Balgair visits the North Gatehouse

The Reeve learns how Gate-keepers work.

As the five law enforcement officers returned to the carriage, they listened as Balgair told them that the mage might not be guilty of desertion and then showed them the council letter. 

“It’s looking more and more like the mayor is the only guilty one,” Ben stated as he read the letter.  “The only way to clear the guard captain is to check with the gate they exited from.” 

“Going to Derosa, they’d leave from the North gate,” Methak mentioned, pointing toward that gate. 

The Reeve nodded and gestured in that general direction.  “Then, to the North gate, it is.” 

“Aye, sir,” the driver replied as he snapped the reins and started the horses off on a light canter. 

“If the information at the gate checks out, your Captain will be cleared, and we can deal with Willems,” Balgair commented, leaning back into the seat.  He didn’t want to admit it, but he was getting used to the carriage. 

“How long till we get to the North gatehouse?”  Balgair inquired as he stared straight ahead.

“About ten blocks, more or less, depending on traffic.”  The driver stated as he steered around pedestrian traffic. 

Balgair leaned forward and watched intently as they approached the Northern gate. Tucked against the wall, he could see a squat square building.  “I don’t remember seeing that building on the way in.”

Tackett chuckled, “You weren’t looking for it, and being alone, they had no reason to bring you inside.”

Ben shrugged.  “But I’ll wager they took note of him when he did enter, and they knew where he spent his first night.” 

Balgair examined the outside of the building, noting the construction. He could tell that it had started as a small guard shack that had grown as the years went on until it was the size of a small one-family dwelling. He could see the remnants of the wood used to build the shack and how it had been masterfully blended into the stone construction until it looked like it fit perfectly. Whoever did this was a master craftsman. I’ve never seen such a perfect, simple design.   

“If you don’t mind, sir, I’ll wait until you’re finished inside.”  The driver said as he parked the carriage outside the gatehouse. 

“That’s fine,” Balgair said, I don’t think we’ll be inside very long.”

“So, you think they already know who I am and when I came in?”  Balgair asked with a relaxed grin.

“To the second,” Tackett replied, matching the grin. 

When everyone had climbed down from the carriage, Balgair led them to the side door, where a soldier wearing the uniform of a city guardsman was standing, watching the people walking around the building.  The soldier watched as the six approached him, examined Balgair from head to foot, and then saluted.  “Good Afternoon, Sir.”  He held out his right hand. “May I see your Identification, sir?” 

Balgair reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the small two-inch by two-inch card Delilah had given him.  She had told him that it contained a minuscule portion of his spiritual pressure and could be used to identify him to people who asked. 

The guardsman took the card and held it loosely in one hand, then closed his eyes and reached out with his prana. 

Balgair tried to relax as the man’s spiritual energy brushed against his.  I’ve never liked that, even when Rhyslin was doing it.  There’s just something about having my prana touched that sets me on edge.

“Thank you, sir,” the soldier said as he handed Balgair back his card and opened the door.  “Welcome to the North gate guard house.  The Lieutenant is just around the corner. You can’t miss his emblem on the door.” 

“Thank you,” Balgair said as he stepped inside and turned left, walking down the short hallway.  As the six walked away from the door, they could hear the guard whispering...

“The new Reeve is on the way, sir.”  There was a second of silence.  “You were right about who it would be.”  The person on the other end of the conversation said something because the guard continued. “Yeah, it’s him.” 

If I were to turn my head, they’d all be smirking or trying not to laugh.  Balgair thought as he looked for the door with the Lieutenant’s insignia.  This must be it.  He said as he looked at the varnished wooden door before him. 

Upon his knock, a voice called from inside, “Come in.”  When he pushed the door open and stepped inside, he saw a man who appeared slightly older than himself, with sandy blond hair and gray eyes.  “How would you like to be addressed, sir?” 

“You may call me Balgair, Captain, or Sir,” Balgair said with a grin.  “I’m not picky.” 

“It’s not a matter of being picky, sir,” the Lieutenant stated, gesturing to a chair in front of the desk.  “If we are lax while on Duty, we tend to forget that some things need to be formal, such as Ranks, titles, and names.”

Balgair nodded, “I understand.  As you surmised, I’m the new Reeve and a captain or a soon-to-be ex-captain.”

“I Beg your pardon, sir, but there’s no such thing as an ex-captain, especially if he was one of the Eula Dubh.” 

“It looks like I owe Ben one for that bet,” Balgair muttered. 

The lieutenant laughed softly.  “Yes, sir.  We saw you when you walked in four days ago.  It’s not every day that we get a Black Swan traveling through.  It’s even rarer when he takes down an assassin and bruiser and then sends a death mage packing.” 

Balgair was at a loss. He hadn’t expected them to know that much about him.  “Should I be concerned, Lieutenant?”

“Harper, sir.  Seamus Harper.”  The lieutenant introduced himself.  “And, no, sir.  Our mandate is to do three things. One: Keep track of people who enter and exit this gate.” He held up one finger, then extended a second. “Two: Search for and keep contraband items from entering the town.”  He held up a third finger, “And third: Collect the taxes for goods coming into and going out of the city.  To further those goals, we keep an eye on who comes and goes, search cargo, and collect taxes, which we turn in to your office at the end of every shift.” 

“Impressive,” Balgair stated.  “It’s the first one that I’ve come to ask about.”  When Harper beckoned for him to continue, Tackett stepped forward.  “Can you tell us when Captain Rydell left on his patrol?” 

“We figured that you’d be asking about that, sir,” Harper stated as he tapped his fingers on the stack of papers on his desk.  “Does this pertain to the five days the comm-crystal was left unattended?” 

Tackett had the decency to acknowledge the Lieutenant’s suspicion.  Balgair patted him on the shoulder, “I keep telling you that you’re in the clear, Tackett.” 

Harper nodded.  “That’s what we thought.”  He thumbed through the pages.  “Captain Rydell left ten days ago on a routine patrol.  Magaidh Eygas left on council business a week ago, followed by the mayor, who tagged along for personal reasons.”  He met Balgair’s eyes and stated.  “It’s a pleasure to meet a military man, sir.  It’s been far too long since we’ve had someone like you as a Reeve.”  He relaxed a bit as Balgair gave a nod.  “We didn’t have anything against Dafyd, sir.  He was a good administrator, but he didn’t have a military background, and in our opinion, that’s what got him killed.  He trusted too much in his position instead of training, and when Brutus attacked him, he couldn’t defend himself.”

“That’s what I figured,” Balgair murmured.  “Thank you, Lieutenant. If we need anything else, we’ll let you know.”

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