The Sand Table

Chapter 2 - Part 2 Law & Order

Feb 19, 2025

Previously, Balgair and his women returned to the estate. The next morning, Balgair prepares to head into work.

With the two women in tow, Balgair walked out onto the porch and drew a deep breath of the morning air before heading for the landau. After helping both Heather and Delilah into the wagon, he climbed in, settled into the middle of the seat, and adjusted his hat. He glanced at the driver. “On to the office, my good man.”

The driver knuckled the brim of his hat and snapped the reins, starting the carriage on its way.

As the sun broke above the horizon, they were almost to the North gate and slowing down when the gate opened, and one of the guards waved them through.

“Sir, Lieutenant Harper and Parcival said they need you at the office as soon as possible. Harper has information for you.”

“Thank you, Corporal,” Balgair said, leaning forward to the driver. “To the Office, Darvin.”

Heather and Delilah watched as Balgair lapsed into thoughtful silence. He couldn’t help but wonder what Parcival found.

~ ~ ~ ~

Before the carriage came to a stop outside the Sherrif’s Office, Balgair threw open the door, jumped out, and headed inside. He met Tackett inside the door. “Where are they?”

“You don’t waste any time, do you?” the sergeant commented with a grin. “Harper and Parcival are in the map room.” The map room was the newest in the office. It had framed maps on the walls and a sand table that could be used to plan assaults and scout missions. That was Parcival’s baby; he had moved it from the guard shack about a week ago.

“It must be important. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have left word at the gate.” Balgair moved down the hall toward the map room.

“Good morning, gentlemen,” Balgair crowed as he walked into the map room and examined the layout. There were four red markers heading south from Oak Point, “Those are new. Care to tell me about them?”

Parcival had the decency to look embarrassed. “The sites of four massacres, sir. Each of them is a small village or farm.” He pointed to the third one. “That one was eight families. They killed the men in the fields and gathered the women and children together for a party before they murdered them.” His jaw was clenched in righteous anger. Like most law-abiding men, he couldn’t tolerate attacks on innocent families. “If they keep going the way they are, they’ll have to go around the Aulean canyon.”

Balgair was impressed. “That was pretty detailed work.” He quirked a brow. “How many Iron Guards do you have in Rydell’s squad?”

Harper blinked and looked at Parcival in shock. The supply Lieutenant shrugged, “Three. Rydell’s adjutant and two scouts.” He glanced over at Harper. “Surely you had suspicions.”

The guardsman winced. “I figured you had some intelligence experience, but as an Iron Guard. No, I never imagined that.” Harper looked to Balgair. “When did you know?”

The sheriff chuckled, “I have a bit of a leg up on you. As a Black Swan, I’m privy to where most of the Iron Guard are. I had him pegged within five minutes of meeting him.”

Harper froze, feeling as if he were standing between great and powerful people. “Black Swan, you?” When Balgair nodded, Harper shook his head. “I need to sit down.”

“By all means, sit down,” Balgair said, pulling out a chair and sitting. “So, we have four massacres with high body counts, and they are heading back in our direction.” He stared at the sand table. “How are you communicating with your agents? Soul-stones? Palantirs? Mirrors?”

“You would make me spill all of my secrets,” Parcival groused. “Soul-stones.” Shaking his head, he continued, “And before you ask, no, I don’t have anymore. Those things are hard to come by.”

“Tell me about it,” Balgair quipped. “I’ve been trying to get one for years. It would make it easier to contact people.”

Parcival shrugged, “It’s got downsides. I can only use it to contact my fellow Iron Guard.”

Balgair nodded, “It sounds like mirrors are a better option.” He turned his attention back to the sand table again. “What if those bandits aren’t going around the canyon?” He stood and leaned over the table. “Has anyone set foot in that canyon?”

Tackett, who had never been around the canyon, shrugged. Harper shook his head. Parcival looked at the canyon on the wall maps and the sand table. “I don’t think anyone has ever explored the canyon. People are far more interested in farms and ranches and protecting their homes. Exploration is something that only adventurers do.”

Balgair nodded. “True. Maybe we should hire some and map out the land between here and San Ang, but that’s for later.”

Balgair sighed as he stood. “Let me know the next time your contacts call home. I’d be interested in knowing what they find out.”

I’m always interested in hearing what you think. I would enjoy it if you’d

Crann na beatha

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