperor’s closest confidante,” he said. “My half-sister is the Empress. I have no need to take what is already mine.”

“Then why do your men patrol the streets?” asked Trik.

“I am here in the Emperor’s defense,” said Mortimer. “The Emperor requested my aid, and I have given it freely.”

“With one hand you hold the city,” said Trik, “but with the other you reach for the crown.”

Mortimer shook his head. “How many good deeds must a man do?” he said. “I have come to the Emperor at his need. I have bolstered the city for his defense.”

“Soon,” said Trik, “all will know that you are a liar and a traitor.”

Mortimer smiled grimly. “Is this how you beg for my mercy?” he asked. “I serve the Emperor and see that his will is done.” He pointed a long slim finger at Trik. “You will hang,” he said, “but first your lying tongue will be cut out.” He glanced at the guards behind Trik. “Take him to the dungeon,” he said. “Put a guard on him at all times. I don’t want a moment to go by that he is not watched.” He turned away from Trik and walked toward a desk at the far end of the room.

The guards moved forward, and grasped the elf. “I will see your head,” shouted Trik, as the guards struggled to take him away. “I will see it on a spike.”

Mortimer did not turn, nor did he give any expression, as the guards dragged Trik away from the room and down, down the many dark passages to the dungeon.