Tales of Jose and Jenny: An Untimed Murder

By Koustav Das Chakladar

Chapter 1

Gentle breeze was blowing with a ‘whooshing’ sound. A little creek was trickling down on the rocky bed of the forest. Some unknown birds were cooing at a distance. Flies were buzzing around. Joseph Phynix was standing calmly, listening to the sounds of nature. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The dry autumn wind was making him a little shiver. His blackish purple cloak was fluttering with the gentle breeze. He touched the hilt of his sword and felt the coldness of the steel.

Then he unsheathed his sword and looked straight to Jennifer’s eyes. Jennifer, standing in front of him, also unsheathed her sword from the scabbard with a hissing sound. She kept looking straight into Joseph’s black eyes. She could feel the tension rising through her body. Despite the cool breeze of autumn, a sweat bead started dripping from her temples. She moved her right leg one step towards Joseph, positioning her for the upcoming combat. A small twig crushed under her feet with a ‘crunch’.

Within a blink of an eye Joseph charged at her, slashing the blade to a full swing. Jennifer blocked the blow with a sudden reflex. The swords clanged together. Jennifer swirled and slashed at Joseph. He blocked the blow with lateral slash. Jennifer smirked and thought, “Got you!”. Then she swirled to the opposite side like a dancer, squatted down and slashed at Joseph’s foot. Joseph crushed the blow in a blink of an eye by simply tramping the sword with his foot. Jennifer looked at him with sudden despair. She could feel Joseph's sword, dangerously close to her throat.

Joseph smirked at her and said, “ And you are dead!”.

Then he simply walked away, freeing the sword under his foot. Jennifer twisted her mouth in derision. Within a second, she charged at Joseph, slashing at him from behind. He turned back and casually blocked the slash with his dagger, holding in his left hand. He smiled at Jennifer and said, “ You failed to kill me today, Jenny.”

Jennifer threw her sword away with anger and disappointment.

“Damn you, Uncle!. You are so good with swords!”, she replied.

Joseph sat down under the big pine grove and started honing his Sword.

“They don’t call me “Third Morningstar” for nothing. Surely I have plenty of reasons to be good at this. I won the title at just your age, Jenny and Since then I haven't quitted my daily practices, unlike you”

Jennifer sat down beside him and said in despair, “No! That’s not true. I’m trying, Uncle! Trying my best! Still I haven’t mastered the “Frog dance”.”

Then She paused for a moment and pondered a little. She asked him, “ Don’t you think it’s a bit of a weird name for such a difficult move ?”

Joseph replied calmly, “ When I killed that Kuronese Bastard,....... What was his name again? Damn! I forgot! Well, when I cut both of his legs with this move I was thinking about the appropriate name. Then It came to me. So I named it Frog Dance, Which is, in simple words, swirling and slashing to the feet by squatting like Frog!”

Jennifer replied, “Frogs don’t squat. They hop”

Joseph thought for a second and replied, “ Whatever!”

“You never told me that story before. I heard it from my mother.” Jennifer asked. “Uncle! Please…..! Tell me the story!”

Joseph stopped honing his blade and leaned on the trunk of a Pine tree.

“Well. …..Let’s start…. In the year 962, Those damn Kuronese attacked the Sworn. Your father and the Cabinet decided it would be appropriate to send a fourteen year old boy against the most powerful thalassocratic empire in the east. So they made me the commander of Eastern Wing and sent me to recapture the archipelago. Well! Let's be honest! I never thought I would come back alive after this expedition. Yet I’m sparring with you here………”

Jennifer was listening to her uncle with amazement. She was extremely close to her uncle ever since she was born. Since then she had been following in her uncle’s footsteps. Joseph Phynix, brother of Emperor Justine Phynix was extremely well regarded for his talent in diplomacy and military campaigns. At the age of fourteen, He became the Third Morningstar of the Phynix Empire. The title was given to the best swordsman in the Empire. At a very young age, the sons of High Lord, Knights and Senators were trained at the Academy of Britannica, to be a Knight. One has to go through an extensive training of seven years. After that they were dubbed by the Emperor as Knights who can hold land as a Banneret and can train other Knights as subordinates. The Knights from the Academy were called ‘Phynix’ and the Knights who were trained by ‘Phynix’ but not by the Academy were called ‘Eagles’. The former were given a surcoat, embroidered with a flying ‘Phynix Bird’ while the latter must have to take the ‘Standing Eagle’ as a sigil. By the decree of the Emperor, the ‘Eagle’ could become a ‘Phynix’. Now among those all Phynixes, ten of them were selected by the Cabinet to become the ‘Feathers of Crown’ every five years. They had to serve the Crown in various positions, as Chief of Royal Army, Navy or External Affairs, Captain of Royal Guards etc. Half of them were appointed by the Royal Family and Other half were appointed by the Senate. Every five years, a Grand festival was held where the ‘Feathers of Crown’ had to fight with each other. The man who could defeat all nine of his other comrades would become ‘The Morningstar’. Joseph Phynix won the title at the age of Fourteen. After that, he became the General of Eastern Royal Navy and was sent in a campaign against Islands of Kurosa, the bitter rival of Phynix Empire in the East. They warred with each other previously on over several occasions. In the year, 962 of Britannica, Kuronese Navy attacked on the main naval operation base of Phynix empire, Sworn Islands which was located in the middle of Sea of Kraken and sacked its capital Sworn City. According to history, this fully operational naval base was once owned by the Republic of Islandos in the far east. Phynix Empire once helped this Republic over a succession crisis. They provided five regiments and the Second Morningstar Sir Henry, the deadly himself, commanded this army. At the end of the war, Republic of Islandos gave one of their naval base in west to Phynix Empire. Although the Island was controlled by their own King, they took an oath to help the House Phynix, if they needed. It was the most powerful naval base of Phynix empire and their arch enemy, Kurosa tried to take those islands on several occasion. That year, they launched a full scale invasion on the islands

In retaliation, Phynix empire sent Joseph Phynix and Eastern Royal Navy. It was the most bloodiest campaigns of Phynix empire in sea. Joseph crushed the Kuronese army and became a legend. According to the scholars of Britannica, Joseph used various unusual techniques of pitched battle and sea battle which were neither seen nor theorised before this battle. The costly campaign dragged on for seven months and only ended when Kuronese King, Hiruko Tanaki was captured by the Phynician Army. He challenged Joseph in a duel and lost both of his legs in a single blow. Two days later he died with his dream to conquer Sworns. Kuronese Islands sued for peace and the war ended.

After that, Joseph simply retired from his post, and vanished from the Empire for six years with his legendary War Galley which he named as ‘Sea Whore’. When he returned, he returned with five ships, full with gold and gems. With him came a mysterious and extremely beautiful woman, Lady Omaera, his wife. No one knew about a single thing about her. She had been living with Joseph since then and she was an extremely good fighter. Few days after his return, Jennifer Phynix was born and since she opened her eyes, she could be seen with her Aunt and Uncle for all the time. Women weren’t allowed in pretty much everything in Phynix empire, mainly in Military. But Joseph was being Joseph, he taught Jennifer everything, from Swordsmanship to diplomacy, warfare tactics, Geography, History, language and science. Much to the horror of both the Senate and Royal Family, he petitioned the Crown to start admitting girls in the Academy. When they refused, he held his own tournament for the Academy students with extravagant prize money and made the participants fight with his niece Jennifer. In front of thousands of men and women, Jennifer defeated all of them. In the same tournament Joseph Phynix announced that he was intending to dub her as a first woman knight when her training would be done. He also duelled with his little niece to show the World that she was as better as anyone in the Academy. Although the Emperor was impressed by his daughter’s prowess with swords he was disgusted by the actions of his brother. After that event, the Crown put a temporary ban on Joseph from entering Britannica. By that time, Joseph became the richest man in Britannica because he invested all of his money in trading. He erected his own Castle in Sereneshire, a city located twenty miles west of Britannica, and started living there. Few months after he left the city, the Senate which controlled the academy passed a law, allowing the Woman in Academy. Prime Minister Edward Phynix, Emperor’s elder brother, found that nearly all of the Senators voted in favour of the decision which was an extremely queer thing to happen. From various secret sources, he came to know that Joseph bribed all of them. He sent men to arrest his wayward brother but the men he sent switched sides. In response to this, the Senate condemned the Royal Family for their actions. This melodrama went on for months and finally the Royal family gave in. They lifted the ban on Joseph and Princess Jennifer became the first woman ever entered in the Academy. In the Academy even the masters didn’t want to teach her despite her status of a Princess. Joseph was also a master of the Academy back then. Thus, Joseph had to use his influence there. He took her as a student and there he taught Jennifer everything she needed to become the finest Knight of the Empire.

She passed the Academy just like her uncle at the age of fourteen. At the final ceremony of Accolade, the Emperor rejected to dub her as a Knight. Then, in front of the hundreds of spectators, Joseph dubbed her as a first female Knight of the history of Phynix empire. Amidst all of this misogyny, Jennifer persevered. She always looked at her uncle when no one was there for her. Her mother, Mary Phynix never wanted her daughter to become a Knight. Neither her father nor Uncle Edward wanted her in the academy. The Emperor tried everything to prevent her daughter but his wayward brother remained as a thorn in his throne.

According to Joseph her training was still not completed yet. To him being just a ‘Phynix’ was a kind of disgrace. For the last two years, Joseph was teaching his niece various Martial arts, which he learned from his days of adventure. Jennifer quickly learned many of those moves with weird names. Everytime she asked about the reason behind such naming, Joseph started telling her stories. Jennifer loved to listen to these long stories with delight.

“......... Well, after I won the duel ……his son came to me and told me that one day he will shove his sword up to my arse……. Well! I kinda forgot his name….Hey, are you even listening, Jenny ?”, Joseph asked.

Jennifer replied, “ Yes! What happened next!”

Joseph pondered for a moment and replied, “ Well, that I forgot!”

Jennifer sighed. “Let’s go then!”

“Why?”, he asked

“ You always forget what happened next! And you haven’t told me how you met with Aunt Omaera. You always tell me that you forget” Jenny said with a disappointing tone.

“Hmm…. hey! It is getting dark, Let’s go”, Joseph suddenly stood up, buckled his belt and started walking towards his Horse. “C’mon, We will late for dinner’

Jennifer sighed again. Joseph always ignored the topic of his wife whenever Jennifer asked about it. Neither he told anything about his sudden disappearance and shocking return.

She stood up and started following her uncle. As soon as Jenny sat on her horse, Joseph called, “HEY! Let’s race towards the Castle”

Jenny smirked and galloped past her uncle. Joseph shouted. “WAIT! I’m coming!”. He reined hard and raced his horse to meet with Jenny.

Jennifer held the reins of her horse as it galloped through the forest towards the road leading to the Castle. The wind was passing beside her ears with a swoosh. This wind was chilly, making her shiver. The sound of the hoove echoed through the forest as it was getting dark. She could see the sun was setting on the horizon of the vast grassland. Another sound of hooves was following her from behind. Joseph reined hard to meet his niece.

“Hey! Calm down! You are going too fast”, He screamed.

“Today, I will beat you uncle! At Least in Horse Racing!” She yelled back

Joseph wittily replied, “ In your dreams….” and he overtook her from the left.

“Damn! Not again!”, She cried

Suddenly Joseph reined back his horse and it slowed down. Jennifer rushed to him. She asked, “What happened ?”

Joseph pointed his finger. Two men in Royal Liveries were coming at them. They stopped before Joseph and said, “Lord Morningstar!”

“Robin! Stuart!”, He said.

The man named Robin replied, “ My Lord! Lord Xanos was murdered!”

Joseph exclaimed, “ WHAT!”

Robin said, “ My Lord! You are summoned by the crown! Sir William Humpingdon sent us to tell you immediately. He is investigating the situation. Sir Larry Liam arrested a fifteen years old boy holding a weird shaped knife. My Lord! Come with us! It is urgent”

Chapter 2

When Joseph and Jennifer entered through the Castle gate, a Knight came running at them. He was wearing a red surcoat embroidered with Phynix Bird and a gold bracelet on his right hand designed with a red coloured feather. Sir William Hampingdon bowed to Joseph and said, “My Lord! Where have you been ? You are being summoned by The Crown. They asked me to inform you. I literally searched this whole place.”

Joseph casually replied, “ I told you to resign long ago, Willy. You,Crown Feathers are just being used to clean my Brother's ass. Since the day of the academy I hated this kind of job. ‘Being summoned by the King’.... HEH! Tell my brother that I’m busy.”

Sir William gazed at him with an expressionless face for a minute. Then he replied, “ Jose! Can you please stop talking like this? One day I will be dead because of you! Please, Go with me,”

He paused and looked at Jennifer. Then he leaned at Joseph and whispered, “I have some information. Can we talk in private?”

Joseph looked at Jennifer and smiled. Jennifer understood and walked away from the corridor.

Sir William was waiting for her to go. Then he whispered,

“Something is going on down South! A Delegate from Altocus, Lord Xanos who came last night was found dead in his own chamber. A boy found him. Sir Larry arrested the boy. The Senate ordered him and they put the boy on trial.”

Then he whispered something to Joseph.

Joseph twisted his mouth in derision and whispered back, “ I sent my men two days ago to receive him! I told that asshole to lay low. Now he is dead. And Willy, That something is a fucking WAR!.... Tell my brothers to sleep well now! I predicted this situation two years ago. Edward and Justine are such a cunt they ignored it! Tell them, I will first meet with those fuckers of Senate. Where I can find Senator Dick”.

Sir William replied, “ Senator Dickens is at the chamber of justice. The hearing has began few minutes ago”

Joseph smiled and said, “ They are in a hurry for some reasons, as it seems. Well, I need to stop this. The boy may know something valuable”

He nodded to William. He also nodded in response and left,

Joseph walked through the corridor and turned left. Jenny was leaning on a pillar. He called out loud, “ Come follow me Jenny”

She walked to him and asked, “ What’s going on,Uncle”

He replied, “What! Oh…..Willy?!.... Nah! Nothing serious!”

“You are avoiding me, Uncle”

“Yes”, Joseph smiled

They walked through the Corridor and took a left turn toward the Chamber of Justice. The Sentri, standing in front of the gate bowed to Joseph. He nodded in response and entered the room. It was a big hall room with a small Accused Box in the middle. Just in front of the Box, A huge throne was kept for the King or ‘Emperor of the Phynix’ at a height where three separate staircases from three sides were connected. Below the staircase, nine huge chairs were placed for Cabinet Members. The middle one of those chairs was for the Prime Minister or ‘Lord of The State’. To the left, four chairs were placed for Cabinet Members elected by the Senate, to the right the four chairs were for members selected by the Royal Family. Just in front of the accused box, a small statue of a lady was placed holding the Book of Justice. The Chairs for Senators were circling the whole room. From the first and second floors, the audience could see the trial. Today it was nearly empty. Senator Dickens was sitting just in front of the accused as a judge. A boy was standing in the Accusation Chamber. Total five men were present and their voices were echoing through the room. Joseph sat on one of the chairs and gestured to Jennifer to sit.

Then he asked her.

“Jenny, Do you remember the lesson ‘reading the room’ ?”

She replied, “Yes! I actually do!”

“Tell me, What is happening here ?”

Jennifer tried to listen to the boy standing in the middle of the room.

“MY LORD!” a despair in his voice. “I DID NOT KILL HIM! I BEG YOU”

The boy was pleading to Senator Dickens. “ I found him lying dead in his room but I haven’t killed him”

“But they found you with a knife in your hand ! Do you deny that ?”

“My Lord……That knife was stuck in his chest……”

He was interrupted by the roaring voice of the Senator.

“DO YOU DENY THAT ?”

The boy answered desperately, “No!But I haven’t killed him”.

Jennifer frowned and pondered for a moment. Then she whispered

“Uncle, he is innocent”.

“How?”

“His movements and gestures! None of it is suggesting that he is guilty. And besides, I know him! He is Alan.”

“ Jenny, I haven’t told you to judge whether the boy is guilty or not! I am telling you to read the room. There is a fucking dirty politics going on here! A person is murdered today in broad day light and they are trying to put the blame on this boy, as it seems.” Joseph replied.

Jennifer looked at him flummoxed. “ How do you know that ?”

Joseph scratched his beard. “Well!” He pondered for a moment and said, “I will explain it to you later. But for now..” He hemmed loudly. The hearing stopped for a moment. Senator Dickens raised his head and turned his head at Joseph.

Joseph stood up and raised his voice, “Yelling at a teenage boy doesn’t make you right, Senator !”

Dickens replied calmly, “My Lord! It isn’t your place to talk”

Joseph answered in a mocking tone, “Yes It is. Law gives everyone equality. I’m sure you can recall. As per my information, This boy was arrested by Royal Guards in charge of murder just few hours ago. Yet he is standing here without any proper investigation or report done by Royal Guards surprisingly on the same day he was arrested. What type of nonsensical debauchery is this ? At least give him a proper trial.”

“I’m in charge of this matter by the verdict of the King and the Cabinet, My Lord! I’m doing it in a legal way. So please don’t interru……..”

“NO! YOU AREN’T”, Jennifer yelled

Dickens frowned at her . She continue, “ I know this boy. His name is Alan. He came from Savdka, an autonomous province of Phynix Empire. You are judging him by using Phynician Laws.”

Joseph smirked at Dickens and sat down casually. He could see anger in the Senator's face. Jennifer continued, “ According to Savdkan Law, Number 78, A person, accused of murder, must be judged in presence of the King and Men, in front of God. I see no ‘King’ here, My Lord! Neither the King of Savdka nor the Emperor himself. What kind of Justice is this!”

Joseph quipped, “ I’m sure you know this at least, Senator.”

Dickens replied to Jennifer, “The Emperor is busy, Princess”

“Then adjourn the meeting!” She said

“I can’t. This is an order! Princess”

“Yes, you can and you should”

“Interrupting the Judicial Process is also an offence under Phynician Law. And currently, My Lady, You are interrupting the Senate’s business. You do know that I can arrest you for that ?”

“Like I care, Senator. If I complain against you to the crown for breaking the law and using your position unjustly, Do you know that you will be in prison ?”

Senator lost his calm and yelled at Jennifer, “Guard your tongue! Princess. You are talking to a representative of the City and Crown. Don’t you dare talk to me in this way!”

Before Jennifer could reply, Joseph lost his calm. He said to the Senator, “Senator Dickens, adjourn the judgement and meet me within one hour. I do not have a whole lot of time for this nonsense. You and your senate can play with this nonsense politics but I have many serious business to cover. Meet with me or else……….. Oh! The City election is coming soon. I’m sure you want to participate again.”

Dickens remained quiet for a long time. And then he finally called off, “The Judgement is adjourned and it will be held within one week under the jurisdiction of the Emperor. The guards are being ordered to take the convict in custody.” Then he rose and angrily left the room.

The boy named Alan was standing in the middle of the room, sobbing in tears. A hand patted his back. “ Don’t you worry, Alan! I’m here.”Jennifer spoke to him with a soft voice. Alan looked at her and started crying desperately. “ My Lady! Thank you for saving my life!”

Jennifer patted him again, trying to console him at her best. Meanwhile Joseph was observing the boy. He walked towards him and said, “BOY! Have you found a dagger shoved on the dead body ?”

Alan stopped crying for a moment and looked at Joseph. Then he broke down in tears again. “ Lord Morningstar! I haven’t………..”

“Damn you, Boy!” He yelled at him. “ Stop crying! Let me ask you again. Have you found a dagger shoved on the dead body ?”

“Yes, My Lord!”, He murmured.

“Well! Describe it! Does it have a wooden handle, carved with some bullshit writings ? Does the blade shape like an arc ?”

Alan looked at Joseph, astounded and flabbergasted. “ YES!” He replied in a loud but shaky voice.

“Hmm…..” Joseph murmured, “ Tell us from the beginning, Boy!”

Alan nodded and explained everything to Joseph in a simple and precise manner. He listened to him carefully. After he finished explaining, Joseph called the two Royal Guards standing at a distance and told them, “Keep the boy safe! If he is killed like Xanos, I will personally have your heads”

Royal guards nodded and took the boy with them. Alan looked at Jennifer in despair. Jennifer smiled at him and spoke loudly, “ Be safe!”. They took the boy out of the Chamber of Justice.

After they left, Joseph also left the room. He had never been angry nor had he ever become puzzled. But this untimely murder was making him almost mad. Lord Xanos came from a land name Altocus, an allied nation of Phynix Empire in south. He sent his men to receive him two days ago. Yesterday, he met with him and talked for nearly two hours. His country was invaded by foreigners and he was sent the authority to reach out Phynix empire. Now, he was killed.

“How did they know about the security ?”, He wondered.

Suddenly Jennifer clutched his hand from behind.

“ Where are you going?”, She asked.

Joseph gazed at her and remained silent.

“ Uncle”, she called.

Joseph freed his hand and said, “ Jenny, I think playtime is over. You have to help me out.”

Jennifer looked at his eyes and felt a fear in her heart.

“I will!”

“I will explain everything to you. But for now” He continued, “ Be safe and don’t go outside if I’m not around. A War is coming, Jenny! A War!”

Chapter 3

Jennifer was standing on the parapet of the Castle Wall, looking at the starry night above. “Uncle is late! Strange!” She thought. The moonlight was shimmering on her face and her skin. From the Parapet, she could see the whole city of Britannica, now almost silent. “Uncle told me to wait here! Yet he is late” anxiety was growing inside her. Joseph was the most punctual person she ever knew. Till this day, he was never that late. Many things were happening in Britannica. First, An Altocussi delegate came to the city. Then he was killed. Then, a kitchen boy was arrested out of nowhere. Her uncle was talking about a knife of weird size and shape. For the last two days, Joseph was always busy and she never found him anywhere in Castle in daytime. He was in tension. Jennifer could feel it. Last words he spoke to Jenny were extremely frightening. “ A War!”She shuddered.

But yet he hadn’t told her anything since that day. Three days later, this morning, Lady Omaera visited and talked with her instead of her uncle. She told Jennifer to wait at a specific location in the castle at night. It was a desolate part and workers were rebuilding and renovating it. Debris, rocks and bricks were lying everywhere. This side of the wall wasn’t much guarded at night as she could see no guards here. She started walking on the parapet. The place was eerily silent. Stridulating crickets and few blinking fireflies were the only living things she could feel. After walking a distance she hovered from the parapet and gazed below. “WOH! It’s too high up here”. A gentle wind started blowing and the cold air of night made her shiver. “Cold!! It’s getting cold! Hooo hooo…..Where are you uncle?”

Suddenly she stumbled upon an object lying on the ground. She balanced herself and looked below.

“What!”, she exclaimed in fear.

A body was lying on the parapet. She tried to rotate the body only to see that a knife was plunged inside the heart of that man. “A knight !”

In the moonlight she could see that the man was a knight in uniform but she wasn’t able to recognise him. Fear was building inside her. “That knife! Crescent shaped!”, she started to shudder in fear. Then she unsheathed her sword.

Within a second she swirled and parried the blow coming from behind. A figure,all in black and almost invisible, tried to strike her with a knife, from behind. Her breathing became faster. If she was late even for a bit the knife could have plunged her from behind. The man swirled and slashed at her again. With a sudden instinct, Jennifer ducked the blow. Then swirled to the opposite side, squatted down and struck at his legs. Her sword cut through the flesh like butter. The man fell down. Jennifer rose up and shoved the sword in his head. Warm blood gushed from the wound and the figure stopped moving. Then she sat down on the ground abruptly. Her heart was beating like a trumpet. She was panting desperately. Suddenly she heard footsteps. She clutched her sword and rose up. A person was coming with a torch in his hands.

“Jenny!” He shouted.

Jennifer was relieved after hearing that voice.

She called, “ Uncle!!”,

Joseph rushed at her. She hugged him tightly in her hands. Joseph could feel that her heart was beating fast. He patted her back and said, “ Calm down, Jenny, I’m here ! Hey !Jenny ! Calm down”. He patted on her head.

Finally Jenny calmed down and looked at him. She smiled.

“Uncle! I did the frog dance!”

Joseph also smiled in surprise, “What!Really? To whom!”

Jennifer looked at the man lying down. Joseph rushed at the body and put his torch at a height to examine it.

“A Fahassinis !!”He whispered. “ As I expected!”

Jennifer exclaimed in surprise, “WHAT! Who are they! Why are they attacking me ? And who is this Knight?”

Joseph noticed another body lying just a few steps away. He examined this body and said, “ Sir Larry Liam!”

Jennifer screamed, “ What’s going on uncle ?”

“No! Not here !Come with me, this place isn’t safe now!” He clutched her hand and started walking to the main castle towers.

Jennifer whispered, “ Uncle ! I’m scared!”

Joseph replied, “ Damn you, Jenny! You killed a fucking Fahassinis Assassin! I’m proud of you, my girl!”

Jennifer remained silent for a minute. Then she asked, “ Why are you late,Uncle ?” Joseph replied, “ Another one of these fuckers attacked me! Well! He’s dead!”

Chapter 4

Three days later, The crown finally resumed the Hearing of the Case of Alan, the orphan boy of Savdkan Province. Emperor Justine Phynix, himself was sitting one the Throne of Justice now. Below him, three cabinet members were sitting on their respective chairs. Thirty senators were also present in the room for the hearing. Joseph Phynix was lounging casually on one of the Audience Seat. He was wearing his distinctive dark purple colour cloak and a ‘Phynix’ Embroidered surcoat. He was observing his brothers. Justine Phynix was drinking wine from a huge flagon and telling something gibberish to the Knight standing beside him. Lord Edward was talking to the Minister of Finance, Harrison Pate. On his left, Grand Advisor of the Crown, Master Martin was reading the report kept on the table. Senators, sitting in their respective chairs, were talking with each other in a low tone. Their voices were humming through the room. Joseph could see Senator Dickens sitting among his brethrens. There were also all nine Feathers of Crown at the service of the Emperor. Sir William Humpingdon was standing solemnly beside the chairs of Cabinets. The other Knights were also positioned in different places.

A Herald came forward and bowed to the Emperor. Then he announced loudly, “ In presence The Emperor Justine of House Phynix, The hearing of the Murder of an Altocussi Delegate, Lord Xanos Yenes is thus began. The Royal Guards are ordered to present the accused in the Chamber of Justice.”

Two Knights brought Alan in front of The Crown. From the Audience Seat, Joseph could see almost everything. The Boy vowed in front of the Emperor to be truthful about his saying. Emperor Justine gestured to his elder brother Lord Edward to begin the questioning.

Lord Edward stood up and asked, “Tell the crown about the incident. Be truthful to your words.”

Alan started, “ My Lord! I'm Alan. I work here in Kitchen. At the day of murder, I was told to serve the breakfast of Lord Xanos. When I entered the room, I found the two Knights guarding the door were lying on the ground. Their throats were sliced with some sharp object. I rushed inside the room, only to find Lord Xanos lying dead on the ground. A crescent-shaped, curved blade with a wooden hilt was piercing through his chest. I rushed to him and pulled the blade out. The body was cold and there were no signs of life. Then suddenly two guards burst into the room and they arrested me.”

Lord Harrison Pate frowned a little. He pointed his finger up. Lord Edward sat down seeing this gesture. Lord Harrison asked him, “ So if the killings were done before you reached the scene, then someone must have done that beforehand. But the report, which was given to us, suggests no record of any unseen intruder. Alan, can you please elaborate ? Royal Guards have found you with the dead body and also with the object used for killing. No one was seen entering the room except you.”

Alan replied loudly, “ My Lord! How can I kill two trained Knights and a high profile delegate in broad daylight ? I’m just a Kitchen Boy……”

Harrison interrupted with derision, “ That is not helping, Boy! How do we know you are not a trained Assassin ? Your existence is suspicious to all of us. No one in the town knows much about you. An orphan boy who came to Britannica just a few months ago. No one has seen him before and neither anyone has any sort of connection with him. Have you any detailed proof of your innocence ? Because we have plenty of reasons to be suspicious about you”

Alan lowered his head and remained silent.

Harrison yelled, “HAVE YOU ANY PROOF ?”

Alan shook his head left and right twice. Two drops of tears fell on the back of his hands,clutching the wooden beam of the Accused box.

Harrsion remained quiet for a minute and then he spoke to Lord Edward and Master Martin, “ My Lords! What’s the point of dragging this case so long ? If Lord Morningstar hadn’t intervened with the Senate's judgement that day, we could have discussed something else now.”

Now, Master Martin gestured upwards. Lord Harrison Pate nodded and sat down. Master stood up and asked in a calm voice, “ Alan! Boy, Do you have anyone who can support your cause?”

Alan nodded.

Master announced, “ Then please proceed! The Crown would like to hear from him. Whoever wants to support this boy please come in!”.

A figure strode inside the hall, armoured with a half helm, gauntlet and chain mail. Her footsteps echoed through the hall. Her short hair was loose on one side of her shoulder. A mocking smirk was on her face. She came and bowed to the Emperor. Completely flummoxed, Emperor Justine said, “Jenny! What are you doing here?”

Joseph was also smiling from his seat. He thought, “Brother! You don’t have shred of idea what your daughter is”

Jennifer spoke boldly in front of the crown.

“I, Lady Jennifer of The House Phynix, are vouching for this boy as a Honour of a Knight. From this moment, I shall speak for him.”

Lord Edward was looking at her unimpressed. “Jennifer! This Chamber of Justice isn’t your playground. You are speaking to the crown! By which right are you here? And who gave you authority to interrupt this judgement again?”

Jennifer looked straight into his eyes and said, “LADY Jennifer! You are forgetting My Lord that I’m a Knight! And your crown hasn’t derived any title for a female Knight. So address me ‘LADY’, instead. And By Law which made all of us equal to the crown, I have just an equal right to defend my subject as all the other Phynix, anointed by the Empire ”

The anger in Lord Edward’s eyes was eminent. Master Martin looked at him and said, “ My Lord! She is speaking the truth! Our Book of judgement gives her power just as any Knight”. Then he looked at Jennifer and said, “ Go on, My Lady!”

Before Jennifer could say anything a voice roared. Emperor Justine shouted, “STOP! I’m the Emperor here for goodness sake! Who gives her the right to enter the Chamber of Justice ? Knights! Take her inside.”

Two Knights stepped in. But now, Jennifer roared, “The Law gives me rights, Your Grace! Your damn law can prevent any other women from entering this chamber but not me! I’m a Knight, anointed by Third Morningstar.”

Joseph was observing all this shouting and yelling from his seat with a mocking smile on his face. One of the senators rose from his seat and said to the Emperor, “Your Grace, I think she does have the right to defend her subject. But I shouldn’t assert anything vague in front of the Crown. We should decide the matter by a quick vote.” five of the Senators thumped on the deck in support of the argument. The Emperor remained silent for a moment. Then he yelled, “ FINE! Raise your hand if you support her claim.”

Seventeen senators raised their hands. Senator Dickens was also among them. Joseph chuckled after seeing this. He thought, “ Aah! Phynician system of judiciary! What a mess!”

The Emperor stood up. Joseph could see the anger fuming inside his brother. He left the Chamber of Justice angrily. Lord Edward looked around and found his younger brother, Joseph sitting in the audience. Their eyes met and Joseph realised that Lord Edward knew everything. He waved his hands at his brother. Lord Edward gazed at him with disgust and anger. Then he announced, “ Well! Senate wins the vote. Lady Jennifer ! You may proceed.”

Jennifer bowed and started speaking.

“In presence of The Crown, I, Lady Jennifer Phynix, am presenting my argument. My Lord…” She paused and took an object from a bag she was carrying. She raised the object over her head so that all of them could see it. It was a crescent shaped Knife with a wooden hilt. She continued, “ This is called Zaryke Fahaeid in the Nevidic Language. In Phynician it is called Weapon of Fahaeid.”

Whole room was eerily silent by now and everyone was hearing her words with fullest attention. Joseph, sitting on his seat, was observing the room. He unsheathed a dirk from a scabbard and touched its edge. He smiled. Then he rose up and began walking to the stairs. Jennifer looked at the audience gallery and saw Joseph was leaving the room. She thought for a second, ‘God, give me strength.”

She continued.

“ Sixteen years ago, when I was born, a rebellion was going on in Nevidica. A religious leader named Valare Zamaoer and his Brother Valare Fahaeid, two extremely powerful figures of Nevidia Empire started that rebellion. Lord Joseph Phynix was there back then, invited by the ageing King of Nevidia himself. The meeting was extremely secret and the contents of it were only known by the higher officials of Phynix Empire and Nevidia Empire. I mean Master Martin and my uncle Lord Edward both know what I’m talking about. The meeting was about giving Political Asylum to the King and his family. King and his close companions along with ten huge navy ships of Nevidia, full with golds and valuables fled the country at night. These ships were intercepted by our Royal Navy in the Winter month of 928. King and his family were given political refuge on a small island, protected and controlled by our navy. The King's daughter, Zelesi Omaera wished to marry Lord Joseph which the King agreed to cementify our Friendship. After five weeks, Lady Omaera and Lord Joseph came to Britannica with five of Nevidic ships full of gold. Her identity was kept hidden for a long time. Nevidia Empire was our staunch enemy for two centuries. They attacked us from the south eleven times. But after a rebellion of 826, four provinces got independence from the Nevidia Empire and they literally lost their control on this continent. The last century wasn’t good for them either. Plagues, Civil wars and Rebellions weakened the Greater Nevidia Empire. And the final nail in the coffin was struck by the Valare Family in 928. They staged a huge uprising which spreaded like a wildfire. The King, Zelesi Zameid, contacted Lord Joseph to ask for our help. And we did help them. After the King fled Nevidia, the Kingdom finally fell into the hands of Valorites. It was renamed as the Kingdom of Valorites. And My Lords! They are spying on us. Their aim is to attack on the continent of Nevidicus to acquire those countries which were once part of Greater Nevidia Empire. They were preparing to win back those lands which were lost a century ago, since the day Valare Zamaoer ascended the throne. To do this, they are spying on every Republics and Monarchies of this continent. One year ago, they sent a letter to the Crown, demanding the custody of their previous King and his family. Some of us, who are now present in the room, supplied that critical information to the Valorites.”

The whispering and talking started among the Senators after hearing those words. Lord Edward and Master Martin both frowned after hearing her last sentence. Jennifer could feel the anger among the Senators. One of them screamed something at Jennifer. She promptly ignored it and continued speaking,

“Well! Lord Edward rejected the demand of the Valorites and this news was kept hidden from the Senate for obvious reasons. Few weeks ago, Valorites invaded one of the four countries, Altocus. Their cabinet immediately sent three delegates to other three countries and one to us. Unfortunately, all of them were killed by now. And they are killed by an Assassin group, Fahassinis, run by Valare Fahaeid. They use a crescent shaped blade to kill their target. Lord Joseph warned the crown about theValorites and their annoying Assassin groups, many months ago. But nothing was done by anyone. On one hand the Senate is bickering on petty issues and on the other hand, the Emperor is refusing to listen to anything, just like you have seen. Now, the Altocussi Delegate Xanos was killed just before our eyes. My Lords! Open your eyes! The threat is real. We have to take decisive actions. The responsibility of that delegate was in the hands of Royal Guards, controlled by The Senate Members of Cabinet. Senator Dickens is in charge of the security inside the Castle Britannica, Lord Simion of Cabinet, who doesn’t even bother to be present today, is the Chief of Royal guards, the same unit responsible for Law and order in the Britannica. The Senate maintains law and order in the whole empire. Yet it fails to provide basic security to an A-rank delegate who is killed in broad daylight. Now, you are blaming this innocent boy, who just happened to be there. Lord Harrison Pate, who is the Chief of Senate and Minister of Finance, ordered Senator Dickens to put all the blame to Alan. So that, they can hide the incompetence of the Senate. Stop playing this politics! On one hand, all of you are supporting my uncle Joseph inside The Senate room while opposing him outside in literally every aspect. Don’t lie here! All seventeen of you who supported my claim a few minutes ago have taken bribes from my uncle.……….”

This time Jennifer was interrupted by the yelling and thumping of desks. The Senators started heckling at her. One of them shouted a curse loudly. One of them said, “FUCK YOU! girl!”

Lord Edward roared in response, “ Silent!”

But it wasn’t enough to control them. The yelling and hecking only became louder. Amidst all this chaos Alan was standing in the middle and shivering in fear. Jennifer stood beside and put a hand on his shoulder. ‘Don’t panic! I’m here for you”

Suddenly, Royal Guards burst in the Chamber of Justice. Nearly seventy men with swords and pikes came inside from all four doors of the Chambers. Lord Joseph casually walked with them, poking his ear with his finger. Lord Edward rose up, surprised and shocked. “ Jose! What’s going on here!”

Joseph didn’t answer. He walked to his niece and stood beside her. After a few minutes of poking in his ear, he sighed, “Finally ! Much better”

Lord Edward shouted at him, “JOSE!”

Now, Lord Joseph Phynix casually responded, “ What! Your petty bickering is making my ears bleed. Now, it’s much better. Guards, arrest all the senators and Lord Harrison Pate.”

Guards, surrounding the room, responded quickly. Now, a full on chaos had started. Many of them tried to escape and were arrested quickly. Two Senators charged at Jennifer amidst the brawl. But the guards captured them before they even reached her. Lord Harrison Pate was dragged out of the room while Senator Dickens kept yelling at Joseph when two men in uniform pushed him to the ground. Master Martin and Lord Edward phynix were so flummoxed they stood still in their position. The guards dragged all the Senators out of the room.

Lord Edward sat on his seat clutching his head. Then he looked at his brother and said, “ Can you please bother to explain to me, Joseph ?”

Joseph looked at him and smiled. He replied, “ Ofcourse!”

Then he sat down on the floor of the chamber.

“Aah! ………Where to begin. When Alan was arrested by the Royal Guards, Sir Larry Liam was there. He found that crescent shaped knife before anyone could take it. But unfortunately, he was killed by Fahassinis. They lured him in the older parts of Castle to kill him. But, fortunately, our niece was there waiting for me. She killed one of these Fahassinis and that’s where I have found numerous documents. I also found exactly the same knife from the Fahassinis, Jenny has killed. Another Zaryke Fahaeid was found by the other assassin who tried to kill me on the same day. This type of knife is a traditional weapon in Nevidia. Almost every Aristocratic family owns it there. When Fahaeid and his brother usurped the throne, they created an assassin organisation. The same organisation who tried to kill my wife Omaera two months ago.”

Lord Edward looked at him, shocked. He said, “WHAT!”

Joseph continued, “ Yes, I didn’t know at that time who was behind all of this. The Senators, who used to wag their tails around me have grown a bit defiant as it seems to me. I put my own men in work. They found out that many of these Senators had taken some sort of money from the Valorites. Lord Harrison Pate and his men supplied everybit of information to Valorites and disturbingly, he was the insider who was responsible for Xanos’s murder. They provided the exact location of Xanos to the assassins and they had also planned to put all the blame on this little boy who did nothing. I sent men to arrest the Chief cook of our Kitchen. He insisted Alan serve breakfast to Xanos. But their plan failed because when Sir Liam arrested Alan, he investigated the scenario and told everything to Sir William. Sir William told me that a weird shaped knife was found. That moment I realised what’s going on. After that attempt of assassination of me and my niece, I found numerous documents from those bodies, as I have mentioned. These documents are suggesting that Lord Harrison is involved behind all of these killings. He planned to put all the blame 0n this boy and press the matter before anyone could do anything. But, The Senators! We don’t have proof against them. We do know that they are supporting the Valorites but that isn’t the proof. So, I have to think otherwise. Arresting Thirty Senators is a big heist and I need some evidence against them. So, if I do not have any evidence then why not create some ?

I sent one of my men to some of these Senators, two days ago, in disguise. He gave them gold and persuaded them to switch sides. Well! Our Senators have really hit the lowest. The gold they received wasn't marked. So, I got my chance. When they were busy supporting Jenny here, I informed tax Collectors about the golds and raided their homes and found those illicit golds with no Physician marking! That is a punishable offence, I guess. I also told Jenny to delay the judgement as much as possible so that the guard can do their duty. Now, our guards can interrogate them to find out more information. I guess we can find more connections with the Valorites.

Oh! The proofs against Harrison are legit and not fabricated at all, My Lord! And I will present all this in front of the Cabinet soon. He took money from the Valorites, supplied them with information, supplied them with plans of the city and our defences. He also involved in these killings and attempt to murders, by providing the assassins logistical supports.”

Lord Edward remained silent, pressing temples on his head. Master Martin said to Joseph, “ What do you want to do with them, My Lord!”

Joseph sighed, “ I fear something worse. They are taking bribes from a foreign power invading our own friends. If we can’t sustain the friendship with them. I will be all gone in vain.” He looked at his brother and said, “ Give me the command! Use the Law to impose a State of War! The Senate should be banned, for now, atleast! Brother! You know the gravity of this incident! Do as I tell you. Just for once! A War is coming, I told you before! Now It is standing in front of our door”

Lord Edward rose abruptly and said, “ Do whatever you want! Just next time let me know before you do heist this big!” He strode fast and left the room.

Master Martin said, “ My Lord! I will look into this matter as soon as possible!” He also bowed and left.

In the chamber, only three people remained. Jennifer noticed that Alan was again crying in fear. She put her hand on his shoulder and said, “ I told you that we are with you, Alan. Now we are friends ! are we ?”

Alan smiled and nodded.

Joseph was looking at his face. He said, “ Boy! Be friends only! Don’t fall for this woman! She can kill a Fahassinis, just like a dancing frog”

Jennifer shouted, “UNCLE! Please stop saying this !”

Alan and Joseph started laughing together.

By Koustav Das Chakladar