Patricia
*Richard sat nearby, more on edge than normal due to the recent scare with the bandits not more than a mile upstream. He was cleaning the wound to his left shoulder. Not a serious wound, but he had to keep it clean so it wouldn't become infected. Once the wound was clean he double checked the edge on his sword. Not a scratch, impressive. He put the sword in the sheath he had made for it out of deer hide when he heard Astalios's voice.* 

*He stood up and looked around, thankfully the prince was not within sight, and therefore hadn't seen his ears. He re-wrapped the bandage on his shoulder, hastily pulled his cloak over his head, and walked silently towards the voices, and sent Trapper (his pet wolf) off to be safe. The wolf had recovered fantasticly, but Richard still dare not let him nearly get killed again.*

*A few minutes later he spotted the Prince in a clearing. No need for stealth at the moment, he walked out, but stayed near the woods in case he needed to make an escape.*

"So it was the Agavarans? I'm not surprised. I am however pleasantly surprised that you actually went through with the investigation. I owe you an apology for our initial meeting, but after meeting who I've grown up ruled by I'm sure you understand why I mistrust nobles, although I never thought they would stoop so low as to murder their own village. *He spoke apologetically as he spoke to the prince, but as he spoke of the nobles who once ruled Heartford his voice turned to bitterness.* "They never were good people. Beat up people for the slightest offense, manipulative, they hired bandits to attack rivals at least once, and I'm sure they had more illegal stuff going on although I can't prove any of it on my own. I'm glad you put a stop to them. Except for their one son. He was a good man, although I forget his name."
Caroline
"His name is Dalyor. And on a somewhat happier note, Viessa Glynfir has been found, alive and well, with a child. Dalyor and Viessa are to be married soon, and I doubt they will make inept, cruel, or disloyal lords of Lerwick." *He raised an eyebrow at the man who came from the woods. He was here, as the prince had expected, and there was nothing but to notify him of the trial time.*

"You know, of course, that to perform the role I have allowed you as executioner, you must appear at the trial? I intend to have the entire thing done in one fell swoop, over in a day, so that we can put this mess behind us and Lerwick can start on the path to recovery. They appear to have been hiding slaves, as well - which is an execution offense in itself, even without the fact that they had illegally been holding Viessa and her daughter. They're also guilty of the murder of the rest of the Glynfirs, which is also no surprise to you, I imagine." *He shrugged, the golden stag on his armor reflecting a few stray sunbeams as he stood with his helmet under his arm.* 

"I took great pains to make sure this investigation went well. Most of it was conducted personally - my particular talents are very good at finding hidden strongboxes and metal safes."
Patricia
*He thought a moment or two about these two revelations. He was glad at least that Daylor and Viessa had been spared at least some of the horror that had befell the rest of the village, such a good man deserved better than he got, and Viessa had done nothing Richard could think of that deserved being kidnapped and imprisoned.*

*As for attending the trial, his biggest concern was the fact that he was human. Surely the officials he had stopped from corruption wouldn't dare attack an official of the prince, and he could simply disappear after the trial without much fuss. But his parents had been kidnapped rather than killed, and surely their identity as humans would have been discovered, and should someone who was involved learn the truth, should the Agavarans leak the secret (if they knew) he would be forced to flee, and even the massive Greenheart forest would no longer be safe, as everyone would be hunting the Wolf. He had to make sure this didn't happen, but how much did the prince know. He had to be careful.*

"I trust that you would provide security should I attend? Going to the capital is highly dangerous for me, not just because of my activities as a vigilante."
Caroline
"I could do more than that. A Royal pardon would be enough, if you choose to accept it, to ensure that no one would have any legal grounds to hunt you. Furthermore, if this is not to your liking, you may appear in disguise. Providing security for you really should not be an issue, considering that opposing Royal authority will not turn out well for any officer of law." *He was suspicious, Astalios noted, but that was to be expected for someone living on the run. From what he had seen of the reports, it was mostly small-time banditry, counter to the fact that the man thought he was fighting a holy crusade against the oppressive nobles of the region. 

Regardless, Astalios's word, once given, was law, and he needed to own up to whatever promises he had made in the past. Including letting this one become the executioner for the Agarvarans.

He deserved that much, seeing as his family had suffered from their evil in the past. He had some inkling that Richard might have been a servant or a huntsman for the Glynfir family long ago, but that was another life to both of them.*

"If you refuse to do either, I will choose another executioner. I have come here and extended my offer, which fulfills my promise."