The Herzgraf was given the best accommodations that Vorkelburg had to offer, and after he and his retinue got settled in, the paladin summoned General Grimstag to see him in the communication hall, which was mostly deserted except for Dellila and Oskar, who were playing cards just outside of it. Oskar was in uniform, so … Continue reading An Applewood Gallows; Chapter 18

It took some time, even using the communication crystal in Vorkelburg, to convey to the Inspector General Grundoon’s petition for his case to be judged by Empress Reichsha, and for the answer to be sent back from the capital. It took a week for everything to work out, but at last Rackerby had an answer … Continue reading An Applewood Gallows; Chapter 17

Another couple of days went by, but how many exactly was difficult to nail down for most of the people in Vorkelvale. Time had begun to slip sideways away from the denizens of the vale, and bitter winter weather had settled in. The first snowfall of the season was beginning one evening, when down the … Continue reading An Applewood Gallows; Chapter 16

Aggrylia had time to calm down over the next few days, and while nobody could have expected her to bounce back to her jovial self that everyone knew prior to Hilde and Oskar’s arrival at the manor, she was at least able to rally herself to be actively engaged in what needed to be done. … Continue reading An Applewood Gallows; Chapter 15

Hilde had been correct. The Judicial Corps detachment of the 6th Army wasn’t about to hurt Grundoon in any way if it could be at all avoided. Now that he was in their custody, they did what they could to make him comfortable. His new accommodations were rather more austere than the aged former general … Continue reading An Applewood Gallows; Chapter 14

Hilde and her brother waited for over an hour before their father had calmed their stepmother enough that he could get back on his feet, and deal with what needed to be done. Grundoon took the paper that he had been writing on off of his desk and folded it neatly. Using some sealing wax … Continue reading An Applewood Gallows; Chapter 13

A long, awkward silence followed, and finally Grundoon took a deep breath, and said, “Alright, let’s get this going. Hilde, bring in this attorney. Oskar, do me a favor and go get my wife. Tell her to join us, please.” As Hilde got up from her chair, she made a mental note of how far … Continue reading An Applewood Gallows; Chapter 12

Rackerby von Slothjem’s carriage made splendid time, thanks partly to the crest prominently displayed, and partly to the coordination that Polk had fostered to have fresh horses available at regular intervals. The occupants of the coach spilled out at equally regular intervals; for relief, stretching, and eating. The longest stops were to change the horses, … Continue reading An Applewood Gallows; Chapter 11

Before going to grab a few essential items, Oskar and Hilde made a detour to Army High Command. Belynda went with Trangdor to the inn to get ready, and Rackerby and Dellila were similarly tasked. But for the two siblings, they had an important arrangement to make. Oskar led the way to the Inspector General’s … Continue reading An Applewood Gallows; Chapter 10

There wasn’t much more for the conspirators to discuss, so they bid each other good evening, and went their separate ways. Hilde, Trangdor, and Belynda headed back to their room at the inn. Rackerby walked his secretary to her home, and then headed for his own. Polk still had some work to do and wanted … Continue reading An Applewood Gallows; Chapter 9