[Vortar the Mad]

Vortar shifted his cloak off his right shoulder to better reveal the massive greatsword on his right hip. He rested his hand upon its hilt almost lovingly, absently tracing the inscription on the pomel as he watched the slaver conduct his buisness in the pits. Several of the slaves he had sold the man were struggling as they realized they were being taken to the mines and would most likely never see the light of day again. Grinning he watched the slaver's toughs cudgel the unruly until they had been shackled to the minemaster's chain. Looking up he saw a Richal the human warrior approach and turned to face him.

"Welll met Knight.", the warrior intoned.

"Well met." Vortar grunted.

Richal was known to him, a solid enough warrior by all measures. Passing strong for a human and not given to some of the ridiculous ethical compulsions his kind too often were folly to. "I would have recruited him in my legion days", he thought in passing.

"I have been accused of treason this day." Richal intoned.

Surprised by this admonition, Vortar stepped closer and Queried, "Treason? against whom?"

The knight Half listened to the warriors tale of woe, Nodding occasionally, and contemplated drawing his sword and striking the human down then dragging him to the citadel of corrections. This was a matter for the legion, and his legion days were over. Just as he had decided that was in fact what he would do a phrase hit him.

"....then I just couldn't take the elf's yammering anymore so I beat him to silence."

"ELF?" Vortar asked. The word already causing him to salivate.

"Yes...the elf now accuses me of treason." Richal replied.

"But it is an ELF... " Vortar stated...as if this would quell all disquiet, "there is no treason."

Seeing the Human's uncertainty he asked, "Was this elf owned by a red wizard? That could make a difference."

"No" said the human..."He wore no slaves collar"

Thinking it could possibly be the protectors wife he asked..."Are you certain it was male? It can be hard to tell the males from the females with their kind."

"Yes...it was no female." Richal answered.

"Human...treason is only possible to commit against a Red wizard. Or perhaps a POWERFUL non wizard like a Tharcion. This elf is certainly not either of those. Beat it to you heart's content."

Vortar saw a glow in the distance, gripped his wife's hilt and loosened her in the scabbard. After the days attacks on the city by elementals he would take no chances. The glow drew closer and the details surounding it came into focus. It was not any elemental...something much MORE dangerous in fact.

"Dread Lord Maurin , It is good to see you omnipotence." Vortar said.

Vortar regarded the tall Wizard with a inclined helm...partially to show deference and partially to shield his eyes from the burning glow of the mages barely contained power.

"Vortar." The mage acknowledged.

Serving the Tharchion as his knight had taught him many things...the value of silence...the rewards of loyalty..the perils of touching anything that one did not understand..and above all..How to read the potential for disaster in a situation. Gazing upon the dark helmed wizard Vortar immediately realized there was much potential for disaster here.

Dread Lord Maurin's name was known by all in the priador. A powerful red wizard...he expected absolute obedience and respect. His appearance in the streets might have caused the common folk to run if they were not certain that running would draw his attention. To be fair Vortar recalled the wizard being beneficent on a handful of occasions...but he also remembered the gruesome displays of magical power that immediately erupted whenever anyone had drawn the mages ire. Reliable witnesses reported seeing people who defied the wizard turned litterally inside out and then after dying in agony being reanimated as inside out zombies and forced to do as he had comanded in the first place.

Quick thinking in a dangerous situation is what seperated Soldiers from comanders...and Vortar had been a Captain in the legion, "Your omnipotence...perhaps you would gift us with your wisdom?"

The wizard paused for an eternal moment...then replied, "What can I do for you Vortar?"

Inwardly relieved Vortar explained Richal's situation to the wizard.

"Treason?!" The wizard evoked, "There is no treason...the elf should be executed for time wasting."

Nodding...Vortar saw his opportunity, "Indeed your omnipotence, might I suggest trial by combat? A solution that will entertain the masses at the same time."

Pondering a moment the wizard agreed, "Yes it is good to spread fear amongst the common folk and could be a bit of entertainment." Turning to Richal the wizard looked him over and proclaimed, "You will fight the elf...to the death."

"I shall relish it omnipotence!" the warrior agreed quickly.

"What weapons will you use?" The wizard asked.

"I doubt the elf can properly use a bastard sword, so longswords your omnipotence."

Nodding the wizard intoned, "So be it."

Vortar looked at Richal expectantly...hoping the subtle prodding would encourage him..and was rewarded.

Hesitantly the warrior asked "What of his belongings omnipotence?"

"They shall be claimed by the victor." Maurin answered and then added..."minus whatever is deemed appropriate by the presiding officials."

Vortar quietly celebrated within his head. Salivating profusely he could barely get the words out.."I shall see it done your Omnipotence" He could already taste the succulent elf pie that would be made after he had claimed the corpse of the doomed elf.